subject: Loose Cigar Wrapper? Know Your Options [print this page] Smoking a cigar should be an enjoyable, relaxing pastime. When done properly, it is. However, there can be problems that you encounter. One of the most common things for a new cigar smoker to encounter is a wrapper issue, split or torn wrappers can pose serious issues to your smoking enjoyment. If you find that your wrapper is unraveling, you might wonder what is the best way to glue a cigar wrapper that has come loose.
First, understand that there are a couple of options here, depending on what's happened with the wrapper. If the wrapper has come loose at the end, it can be remedied in two ways. If the wrapper has split, then it's a different story. One of the most common ways for a wrapper to start unraveling is if you cut the cigar too high (at or above the shoulder). The best way to avoid this problem is to make sure that you always cut just a small amount of the cap off.
If you find that you have cut too high and the wrapper starts coming loose, your first instinct might be to try to tear the piece of offending wrapper off, much like tugging a loose string off a shirt. Don't do it. The more you tug at it, the looser the wrapper will become. The simplest way to remedy the situation is to lick the loose part of the wrapper with your tongue and then press and hold it to the body of the cigar. Your saliva will often be enough to hold the wrapper in place, though you might have to do it several times throughout the smoke.
If you have a serious tear and haven't started smoking the cigar yet, you can glue the wrapper back using pectin. Pectin is a natural gelling agent used in food production, it makes a gelatin-like paste when mixed with water. Pick up a package of pectin from the grocery store and then mix it according to the directions in a small bowl. You want to see a paste-like consistency. Once you have it mixed properly, dab a little bit on the tip of your finger, then apply it to the edges of the torn wrapper. Don't overdo it, though.
Smooth the torn wrapper against the body of the cigar and then you can light it. If you prefer, you can let the pectin dry, but there is no real need. For those worried that the pectin will change the flavor of the cigar, understand that it's odorless and tasteless (and you're only using a very, very small amount).
