What causes a cigar wrapper to crack?

Hier auch in Deutsch.

There are many reasons that causes a wrapper to crack. In this article, I would like to mention what I consider to be the most probable and common causes, not saying that the causes in individual cases are to be found elsewhere. But usually several factors come together.

First of all: This article does not deal with the cracking of the wrapper due to an incorrectly made cigar, e.g. too tightly rolled.

The most common reason for the wrapper cracking is probably a micro-crack in the wrapper in combination with a cigar that is a little too dry.
By the way, a micro-crack occurs quite often when you remember how often a tobacco leaf is crumpled, shaken and touched in the course of the harvesting and fermentation process. If you want to know more about the production of a cigar and tobacco processing, you can find many good documentaries on relevant video platforms.

One of the biggest problems with a tearing wrapper is insufficient humidification of the cigar and the resulting lack of elasticity of the wrapper. Within certain limits, it can be said that the moister a tobacco leaf is, the more elastic it is.

When smoking, the evaporating moisture of a normally humidified cigar causes the tobacco inside to swell minimally. This increases, also minimally, the pressure on the wrapper and puts it under tension. If this now lacks elasticity and / or there is a small damage, the wrapper can break.

Especially now in winter (depends on where you live), problems can arise due to the frosty temperatures. Although I have already smoked frozen cigars without any problems, I rate this as problematic. Strong and rapid fluctuations in surrounding conditions (from warm, humid humidor to cold, dry winter air) can build up so much tension in the wrapper that it cracks.

But others have already dealt with the issue. For example, the magazine "cigar aficionado", which published an article on the same topic on January 23, 2017.

Personal note to the article:
I personally consider the latter to be a bad habit. Especially if you are in a cigar store or lounge. Because no one wants to smoke a cigar, which previously many people have groped and squeezed.
There is also the risk of damaging the cigar if the pressure is too strong. Especially if the cigar is actually too dry. Because then the wrapper is guaranteed damaged and cracks during smoking.