Exploding Cigar Theory: why some cigar wrappers split on you

“I feel like I’m smoking an exploding cigar.”

That’s what happens when your cigar wrapper cracks. Ever wonder why? Well, when the soup heats up the steam has nowhere to go but through the seams in the wrapper leaf, which, in turn, causes it to crack or split.

Another cause of wrapper splitting is drawing too often and/or too hard on your cigars. By doing so, you create more juices in the pipe and get the same results. A symptom related to this is a poor draw, which will cause you to draw harder on the cigar. In these cases, try using a cigar poker in the head and foot to loosen up the cause. If you’re smoking a figurado (a tapered or pointed head cigar), it may help to shave a little more off the head.

Suffice it to say, by keeping your humidor at an average of 68% RH in a range of 65% – 70%, you can help keep the moisture level in your cigars at bay and avoid smoking an exploding cigar.

~ G.K.