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Cigars/Expanded cigar foot

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Expert: - 2/5/2011


Question
Hi,

I take care of my cigars really well (I hope!) and keep my humidor maintained at 75% humidity as much as possible. I have noticed that some of my Cuban cigars have slightly expanded "feet" which look like the wrapper may be falling apart. Is this due to over moisture, cigar quality, etc? How do I stop this as I like a uniform foot, not one which looks like it has an inflammation!

Thanks,
Shak

Answer
Hi Shak,

Your cigars expanding and splitting at the feet is caused by the high humidity.  Try lowering the humidity level in your humidor to 70% (anywhere between 67-73% is acceptable but 70% is considered ideal) and this will stop the cigars from swelling and splitting.

It’s best to keep the humidity level closer to 70%.  When the humidity is 75% or greater, there is a chance of your cigars becoming too mushy, expanding and sustaining mold.

I hope this helps!  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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