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Noticing white spots on cigars can raise questions like whether they are ruined or whether that has significance to their aging. For cigar enthusiasts, distinguishing between cigar mold and plume is a vital skill.
Mold can ruin a cigar entirely, whereas plume only indicates a cigar that has matured and has been looked after. Misidentifying these two can cause you significant losses or even health hazards.
Here, we will explore in detail all the cigar mold vs plume differences and why they occur, as well as the ways by which you can ensure no mold forms on your cigars while hoping for plume to form.
This way, not only can you help protect your collection, but you can also increase the pleasure of using a cigar. Finally, this article will allow you to treat your cigars like a professional, whether you are a beginner, a smoker, or a collector.
What is Cigar Mold?
Cigar mold gets its name due to the excess humidity. It is a kind of fungus that only grows on a cigar. A cigar surface has spores that find their way through naturally occurring fungus that grows on Sheikh cigars and other brands.
Basically, mold on cigars is found in moist, warm surroundings that exist in all humidors that exceed 75% humidity. The mold covers the cigar’s surface along with nitrogen components and sugar.
Can cigars get moldy? Yes, if conditions are too humid. Cigar mold can appear as black spots on cigars or fuzzy growths that spoil the look and taste.
Characteristics of Cigar Mold
- Cigar Mold Appearance: Cigar mold can grow on cigars as white fuzzy spots, powdery blue marks, yellowish fingerprints, and patches, making the cigar look utterly irregular and astonishingly unappealing. White mold on cigars is one of the most common types, and it’s a clear indicator that the cigar has been stored in an overly humid environment.
- Cigar mold texture: The moist cigar cloth tends to have a low-humidity environment, making the texture fairly sticky and moist. Green spots on a cigar can sometimes appear, signaling that mold has begun to form, which is a sign the cigar is no longer suitable for smoking.
- Cigar mold spread: Along with slit patches and uneasy textures, mold on a cigar tends to spread very fast, making ventilation a major factor in preventing it. Even a single cigar with mold can infect other cigars kept in the humidor. If you spot mold, it’s important to isolate the affected cigars immediately.
- Cigar mold damage: The odor, taste, and texture of the cigar are all altered due to the cigar mold, making it sorely impossible to smoke, rendering the fabric unusable. What happens if you smoke a moldy cigar? The experience can be unpleasant, causing an off-putting taste and potentially even harming your health.
A good general rule for cigar humidors is never to allow humidity levels to exceed 75%; however, the aim is often not to exceed 69%. The CDC also has a guide that discusses moisture and mold.
What is Cigar Plume?
Cigar plume, also known as bloom, is a naturally occurring phenomenon on fine cigars that have undergone aging.
Bloom is a product of the oils and compounds located within the ring of the cigar, which over time seep out onto the wrapper and crystallize onto it, resembling fine white powder.
Plume on cigars is often mistaken for mold, but unlike mold, it is harmless.
It is important to note that, unlike mold, the plume is a bit dry, harmless, and an indicator of a well-aged cigar.
Characteristics of Cigar Plume:
- Appearance: As the plume does not develop unevenly, it forms a thick layer of powdery white cigar dust on the ring’s surface, giving the cigar an opaque effect. This is very different from the fuzzy appearance of mold on a cigar.
- Texture: Unlike mold, the plume is devoid of any moisture, which allows it to come off of artifacts seamlessly after rubbing lightly with a towel.
- Formation Time: Bloom will only happen over a period of months, but it can last for years if it meets the right conditions, such as moisture and a temperature of more than 70%. While plume vs mold can often be confusing, it’s essential to understand that plume is a sign of proper aging and is a completely harmless, natural occurrence.
Although many people view plume as a defect, only the most discerning cigar enthusiasts enjoy it since it enhances the cigar’s velvety flavor. To generate a plume on the cigar, you must ensure that you maintain a regulated temperature.
Is Cigar Plume Just Mold?
Plume and mold may appear similar, but they are fundamentally different. Here’s a detailed comparison:
Feature | Mold | Plume |
---|---|---|
Cause | Excess humidity and poor ventilation | Natural crystallization of oils |
Appearance | Fuzzy, patchy; colors vary | Fine, even, white dust |
Texture | Moist, sticky | Dry, powdery |
Spread | Irregular and fast | Uniform and slow |
Health Impact | Harmful to health | Harmless and desirable |
Cleaning | Leaves stains, hard to remove | Easily wiped off |
Cigar Mold vs Plume: How to Tell the Difference
Here’s how you can confidently distinguish between mold and plume:
Appearance
- Mold: Irregular patches of white, green, or yellow are its defining feature.
- Plume: The uniform dispersion of white to silver dust is what defines a plume.
Texture
- Mold: Feels wet or slimy.
