Top Cigar Questions Answered
The Most Frequently Asked Cigar Questions
How to Check Cigar Freshness
A fresh cigar should have a slight springiness when gently pinched. If it feels like dry wood or is too soft and spongy, it may be improperly humidified. Wrappers with a natural sheen often indicate quality and freshness. Read "How to Properly Store Cigar Bundles: A Guide for Freshness and Longevity"
Is a Humidor Necessary?
If you only have a few cigars, a sealed plastic container with a humidity device can suffice. However, a good humidor with Spanish cedar lining offers superior aging and aroma preservation. If using a plastic container, add a cedar sheet from a cigar box to help replicate a humidor’s benefits. Read "Cigar Storage Humidor Options"
Is 70/70 the Ideal Humidity and Temperature?
While 70°F and 70% humidity is often cited as the ideal, many aficionados prefer slightly lower levels, such as 65°F/68%. Cooler conditions help prevent mold and beetles. Read "Cigar Humidification Education"
How to Calibrate a Hygrometer
Many analog hygrometers are inaccurate by a few percentage points. To test calibration:
- Place a teaspoon of salt in a bottle cap and dampen it slightly.
- Seal it inside a plastic container or bag with your hygrometer.
- After 6 hours, it should read 75%. If not, adjust accordingly using the calibration screw (if available).
Alternatively, wrapping the hygrometer in a damp paper towel for 30 minutes should read around 80-90%. Read "The Crucial Role of Humidor Hygrometers in Preserving Cigar Quality"
Reviving Dry Cigars
If cigars start to dry out, they can sometimes be salvaged—but patience is key. Place the box or cigars in a plastic bag with a damp sponge (distilled water only!) and allow slow rehydration over several weeks. Avoid sudden moisture exposure, as rapid absorption can cause the cigars to crack. Rotate the cigars periodically for even rehydration.
If you lack a humidor, a sealed plastic container with a humidity device works temporarily, but be sure to allow some airflow to prevent mold. Read "How to Revive Dry Cigars"
How to Fix a Plugged Cigar
If a cigar has a tight draw due to a plug (a blockage in the filler tobacco), try gently massaging it with slightly moistened fingers. If the blockage persists, you may need to abandon the cigar. Avoid using toothpicks or needles, as they can damage the wrapper. Read "Ways to Fix a Cigar with a Hard Draw"
To Wrap or Not to Wrap?
Should you leave cigars in their cellophane wrappers or take them off? That’s the big question. Ideally, cigars should be stored without cellophane, as they are natural products that benefit from breathing and aging in a well-maintained humidor. However, if you go through cigars quickly, it won’t make much of a difference.
Most cigars are packaged in cellophane for protection rather than preservation. If your humidor maintains 65-70% humidity and a temperature between 63-68°F, removing the cello allows cigars to age more evenly. If you take cigars on the go, leaving the cellophane on provides extra protection. For a compromise, try storing some cigars with partially opened cello wrappers to allow slight air circulation while maintaining durability.
When removing cellophane, be gentle to avoid tearing the delicate wrapper leaf. Rotate cigars periodically within your humidor for even aging. Read more at our blog "Cellophane - Friend or Foe for Cigar Storage?"
How Much of the Cigar Tip Should You Cut?
Use a sharp cutter and only remove about 1/16" to 1/8" of the cap. The goal is to maintain the integrity of the cigar’s cap—cutting too much can cause it to unravel, especially as the cigar gets moist while smoking. If the cap comes off entirely, you might experience a looser draw and an overall messier smoking experience. Read our guide to cigar cutting.
The Right Way to Light a Cigar
No matter what method you use—torch, cedar spill, matches—lighting a cigar should be a slow and even process. Rotate the cigar while gently toasting the foot to ensure an even burn. Taking your time at the beginning enhances flavor and prevents canoeing (an uneven burn). Enjoy the ritual—it’s all part of the experience. Read "How to Light a Cigar Like an Expert"
How Do Ring Gauge and Length Affect Flavor?
Ring gauge (diameter) plays a significant role in a cigar’s flavor. Larger ring gauges contain more filler tobacco, which can lead to a more complex profile. Smaller ring gauges typically highlight the wrapper’s flavors more.
Length affects smoking time and temperature. Longer cigars tend to burn cooler, but if you puff too frequently, they can still overheat and taste bitter. The key to an optimal smoking experience is a slow, relaxed draw with at least a minute between puffs. See our Cigar Ring Gauge Chart: A Guide to Cigar Sizes and Shapes
Why Do Some Cigars Unravel?
Unraveling can occur due to poor rolling or dryness. If a cigar is too dry, the wrapper loses elasticity and may peel. Clipping too much of the cap can also lead to unraveling. If the head starts peeling, you can sometimes fix it by moistening it slightly with your tongue. If it continues peeling, smoking it may become too messy. Read our blog "How to Prevent and Fix Cigar Wrappers That Are Loose, Falling Off, Flaking, or Cracking"
What Are Box-Pressed Cigars?
Box-pressed cigars are shaped into squares due to pressure in packaging. This process can lead to a slower, longer burn and may enhance the flavor experience. Popular box-pressed cigars include Padrón Anniversary, Sancho Panza, and Perdomo La Tradición. Read "What are Box-Pressed Cigars and What Sets Them Apart?"
What to Do About Cigar Beetles
Cigar beetles thrive in high heat and humidity. Keep your humidor at 62-67°F with humidity around 67% to prevent infestation. If beetles appear, freeze affected cigars for three days in a sealed bag, then transition them to the fridge for 24 hours before returning them to the humidor. Clean the humidor thoroughly with a cloth dampened with distilled water—never use chemicals. Read "How to Get Rid of Cigar Beetles & Tobacco Bugs"
What Are Those Little Tan Spots on Wrappers?
Known as “sun spots,” these harmless discolorations are likely caused by moisture during the drying process. They do not affect flavor.
What is the White Powdery Substance on a Cigar?
If it’s a fine, white powder, it’s likely “bloom” (or “plume”), a harmless sign of aging oils. Simply wipe it off. If it’s fuzzy and blue-green, it’s mold, which means your humidor is too humid—adjust accordingly.
Should You Remove a Cigar Band Before Smoking?
Traditionally, it’s considered polite to remove the band, but some smokers leave it on to show off the brand. If the band is tightly glued, smoking the cigar for a few minutes will loosen the adhesive, making it easier to remove without damaging the wrapper.
Cigar smoking is an art and a science.
Whether it’s proper storage, lighting techniques, or troubleshooting issues like unraveling wrappers or tight draws, knowing these basics will help you enjoy every cigar to its fullest. Keep your humidor in check, take your time lighting and smoking, and experiment to find what works best for your preferences. Enjoy the journey!
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