A quality cigar can last for years, but only if it is stored in the right conditions. So how do you know when a cigar is no longer in a condition to be enjoyed?
The first sign is the touch . A cigar that has dried out too much will feel hard and brittle, and sometimes the outer leaf will start to crack. On the other hand, a cigar that has absorbed too much moisture may feel soft or spongy. The smell can also tell a lot. A good cigar should smell like quality tobacco, with its characteristic aromas. If it smells pungent, sour, or musty, that's a sign that you should stop and check what happened.
And what about stains?
Here you need to be careful. Sometimes a fine white layer that looks like powder appears on the cigar. In many cases, this is bloom — natural crystals of oils and components from the tobacco, and not necessarily a problem. On the other hand, hairy, green or blue spots, especially when accompanied by an unpleasant odor, can indicate mold.
Even a cigar that looks great on the outside can be problematic if it is stored in poor conditions over time. Therefore, the best way to preserve cigars is simple: proper storage, stable humidity, and occasional inspection.
And ultimately, if the cigar looks strange, smells strange, and feels strange — it's probably trying to tell you something.
Listen to him. There are enough good cigars in the world.
