Expert: James Yee - 1/8/2009

Question
James, one last question. This beetle saga continues...now what can I expect in performance, construction changes, taste, maturation from all these cigars I have in my freezer? I am told that a) the wrapper will be more brittle, b) not mature as well (I do have a lot of LE's and the like that I am 'aging', c)taste will not be the same. Not that these cigars are ruined, but is that the case when one freezes cigars?
I have a lot at stake here and it seems that the outcome of this is not that good overall. Although I saved (literally) over 100 very nice cigars from getting eaten.
Thanks again, Tom


Answer
Hi Tom,

Long term freezing of your cigars is never good but short term freezing to stop a beetle outbreak is understandable and perfectly fine.  Yes, cigars can become brittle immediately after freezing which is why it's recommended that the cigars spend a lengthy period of time in your humidor after they've been frozen so that they can rehydrate, re-adjust and return to their normal condition.  Extremely short term freezing will also not affect the cigars' maturity process or taste.  It's also important how you freeze your cigars.  Cigars should be stored in ziploc bags and tupperware containers when you freeze them.  This will prevent the cigars from taking on any weird freezer smells or being directly exposed to the sub-zero elements that might damage your cigars.

All these consequences to freezing cigars usually only apply to people who prefer to store their cigars in their freezers as a long term storage method (because they don't own a humidor or don't know how to properly maintain cigars) or people who constantly freeze their cigars on a regularly basis to combat tobacco beetles.  If for example, you find yourself freezing your cigars maybe 5 or 6 times a year because of tobacco beetles, your cigars will definitely take on negative attributes.  If you only need to freeze your cigars once or twice in their lifetime, then you shouldn't worry about them being negatively affected by the cold temperatures.

Regards,
James