White Spots

[Paschendale]

I received a cigar as a gift today but when I looked at it it had some small white spots on it. Is this mold? It came from a friend who says he maintains his humidor well so I am not sure if that is it. I am new to cigars so I apologize if I am asking an obvious question but will it be safe to smoke?

[ggiese]

I received a cigar as a gift today but when I looked at it it had some small white spots on it. Is this mold? It came from a friend who says he maintains his humidor well so I am not sure if that is it. I am new to cigars so I apologize if I am asking an obvious question but will it be safe to smoke?

It could be mold (bad):

Mold -- A potentially damaging fungus that forms on a cigar when it is stored at too high a temperature.

...but it could also be plume (good):

Plume (also called Bloom)-- A naturally occurring phenomenon in the cigar aging process, also called plume, caused by the oils that exude from the tobacco. It appears as a fine white powder and can be brushed off. Not to be confused with mold, which is bluish and stains the wrapper.

If it is Plume, then you know you have a well aged cigar!!! I've found the ones I've smoked that had plume are a much smoother, nicer cigar. Hopefully that is your experience!!!

[Roham]

It's probably blooming. Which is a good thing

Here is a link with a brief explanation: http://www.cigargroup.com/faq/#7.1

[Hambo]

Mold is usually green. If the cigar was well kept and the person who gave it to you had it for a while it is probably bloom.

[CoventryCat86]

This is actually a very good question and you got very good answers. I highly doubt it's mold. I have had mold on cigars in the past but I just brush it off and it has never ruined the taste of the cigar.

[Paschendale]

Hey thanks guys, learn something new everyday eh. I smoked and it was good but not like out of the ordinary good. I just haven't develped my palate enough I guess.