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Expert: - 12/3/2009


Question
Sometimes I run out of reasonable humidor space, like now, and Christmas specials are everywhere. I was wondering how long you think a box of 25 cigars would last in the cryovac package that they are often shipped to me in? The actual packing is very well sealed and airtight.

Answer
Hi David,

If the package is properly sealed and airtight, your cigars will last for about 3-4 weeks. Your cigars can actually last longer (since they are well protected in a sealed environment) but it's usually advised that after 3-4 weeks, your cigars should be moved to a humidor so they can be exposed to fresh air and humidity.  Regardless of how long you leave the cigars in their cryovac package, the cigars should still spend at least 4 weeks in your humidor before you smoke them.

A better solution would be to upgrade to a larger humidor.  If however, this is not possible, an inexpensive alternative is to store your cigars in either humi-pouches (you can buy these at any cigar store) or a homemade tupperdor/coolerdor (storage container retrofitted to accomodate cigars.)

However, I would suggest that the package be opened and your cigars be moved to your humidor.  This will allow you to inspect your cigars and contact the retailer if their are any problems with your cigars.  If you leave the box sealed for a long time and then later discover that the cigars are damaged, the return policy for the cigars may have already been expired by this time.  It's always best to open and inspect your cigars as soon as you receive them.

Hopes this helps!  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James

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James Yee

Expertise

My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".

Experience

I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.

Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)


Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto

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