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CigarPass CSI

tsmckenney

Mick
Joined
Mar 7, 2007
Messages
2,954
Location
Phoenix
I received a 5 pack of Graycliff PGX Professionale Toros late yesterday afternoon. Two of the five seemed completely normal. However, I'm not sure what's going on with the other three. One of them has a wrapper than is lighter and somewhat discolored. Another has some minimal green spotting. And the third is completely covered in green spots. Its a very pale green. That third cigar also has a peculiar hole towards the foot.

My first reaction is to cry mold, shove them into a box and send them back. But if it is mold, is it bad? It doesn't smell like something I shouldn't smoke. It doesn't feel like something I shouldn't smoke. To my ignorant eye, it does look like something I shouldn't smoke.

So what the hell is this? Is it flume? Is it mold? Some sort of bug? I think this could be a good learning experience for all the 'true noobs' on CigarPass. What do the FOGS have to say about this. I hope folks can tell from these photos what's going on.

P1000636.jpg


P1000626.jpg


P1000643.jpg
 
Last picture looks like the hole could have been made by a worm. Tap the foot and see if any fine black powder falls out. If nothing falls out, then its just an imperfection in the wrapper. The green spots on the other hand is a little more suspicious. If it was only a few, I would have thought sun spots, but I've never seen a wrapper that is so uniformly covered in spots. Slide the band up or down a bit and see if the spots are there also. If its not there then it may be signs of mold that the vendor brushed off.
 
The blue spots are water marks on the wrapper and are quite common. They look green on conn. shade wrappers and I used to get them a lot when I used to smoke the Ashton Classics.
 
Last picture looks like the hole could have been made by a worm. Tap the foot and see if any fine black powder falls out. If nothing falls out, then its just an imperfection in the wrapper. The green spots on the other hand is a little more suspicious. If it was only a few, I would have thought sun spots, but I've never seen a wrapper that is so uniformly covered in spots. Slide the band up or down a bit and see if the spots are there also. If its not there then it may be signs of mold that the vendor brushed off.

I'm almost positive there 'was' a blackish powder in the bag along with all five sticks. I thought it was strange. Is there a connection between a worm and those spots?
 
Not with the spots, but definitely with the hole. Tabacco worms, when they hatch, will eat its way to the surface of the stick. Fine black sand-like particles will fall out of the cigar's foot when tapped. Test each of the stick by holding the cigar vertical with the foot down and give a few good taps. If you get nice black powder falling out, better contact the vendor and ask for a refund. Definitely do not put it in your humidor.
 
Not with the spots, but definitely with the hole. Tabacco worms, when they hatch, will eat its way to the surface of the stick. Fine black sand-like particles will fall out of the cigar's foot when tapped. Test each of the stick by holding the cigar vertical with the foot down and give a few good taps. If you get nice black powder falling out, better contact the vendor and ask for a refund. Definitely do not put it in your humidor.


Definitely, that last pic looks like you've got a beetle situation on your hands. Definitely do not mingle them with your other sticks or humi.

If you don't send them back or get a replacement, you could try the freezing process if you really want to hang on to them that badly.
 
Sheesh Strayvector, every time you post your avatar stops me dead. How many times have I seen it and still have to stop and watcg for a bit.

Seth
 
Sheesh Strayvector, every time you post your avatar stops me dead. How many times have I seen it and still have to stop and watcg for a bit.

Seth

No kidding! I like to think I can read her lips right :whistling:

:sign:
 
Whatever the problem turns out to be I hope you have quarantined the specimens.

They have been quarantined, and it seems as though CBid is going to be shipping a new 5er out tomorrow. I believe I am then supposed to send the suspect batch back to them.

This was a rough looking bunch of sticks. Especially coming from a brand that is supposed to be absolute top notch.
 
Yes, the green is definately water spots...not that big of a deal but they are right...these are top quality sticks and it's good to see you are getting a replacement.
 
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