What are these spots on my cigars? Find out now

It’s completely normal to feel a bit uneasy when you spot a weird mark on a premium cigar. While your first instinct might be "mould!", most discolouration is actually just a byproduct of the growing or curing process.

Here is a simplified guide to what those stains really mean:

Green Stains (Chlorophyll)

These are often mistaken for mould, but they are usually just leftover chlorophyll.

The Cause: The tobacco was dried too quickly (high heat, low humidity), preventing the green pigment from breaking down.

The Verdict: Safe to smoke. It won't affect the flavour or quality.

Sun Spots (Light Brown/Tan)

These look like small, round, or oval "freckles" on the wrapper.

The Cause: A "magnifying glass" effect. If a leaf above has a hole (from insects or hail), concentrated sunlight hits the leaf below, creating a sun-bleached spot.

The Verdict: Purely cosmetic. They have zero impact on the taste or burn.

White Stains (Fungus or "Sesame Seeds")

There are two main types of white marks:

Large & Blurry: Caused by "blue mould" during the plant's growth. Once the leaf is fermented and aged, it is harmless and won't affect the taste.

Small (Sesame Seed size): Caused by the Cercospora fungus while the plant was in the field. It eats the chlorophyll, leaving a tiny white spot.

The Verdict: Safe to smoke. Neither type impacts the integrity or flavour of the cigar.

Black Stains (Excess Sugar)

Dark patches usually point to a humidity issue during the drying stage.

The Cause: High humidity prevented the natural sugars in the leaf from breaking down completely.

The Verdict: Smokable, but potentially unpleasant. It may feel "too fresh" and can cause a scratchy sensation in your throat.

Yellow Stains (Wrapper Fault)

Yellowing is a sign that the tobacco didn't have enough moisture while drying.

The Cause: Insufficient humidity during the curing process.

The Verdict: Low quality. These leaves are generally considered defective and shouldn't make it past quality control, though they do occasionally slip through.