PLUME Vs. MOLD WORKSHOP

“Nerds & Newbies” returns on Saturday, May 30th with a deeper, more hands-on format inside the Atabey Private Lounge. Hosted by Mark McClurkan and co-hosted by Dave Frakes, this session takes on one of the most debated topics in cigars—plume vs. mold.

This is a working session, not a lecture. Real cigars, real examples, and real answers. Guests are encouraged to bring cigars from their own humidors for live evaluation. The goal is simple: leave with clarity and confidence in what you’re looking at.

• Live cigar evaluation (bring your own if you’d like)
• Microscope viewing to break down what’s actually on the leaf
• Lab-tested plume samples with chemical composition slides
• Guided discussion led by Mark McClurkan and Dave Frakes
• Interactive trivia covering common cigar myths
• Small group setting designed for conversation and participation
• Prizes for top trivia scores

This session is built to be engaging, practical, and easy to follow—whether you’re newer to cigars or have been around them for years.

Cigars will be available for purchase in the humidor before and during the event. Our team will be ready to guide you toward selections that pair well with the session and discussion. Guests are also welcome to bring cigars from their personal collection for evaluation.

• Date: Saturday, May 30th
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: Atabey Private Lounge, Industrial Cigar Co.
• Capacity: Limited seating to maintain an interactive environment

This educational event is free to attend for members and guests, and is hosted in a private lounge setting with a focus on service and attention to detail. The environment is designed to allow for conversation, learning, and a relaxed pace throughout the evening.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re looking at plume or mold—this is the room to figure it out.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Industrial Cigar Co.