Expert: James Yee - 4/22/2008

Question
James,
I've recently inherited the Upmann Millenium cigar set.  The cigars are all in good shape, no cracking, beetle holes, mold etc.  They are quite dry.  I have a stand up humidor that controls the humidity pretty well.  I would like to begin the process of rehydration and am wondering if I should start at 65% humidity or 70%.  I am in no hurry to smoke them as I would rather do this the right way.  In addition, should they be taken out of their individual wrappers if it posses no danger to the cigar. Thanks for your help.
Michael Watson

Answer
Hi Michael,

If your cigars are "bone dry" and extremely fragile, it's best to start them out at 65% and increase to 70% after 4-8 weeks.  If your cigars are dry but in good shape (well enough to confidently handle by hand), starting at 70% is perfectly fine.  If however, you're in no rush to smoke these cigars, it's best to play is safe and start with 65%.  

As for the individual wrappers, the wrappers themselves are not 100% airtight so it's perfectly fine to leave your cigars in them.  When dry cigars are too fragile to handle, it's best to leave them in their wrappers/cigar tubes.  This will provide extra protection until they absorb enough humidity.  The rigid housing of the cellophane wrappers and cigar tubes will prevent further damage to your dry cigars while they're in this vulnerable state.  Again, if you're in no rush to smoke these cigars at all, leaving the wrappers on is perfectly fine.  

If however, you find your dry cigars are not rehydrating fast enough, you can always untuck the open end of the wrapper or loosen the cigar tube caps and this will speed up the restoration process.

Hope 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