How To Tell If A Cigar Is Bad

When it comes to enjoying a quality cigar, freshness plays a vital role in the overall experience. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a curious newcomer, knowing how to tell if a cigar is bad can save you from disappointment and help protect your collection. Poor storage conditions, improper humidity, and extended aging can all affect the integrity of a cigar, so it’s important to know the warning signs.

Do Cigars Expire?

While cigars don’t technically have an expiration date, they can go bad if not stored correctly. With proper humidity and temperature, ideally 65 to 70% humidity and 65 to 70°F then your cigars can age beautifully for years. But without those conditions, they dry out, become brittle, lose flavor, or worse, develop mold. If you’ve ever asked, “Do cigars expire?” the short answer is no, but their quality absolutely can decline over time if not preserved correctly.

Physical Signs a Cigar Has Gone Bad

There are several visible and tactile clues that can help you spot a spoiled cigar:

• Cracked Wrappers: A dry, fragile cigar will often have splitting or flaking wrappers.
• Dry or Brittle Texture: When cigars lose their essential oils, they feel brittle and produce a hot, harsh smoke.
• Stale Aroma: A cigar that has lost its signature scent may deliver a flat or sour flavor profile.

Each of these signs indicates a breakdown in storage conditions and signals that the cigar is no longer at its best.

Signs of Over-Humidified Cigars

Too much humidity can be just as damaging as too little. Over-humidified cigars exhibit specific traits:

• Spongy Texture: When squeezed, the cigar feels soft or too pliable.
• Poor Burn: Overly moist cigars burn unevenly, often requiring multiple relights.
• Musty or Earthy Odor: This is a sign of excess moisture and potential mold growth.
• Swollen Wrapper: A puffy or split wrapper indicates the tobacco inside has expanded from too much moisture.

If you’re wondering about the signs of over-humidified cigars, these are clear indicators that it’s time to re-evaluate your humidor settings.

Can Bad Cigars Be Saved?

Mildly dry cigars can sometimes be restored using a controlled re-humidification process:

1. Use a Humidor: Gradually reintroduce moisture by placing the cigars in a well-maintained humidor. Check out this 69% Humidity Pack by Boveda to ensure your cigar is well-maintained for up to 3-4 months.
2. Be Patient: Allow the cigars to acclimate for at least a few weeks.
3. Monitor Closely: Use a hygrometer to avoid over-humidifying during the revival process.

However, cigars that show clear signs of mold or that have completely lost their oils are usually past saving and should be discarded.

To ensure your cigars stay fresh, flavorful, and smoke-ready, proper storage is essential. Visit Barrister Cigars to explore quality humidors, accessories, and premium cigars you can trust to age beautifully.