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Plume VS Mold: The Great Debate

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Total views: 46 | Word Count: 351 | Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 | 0 comments

It seems that even the most seasoned veterans still struggle with the difference between plume and mold. Let?s settle it. First, let?s define the two.

Plume, or bloom, refers to the crystals that form when tobacco leaves secrete oil due to proper storage and aging of the cigar. It can form in small white dots, or as a white or light grey mist, and easily wipes off with little to no residue. Plume is the ultimate sign of your cigar aging to perfection, so if you have made it this far?Congrats! Plume will only occur in the most ideal environment. It is a rare occurrence, and is not likely to form on cigars that are in a box that is often opened, or in a humidor that does not have properly working gauges.

Mold, on the other hand, is the fungus that can develop on cigars that are exposed to excessive humidity. It is usually blue or greenish in color, and will stain the cigar wrapper. It can come in a variety of colors and forms, but is distinctive because it will leave a residue when wiped off. If you find mold on your cigars, you should remove all the ones that are infected and check others for mold as well. Mold will ruin the taste and flavor of a cigar, so it is not recommended that you smoke a moldy cigar. Really?would you want to? Resist the urge.

If you have determined the substance on your cigar to be mold, you will need to clean your humidor. I recommend a 50% alcohol 50% water solution, as bleach and pure alcohol can damage the humidor. Wipe it down thoroughly and let it air out before putting your cigars back in. Have your humidity gauges checked (your local cigar shop should offer this as a free service), and keep your humidity levels set to 60-70 percent.

It is put to rest.

Plume = Cigar Aficionado?s Dream.

Mold = An issue with excessive humidity.

Can?t have both!

About the Author

Aging your cigars properly is important and you want to buy cigars online from a cigar site you can trust! Look for premium brands like Ashton Cigars & Arturo Fuente Cigars.