- Plume: Always dry and powdery.
Location
- Mold: Appears in places that are humid, such as the bottom of the cigar or at points of contact with other cigars.
- Plume: Covers the surface uniformly.
Reaction to Cleaning
- Mold: Gets smudged or stained after being wiped.
- Plume: A dry cloth or a brush easily removes it away.
When in doubt of the region of mold, use a magnifying glass or flashlight and inspect the spot. To be safe, do not hesitate to take out the infected cigars in order to keep the rest safe from contamination. This is especially important when considering the cigar mold vs plume differences.
What Causes Mold to Form on a Cigar?
Understanding the causes of mold is key to prevention. Here are the main culprits:
High humidity
It’s best never to allow the humidity within your cigar humidor to rise above 75%, as mold spores can develop in that environment. Install a hygrometer in your cigar humidor, and keep it handy to keep the levels in check.
Temperature Variations
Conditions over 70 degrees will increase the likelihood that mold will start forming. Therefore, even heat is essential for the storage of cigars.
Poor Air Circulation
Lack of air circulation enables mold to spread. Make sure there is sufficient airflow within your humidor.
Contaminated Humidor
Clean the humidor immediately with isopropyl alcohol. Maintaining your cigars with care reflects true class, much like owning a Mozsly watch winder symbolizes sophistication. In doing so, mold won’t spread to other cigars.
How to Keep Your Cigars from Getting Moldy
Follow these best practices to protect your cigars from mold:
Maintain Optimal Humidity
To keep your cigars safe in the long run, keep them in proper humidity conditions. It is a good idea to use a hydrometer to check that such levels remain within the range of 65 and 70 percent.
Furthermore, do not fill your cigar humidifiers, as too much moisture can also encourage mold. Storing your cigars under recommended humidity levels will keep them fresh and suitable.
Check the Temperature
Temperature level is another important aspect when it comes to cigar storage. Always try to keep this between 65°F and 70°F. Do not keep your humidor under direct sunlight or other heat sources.
Remember that the humidor temperature should remain stable; avoid fluctuations as they can result in the growth of mold.
Inspect Your Collection Regularly
Make sure to check your cigars for any sign of mold or plume. A plume is a harmless fine white dust, while the mold is quite thick and may spread. If any issues persist, correcting them immediately will help prevent them from harming your other collection.
Use Distilled Water
Never refill your humidor device with tap water during the humidification process. Tap water or other water sources may contain substances that encourage the growth of mold or leave residues.
Separate Moldy Cigars
Immediately cut molded cigars to eliminate their contagious potential over the remaining ones. Make sure to clean your humidor properly before putting in unspoiled cigars to the safe storage.
Invest in Quality Storage
Invest in a high-quality humidor if you want humidity and temperature to remain constant. Just like All Watch Winder showcases sophistication with its watch winders, a good humidor represents class and care for your cigar collection.
Avoid Overcrowding
Leave some space between cigars to avoid overcrowding and ensure air circulation. This helps prevent mold growth and makes them last longer.
FAQs on Cigar Mold vs Plume
Q: What is cigar plume?
A: Cigar plume is a harmless white dust that forms naturally on cigars as oils and sugars crystallize during aging.
Q: What is mold?
A: Mold is a harmful fungus that grows on cigars when stored in overly humid or warm environments.
Q: How do you tell the difference between plume and mold on your cigars?
A: Plume is a dry, fine white dust, while mold is moist, fuzzy, and can appear in various colors.
Q: What is plume, and what causes it to form on a cigar?
A: Plume is a harmless white dust caused by the natural crystallization of oils and sugars during cigar aging under proper conditions.
Q: How do you remove plume from your cigar?
A: The plume can be easily removed by gently wiping the cigar with a dry cloth or soft brush.
Q: What causes mold to form on a cigar?
A: Mold forms due to high humidity, warm temperatures, poor air circulation, or contaminated storage.
Q: How can you keep your cigars from getting moldy?
A: Store cigars at 65 to 70 percent humidity and maintain a steady temperature of 65 to 70°F.
Q: What should you do if you find mold on your cigars?
A: Remove moldy cigars, clean the humidor with isopropyl alcohol, and check the rest of your collection for contamination.
Last Say!
Knowing the difference between mold and plume is crucial for cigar enthusiasts, as mold can destroy your cigar. In contrast, plume boosts the cigar experience. With the right techniques, you can prevent mold and promote plume.
Remember to buy a proper humidor and keep your cigars in the best environment possible. These tips allow you to maintain a cigar’s worth for a long time.
Start implementing these tips today to keep your collection in top condition and enjoy the rich flavors of perfectly aged cigars. Knowing the key differences in cigar mold vs plume will ensure your cigars are always at their finest.
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