subject: What Is Cigar Bloom? [print this page] Did you know that a cigar can actually bloom? While this makes it sound like some sort of exotic flower, the real definition of cigar bloom or plume is the appearance of a dust-like material on the outer wrapping. Usually cigars will only be able to develop bloom when kept under optimal conditions for a great length of time, and such conditions can only come from the use of one of the most popular cigar accessories, the humidor.
A humidor is constructed from both furniture-quality hardwoods and from soft Spanish cedar. The cedar is kept to the inside of the box and it works its wonders on the humidity levels, and in keeping mold growth to an absolute minimum. Although many cigar owners initially mistake bloom for mold, it is a far different in appearance from it, and far more likely to appear than molds and mildews. Of course, bloom is best understood when the nature of tobacco is briefly assessed.
Most tobaccos are grown in warm and humid locations, and this is the very reason that cigars do best when stored in humidors. Even though the tobacco in a cigar has been dried and cut, it still responds to the presence (or lack) of moisture and air. Many experts say that cigars can "breathe" and that the humidor should be opened or aerated on a regular basis in addition to being kept at optimal levels.
Why do cigars develop this bloom? Cigars are made from organic materials, mainly tobacco, and this is a substance that contains volatile oils. When the oils receive a regular level of humidity and air they can evenly disperse throughout the cigar, and when they reach the surface of the outer wrapping they crystallize and provide that overall dusty appearance.
What does happen is that the temperatures, humidity and aeration do allow the tobacco to function, and this results in the improvement of the aroma, the mingling of tobacco flavors and the circulation of the oils contained in the tobacco. When these oils finally reach the outer layers of the wrapper they are exposed to the air and begin to crystallize. It is the crystals that give the appearance of dust that is called bloom. Many cigar enthusiasts actually wait for their cigars to reach this point before smoking them, and though they say it is undetectable where taste is concerned it is often viewed as an indicator of a superior cigar.
