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Cigars/Soft Cigars

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Expert: - 8/26/2010


Question
Hi James,
I recently got a bundle of Nicaguran Maduro cigars and apparently most of them which I checked are very "soft". So I smoked one of them just when it arrived and the taste was like... "grass" I guess. So anyway I am not sure whether the softness and the taste is related or not, but I am sure that they are not supposed to be too soft. Is there anyway we can fix this?I usually keep my cigars in humidor for atleast 3-4 weeks before putting them in regular use.

Thanks,
Jack

Answer
Hi Jack,

Extra soft cigars can usually be caused by over-humidification.  Whenever cigars are kept at a humidity level higher than normal, they can become very soft/mushy.  The grassy, vegetal taste is also common with over-humidified cigars.  

Before you restore your cigars, thoroughly inspect them for any signs of mold.  When cigars are soft from over-humidification, they usually acquire mold as well so you need to make sure that your cigars are not infected.  (If you do find mold, gently clean the cigars with some isopropyl alcohol and distilled water.)

To restore your cigars, let them sit in a Ziploc bag or empty cigar box for a few days and they will lose much of the moisture that they previously absorbed.  Once the cigars begin to feel normal, you can return them to your humidor.  If you let the cigars dry out too long, don't worry.  You can always return them to your humidor and over time, they will regain the proper level of firmness.

Hopes this helps!  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James

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James Yee

Expertise

My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".

Experience

I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.

Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)


Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto

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