Cigar bands - on or off?

[dopey]

If the spot of glue securing the band to itself was too large or spread too widely, it may have and leaked over the side and onto the wrapper. If that happened, rolling the cigar as suggested may cause the wrapper to tear. That has happened to me and is why I prefer to wait a bit before trying to remove the ring.

[storeynicholas]

Dopey, I agree that it is best to wait until the heat has loosened up the gum. Spoiling a good cigar for the sake of removing the band is just not worth it because once you tear the wrapper it soon unravels and what a mess!

[shredder]

Yes, the excess glue is a risk that needs consideration. I personally have not encountered this problem yet. AHD did not address this risk specifically but also was silent on when one might take the band off, before or after lighting.

In Belgium, unless one buys a sealed packet or box of cigars, each cigar comes with an additional band that indicates the unit retail price and the fact that Belgian excise tax has been paid (in the case of packets or boxes, a similar sticker is placed as an additional seal). Fortunately, these bands are fitted loosely, thin and easy to take off.

s