Cigar Mold vs Plume: Know the Difference

Imagine this: you open your humidor, expecting to see your collection of cigars aging gracefully, but instead, you spot fuzzy white growth. Frustration sets in. Is it harmless plume or destructive mold?

Knowing the difference is essential to protecting your cigars and savoring their intended flavors. This article explores the differences between plume and mold, explains how to manage mold if it appears, and provides practical tips to prevent mold from taking over your humidor.

What is Plume?

Plume, sometimes called bloom, is a natural occurrence in well-aged cigars. It forms when oils and sugars in the tobacco rise to the surface and crystallize. This process is harmless and can even enhance the flavor of your cigars.

Characteristics of plume:

• Appearance: Fine, dusty, crystalline, and white to gray in color.
• Texture: Powdery and brushes off with little effort.
• Odor: Odorless and leaves no lasting smell.

Plume is commonly found on cigars with oily wrappers like Maduro or Connecticut Broadleaf. For enthusiasts, plume is a sign that a cigar has been aged under optimal conditions, which can lead to smoother, richer flavors.

Plume is an indicator that your humidor is doing its job. But not all white growths are plume, and this is where you need to tread carefully.

What is Mold?

Mold is a destructive fungus that can quickly ruin cigars and spread throughout your humidor if left unchecked. Unlike plume, mold poses health risks and can alter the taste and aroma of your cigars in unpleasant ways.

Characteristics of mold:

• Appearance: Fuzzy or web-like, appearing in white, green, blue, yellow, or gray hues.
• Texture: Velvety or fibrous and adheres firmly to the wrapper.
• Odor: Musty, damp, and unpleasant.
• Growth Pattern: Mold can penetrate the cigar and spread across neighboring cigars.

Mold thrives in environments with high humidity (above 75% RH), warm temperatures (above 72°F), and poor ventilation. Seasonal changes can also contribute, especially if humidors are overcompensated during dry winters or humid summers.

Cigar Mold vs Plume: Key Differences

Appearance

• Plume: Crystalline, powdery, and white to gray.
• Mold: Fuzzy, velvety, and often colored (e.g., green, blue, yellow).

Growth Patterns

• Plume: Superficial and limited to the wrapper.
• Mold: Penetrates deeply into the cigar and spreads across the collection.

Smell

• Plume: Odorless.
• Mold: Musty, damp, and off-putting.

Texture

• Plume: Powdery and brushes off with ease.
• Mold: Sticky or fibrous, clinging to the cigar and leaving stains.

How to Handle Mold

When mold appears, quick and careful action is crucial to minimize damage.

Step 1: Separate Moldy Cigars

Remove affected cigars immediately to prevent spores from spreading to other cigars. Inspect the rest of your collection closely for early signs of mold.

Step 2: Clean Minor Mold

For light mold (white and sparse), you may be able to save the cigar:

1. Gently wipe the moldy area with denatured alcohol or vodka.
2. Allow the cigar to air dry completely before placing it back in storage.

Step 3: Discard Severely Moldy Cigars

If mold is colored, widespread, or deeply embedded, discard the cigar. Trying to save it could risk your entire collection.

Salvaging Moldy Cigars

In cases of light mold, freezing can halt further growth:

1. Place the affected cigar in a sealed plastic bag and freeze it for several days.
2. Gradually thaw the cigar by moving it to the refrigerator, then to room temperature.
3. Inspect the cigar thoroughly for any lingering mold before returning it to the humidor.

This method is a last resort and not guaranteed to restore the cigar to its original condition, but it can sometimes prevent total loss.

Preventing Mold on Cigars

The best defense against mold is a properly maintained humidor. Follow these guidelines to keep your cigars safe:

Humidity

• Aim for 65%–70% relative humidity (RH).
• Use a digital hygrometer for accurate readings.

Temperature

• Maintain a temperature range of 67–72°F.
• Relocate cigars to cooler areas during hot months.

Seasonal Adjustments

• Avoid over-humidifying during dry winters or overcompensating during humid summers.

Humidification Water

• Use only distilled water to prevent contaminants. Avoid tap or bottled water.

Storage Tips

• Remove cigars from their tubes before placing them in the humidor.
• Rotate cigars periodically to ensure even aging.

Cleaning a Moldy Humidor

If mold infiltrates your humidor, follow these steps to restore it:

1. Remove All Cigars: Discard any severely moldy cigars and isolate the rest.
2. Clean Surfaces: Wipe the interior with distilled water and isopropyl alcohol.
3. Sand Hard-to-Reach Areas: Use fine-grit sandpaper for stubborn mold spots.
4. Dry Completely: Allow the humidor to air dry fully before re-seasoning.
5. Monitor for Mold: Inspect the humidor for lingering mold before returning cigars.

Re-season the humidor with distilled water or a humidification solution to restore optimal conditions.

Final Thoughts

Plume and mold may look similar at first glance, but their impact on your cigars couldn’t be more different. Plume enhances the aging process, enriching flavors and aromas. Mold, on the other hand, can destroy cigars and jeopardize your health.

By understanding the differences and maintaining proper storage conditions, you can protect your collection and enjoy your cigars the way they were meant to be savored.

Have you dealt with plume or mold in your cigars? Share your tips or experiences—we’d love to hear your story!