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Cigar Dissection

I would guess some would be aghast at the thought of ‘ruining’ a perfectly good smoke but I just completed a ‘dissection’ of a couple of un-smoked cigars. I actually found the process to be very informative – and oddly relaxing. One of the subject cigars was from a recent batch that has produced a notable musty taste upon smoking. Another was from a box that I have found to be very enjoyable.

 

 

Carefully, I removed the cap and unrolled the wrapper and binding leaves. I took my time and, through all senses – taste, smell, visual examination, feel, and even sound, I noted construction, leaf quality, ‘veinage’, blemishes, aroma, sheen, and on and on.

 

 

I really enjoyed the time spent examining the elements of these two cigars. I was amazed to note all the differences between the two cigars in that the one I enjoyed smoking appeared to have been crafted from much better quality tobacco. There were fewer veins, no blemishes, and larger leaf portions. The ‘musty’ cigar had some pretty major ‘twig’ in it from the center leaf vein and also had a number of surface splotches and discoloration in the tobacco. I’m guessing some of this is very normal – but I found it all fascinating to observe.

 

 

Additionally, I observed some strange looking material – almost looked like white paste blotches – in the cigar I thought tasted musty. I am not certain if this was pectin used to help this cigar hold its form or what it was. This cigar is a box pressed configuration and there were several spots in the filler where this material was present. This substance looked like it may have been a clear liquid that had dried. In its dried state it had turned almond in color and had become a bit crusty. I also noted little white spots in the filler and am wondering if they are mold spots. The spots seemed dusty and would wipe off the leaf surface.

 

 

One of the other points I found interesting were the various aromas, colors and textures of individual leaves that had been assembled into the filler. I noticed I didn’t particularly care for some of the individual elements of certain leaves. One of the leaves I didn’t care for smelled a bit like grass clippings that had just started to become warm. I am guessing these elements will blend and soften with some time and may even further improve the cigar (or not) with a little aging.

 

 

Next I am going to toast some of the individual wrapper, binder and filler leaves and note the smoke aroma. I will also combine all the leaves from the original cigar and note the ‘waft’ of the blended smoke.

 

 

Again, some might think this to be a silly thing to do to a fine cigar but I believe I learned a great deal, I found it to be very relaxing, and I added to my appreciation for the ‘art’ of crafting cigars. I expect I will perform dissections going forward as part of my review of future smokes – both good and bad – as I believe the qualities of good cigars, unlike beauty, are more than skin deep.

Comments

  • OOOOOOOOOOOOK...sooo mold or no mold on the musty guy that is the question, because i have run into the musty problem myself and have suspected it to be mold
  • betasynnbetasynn Posts: 1,249
    Hey man, if you can afford to do this, go ahead. I think I'd do it too, if each stick wasn't so precious to me. Cigar smoking is sort of a funny thing; we're paying money for sticks to burn, and we have little (if anything) to show for it afterwards. That being said, it's a hedonistic pleasure. And anything that increases the pleasure for you, should be a part of your routine.
  • FourtotheflushFourtotheflush Posts: 2,555
    This is pretty cool!
    I probably wont be doing this myself, but very interested in your findings and fun research. If you could post some pictures, that would also be great!
  • betasynnbetasynn Posts: 1,249
    Second vote for pictures, post 'em if you got 'em.
  • Jetmech_63Jetmech_63 Posts: 3,451 ✭✭✭
    Actually, if you go to your B&M and ask if they have any trashed or damaged cigars you could have about 50% of the time they'll give you one. Especially if you get a guy who is realy into cigars himself and you tell him your intentions.
  • phobicsquirrelphobicsquirrel Posts: 7,347 ✭✭✭
    I always wondered what was inside a HMR....
  • gmill880gmill880 Posts: 5,947
    phobicsquirrel:
    I always wondered what was inside a HMR....

    Her Majesty herself by the price of them !
  • phobicsquirrelphobicsquirrel Posts: 7,347 ✭✭✭
    gmill880:
    phobicsquirrel:
    I always wondered what was inside a HMR....

    Her Majesty herself by the price of them !
    well to get certain pornstars (as escorts) for an hour will run you about 1200 or 1800 for what an hour or even less, or hey, spend 700 bucks for something that won't give you herpes, won't piss off your partner (unless your single), and will last longer than an hour, so what's the big deal....?
  • Jetmech_63Jetmech_63 Posts: 3,451 ✭✭✭
    phobicsquirrel:
    well to get certain pornstars (as escorts)......and will last longer than an hour...


    VivAAAAAAAA Viagraa!
  • gmill880gmill880 Posts: 5,947
    Jetmech_63:
    phobicsquirrel:
    well to get certain pornstars (as escorts)......and will last longer than an hour...


    VivAAAAAAAA Viagraa!

    hehehehe!
  • Jedi283Jedi283 Posts: 2
    I always tear mine open when I'm done. I don't know why. Maybe it's to look in the inside...
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