Can white mold affect the taste in a positive way?

[Pyro]

There have been lots of posts, probably on every cigar forum on the Internet, describing positive effects from bloom/plume and worries about white mould.

But, when you think about it, shouldn't it be the other way around?

Let me explain my hypothesis!

Apart from the general positive effect that can be connected to the aging of cigars, why should the crystallisation of substances on the surface of the wrapper be beneficial for the taste and aroma? Anything that migrates to the superficial surface of the wrapper will be lost to a larger degree close to the glowing/burning zone due to distillation and will therefore contribute less to the character of the smoke! Also, I believe that a majority of the people that claim that blooming cigars are the best actually have been smoking mouldy cigars without realizing it!

When it comes to white mould everyone seem to agree on that it doesn’t affect the taste in a bad way but that it should be removed by wiping away or cutting the foot of the cigar. Most probably, the burning of the white mould in the cigar will not create any toxic compounds that are not already present in the smoke and wiping away or cutting off the visible parts of the mould does not help much since the white fuzzy patches (spore bodies) are only a small part of the total mass of the fungus that has invaded the tobacco in the cigar!

But, what if the white mould actually can break down some compounds in the tobacco into other compounds that will contribute positively to the taste and aroma? What if cigars actually can improve if allowed to get infested by white mould for some time? If so, this could explain why the myth about bloom is so strong. People are not mistaken when they claim that their “blooming” cigars taste great, they just don’t realize that the effect comes from an attack of fungus!

What do you think?

[Teninx]

Plume itself does not affect taste. It is an indication,as you said, that the cigar has aged in favorable conditions.

[Pyro]

Originally Posted by Teninx

Plume itself does not affect taste. It is an indication,as you said, that the cigar has aged in favorable conditions.

I agree on that plume/bloom does not have much taste of its own (I have tried!). This is off topic but it would be interesting to know what the crystals really consist of. I believe they are salts of organic or inorganic origin rather than condesed and dried out oils that people often refer to.

But, not all cigars develop bloom and judging from experience of my own I would say that the crystals tend to appear after changes in RH which contradicts the belief that the crystals should be a sign of grand age or perfect storing conditions!

[chenvt]

Originally Posted by Pyro

There have been lots of posts, probably on every cigar forum on the Internet, describing positive effects from bloom/plume and worries about white mould.

But, when you think about it, shouldn't it be the other way around?

Let me explain my hypothesis!

Apart from the general positive effect that can be connected to the aging of cigars, why should the crystallisation of substances on the surface of the wrapper be beneficial for the taste and aroma? Anything that migrates to the superficial surface of the wrapper will be lost to a larger degree close to the glowing/burning zone due to distillation and will therefore contribute less to the character of the smoke! Also, I believe that a majority of the people that claim that blooming cigars are the best actually have been smoking mouldy cigars without realizing it!

When it comes to white mould everyone seem to agree on that it doesn’t affect the taste in a bad way but that it should be removed by wiping away or cutting the foot of the cigar. Most probably, the burning of the white mould in the cigar will not create any toxic compounds that are not already present in the smoke and wiping away or cutting off the visible parts of the mould does not help much since the white fuzzy patches (spore bodies) are only a small part of the total mass of the fungus that has invaded the tobacco in the cigar!

But, what if the white mould actually can break down some compounds in the tobacco into other compounds that will contribute positively to the taste and aroma? What if cigars actually can improve if allowed to get infested by white mould for some time? If so, this could explain why the myth about bloom is so strong. People are not mistaken when they claim that their “blooming” cigars taste great, they just don’t realize that the effect comes from an attack of fungus!

What do you think?

Sounds interesting, but I don't want to be the one to experiment what mold works on what cigar

[travclem]

So who's gonna do a review on a rancid moldy cigar for the good of the team?

[Pyro]

Personally I would not have any problems being the experimental rabbit. But before starting growing random colonies of white mould on cigars I would prefer to define what kind of white mould that are common on cigars and especially focus on one or a few species with evidence of doing something positive for the taste.

So, if you have any great and mouldy cigars, send the spores to me!

Originally Posted by travclem

So who's gonna do a review on a rancid moldy cigar for the good of the team?

Rancid? Only green mould gives the nasty smell of too humid basement!

[Hawk6815]

Well, if someone wants to give this a try, I have a local Shop that sells moldy sticks all the time.

Will

[Coz77]

I think this quote applies here......"I can get a good look at a T-bone by sticking my head up a bulls ass, but I rather take the butchers word for it."

Bloom/Plume = Good
Mold = Bad

Don't do it man!

Health Issues
The health affects of mold are generally grouped in the following four categories. Numerous conditions including type and species of mold, exposure levels and methods, environmental conditions, individual sensitivities, etc. are all considered to be factors in the response.



Irritation
For some people, the "moldy odor" can be irritating to mucous membranes, cause headaches and other symptoms. This odor comes from volatile organic compounds (VOC's) produced by mold as it degrades organic substrates and is generally considered one of the primary causes of irritation.


Allergy
Allergic reactions are typically the most common health problem. Symptoms include respiratory problems and difficulty breathing, nasal and sinus congestion, burning/watery or reddened eyes, dry hacking cough, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, skin irritation, headaches, memory problems, mood changes, aches and pains, and possible fever.


Infection
There are an estimated 100 species of mold known to cause infections in humans and immune suppressed individuals are especially at risk. Infections can be localized or systemic. Aspergillosis is a common fungal infection requiring hospitalization in the U.S. Other fungi can infect hair, skin and nails.


Toxicosis
Many species of mold produce toxic metabolites called mycotoxins which are believed to be most prevalent in spores (both living and dead spores). Mycotoxins are of special concern since some may present a greater hazard to humans than all other conditions including nerve damage, organ damage, and cancer. Symptoms of toxicosis from mold include cold and flu-like symptoms, headache, nosebleeds, memory problems, fatigue, dermatitis, immune suppression, etc.

[sanfrantreat]

this is very interesting, i had always thought you wiped off the mold because it was harmful to your well being. If I had moldy cigars I'd send them to you.

[vicvitola]

http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthr...=153522&page=2

Specifically the two posts from joed

[Corona Gigante]

Jeez, well, it depends if you enjoy the aroma of musty clothes and crumbling books stored too long in the attic.

[Kaisersozei]

Hey, it might clear up that nasty infection you've had for a few weeks....

[Pyro]

Originally Posted by Coz77

...Don't do it man! ... "Lots of quotes regarding health issues connected to mould"

Well, I don't think those issues are relevant in this case since the fungus and its metabolites will be consumed in the burning front of the cigar.

Originally Posted by vicvitola

http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthr...=153522&page=2

Specifically the two posts from joed

Thank you vicvitola, joed's posts were great! But, I'm convinced that there are more than one common mould on cigars.

Originally Posted by Corona Gigante

Jeez, well, it depends if you enjoy the aroma of musty clothes and crumbling books stored too long in the attic.

As I said before, that aroma is not connected to the white mould commonly found on cigars!

Originally Posted by Kaisersozei

Hey, it might clear up that nasty infection you've had for a few weeks....

Er...I haven't had any infection lately but I guess that was a Penicillium joke? Penicillium would never be useful by the way, given its awful smell and taste!