How much of a difference does plume make?

[Dracus]

I recieved my first cigars from the devil, some MC Afrique Jambos. I pulled one out to smoke it as I have not had a cigar in over a week. It looked to me like it had some plume on it. I smoked it and it was fantastic, probably the best cigar I have ever smoked. So later that evening I decided to smoke another one. No plume on this one and it was just another smoke, nothing special.

So, does plume make that big of a difference?

[NCatron]

Plume apparently doesn't mean EVERYTHING. I had my first stick with plume the other day, an old Excalibur IV Maduro I found on a clearance table. I really didn't like it. I'm sure it helps smokes that you already like, or it could tip the scales, but sometimes it just isn't enough.

[dagrinch]

Not totally for sure, but plume, I believe is an almost crystalline form of the oil that is secreted from the cigar. I can see where it would enhance the smoke of the cigar, but I can't say for sure.

Grinch OUT!!!

[kenstogie]

As DaGrinch indicated Plume starts as a the oil secretes to surface (wrapper) of the cigar and dries slightly, which causes the little crystals to appear multiply that with time and and an oily cigar and voila, plume or some folks say bloom. Does it make a difference I think so. Just as the other BOTLS said it can tip the scales but as the old motley crue song goes "you can paint a garbage can platinum but it's still a grabage can" You can't make up for bad or mediocre tobacco with just letting it sit and develop plume.

[clovis]

The plume is reputed to indicate that a cigar is at optimum condition (humidity, etc.) With this in mind I see it this way....
Plume means that this is as good as that particular cigar is going to get (unless I age it for a significantly longer period of time).
However some cigars suck... A crappy cigar at it's best is still a crappy cigar

One of my favorite cigars with some plume on it increases my odds of a delightful experience

Plume is (in my experience...plus from opinions of others on this board) more commonly seen on cigars stored in cabs or slide lide boxes as opposed to the dress boxes.

[688sonarmen]

I would venture to guess that if plume is the oils comming to the surface and crystlazing, then if they were wiped or knocked off the cigar would lose some flavor

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by 688sonarmen

I would venture to guess that if plume is the oils comming to the surface and crystlazing, then if they were wiped or knocked off the cigar would lose some flavor

It will not effect the flavor at all. It's just and indication of good storage.

[SmokinAFuente]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

It will not effect the flavor at all. It's just and indication of good storage.

True, other than the benefit of time in good storage. You can wipe it off (not that I would) and the the smoke will taste the same.

[germantown rob]

If it wipes off it ain't Plume it's mold.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by germantown rob

If it wipes off it ain't Plume it's mold.

Plume wipes off just as easy, bro.

[Texan in Mexico]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Plume wipes off just as easy, bro.

In my experience as well....

[Pyro]

I'm also convinced that plume/bloom is just an artifact from certain storing conditions of certain tobaccos (not all cigars develop these superficial crystalline deposits!) and that it has no positive effect on the taste and aroma. Actually, I have a hypothesis that it even could be bad for the taste! See this thread: http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156669

[germantown rob]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Plume wipes off just as easy, bro.

Originally Posted by Texan in Mexico

In my experience as well....

Yes, I was going with some info from long ago and I am wrong.

Here is a link with great photos of plume and mold, can't take credit for the link, it comes from an old thread by daniyal.

http://home.alltel.net/jbperry/cig.htm

[AriesOpusX]

I had this experience a few years ago with NC Bolivars. My first one was covered in plume and I swear it was the best cigar I've ever smoked. Immediately I ran out and bought 3 more, no plume, same smoke, all mediocre.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by AriesOpusX

I had this experience a few years ago with NC Bolivars. My first one was covered in plume and I swear it was the best cigar I've ever smoked. Immediately I ran out and bought 3 more, no plume, same smoke, all mediocre.

Psycho-semetic? The power of the brain is awesome.

Plus, if it was covered in plume, it had to have some age on it. The ones you went out and bought didn't. Perhaps that was the difference.