Mold is more common than you think. If you don’t store your cigars in a humidor or even if you do (but you live in a high-humidity) region, the excess of water can cause condensation, which in turn can cause mold to form. Once mold has appeared on the cigar, you will need to discard it.
Mold can be easily identified, as it looks as a bluish powder forming on the surface of the cigars. While you may be able to dust off some of the powder, there’s usually a stain under it. Don’t confuse this with a white powder that forms on the top of the cigar as a natural occurrence. A whitish powder that can be easily brush off completely is simply caused by the cigar sweating. Simply brush it off and smoke your homemade cigar without fear.
While you can’t “cure” mold, you can prevent it by keeping your cigars always inside the humidor in a cool room. If your humidor allows you to adjust the humidity and temperature, set both to 70.
Tags: Cigars, mold, protecting your cigars