Expert: James Yee - 1/27/2008

Question
I was given a gift from a Canadian friend. They are cuban cohibas and the box was sealed. When I opened it, the cigars were hard and stale. Is there any way I can rejuvinate and restore to original condition?

Answer
Hi Ted,

To answer your question, it is definitely possible to restore dry cigars.  If you own a humidor, simply store your dry cigars in there and allow them to sit for at least 3-4 months at 67-70% humidity; rotating your cigars at least once a month.  This will allow proper exposure of humidity to your cigars and after a few months, your cigars should be fully rejuvenated.

If you do not own a humidor, what you can then do is store your box of cigars in a humi-pouch.  Humi-pouches are Ziploc-style bags with humidified linings built into the plastic.  These bags are intended for short-term cigar storage, cigar travel and cigar restoration and depending on the size of the bags, can accommodate everything from a few single cigars to whole boxes.  Humi-pouches will keep your cigars properly humidified for 90 days (3 months) straight after the seal on the bags have been broken.  Depending on the size of the bag, Humi-pouches can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 a bag and you can find them at most cigar stores and tobacconists.

If the cigars appear to be extremely dry and fragile, leave the cigars in their original box for now as handling the cigars could cause the wrapper leaves to crack and split.

Also, when rejuvenating dry cigars, it's important to let your cigars sit in the humidor/humi-pouch for as long as possible.  If you are interested in smoking the cigars soon, then let the cigars sit in your humidor/humi-pouch for at least 3 months before you attempt to smoke them.  If you are not in a rush to smoke them, then let them sit for as long as possible.

Hopes this answers your question.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I'll be happy to help.

Regards,
James