Expert: James Yee - 4/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear James,

I just read your response to another cigar fan with respect to storage of cigars and have a more specific question.  I recently acquired three sealed boxes of Cohiba cigars - 10 to a box.  Each box has a lid which slides off.   Is there any reason to open the lid (and therefore break the seal) while storing in the humidor.  How long might cigars last in their original box within the humidor.  Is it years? I am reluctant to slide the lid off the remaining two boxes (I would like to save these for a special occasion) but will do so if you so advise.

ANSWER: Hi Ken,

It's always encouraged that you open your cigar boxes and inspect your cigars.  Even though the boxes are factory sealed, there's no guarantee that your cigars have not been infected by cigar mold or a tobacco beetle outbreak so you should open your boxes and inspect them periodically to make sure that they're ok.  In a properly maintained humidor (70 degrees Fahrenheit, 70% humidity), your cigars can be stored almost indefinitely.  I've seen cigars that are 35-40 years old that have been properly maintained in a humidor (while still in their original boxes) and they still look perfect so you shouldn't worry about opening the boxes from time to time.  Breaking the seals won't affect your cigars negatively.

If you plan on saving and aging the cigars for special ocassions, I would recommend opening the box ocassionally just to make sure the cigars are ok.

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

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you.  I have now opened the boxes and the cigars are fine.  Last question, I live in South Florida where it is obviously warm most of the time and in fact quite warm during the summer.  Often, the AC is not on and our home temp is at 78-82 degrees which I understand is too warm for the cigars  (ideal being 70 degrees max.)  However, I do have a small closet size walk-in wine cellar set at 64 degrees.  I would like to store the cigars in their humidor box in the wine cellar but what should the humidity goal be within the humidor?  Is there a formula to adjust the ratio from the usual 70/70 humidity/temperature ratio of the humidor when the internal temperature of the humidor eventually becomes 64 which matches that of the wine cellar?  Thanks again for the prior quick response!  Ken

ANSWER: Hi Ken,

The humidity "safe zone" is between 66%-74% humidity and 70% is considered perfect.  Some people will argue that if the temperature is higher or lower than 70 degrees, the humidity in your humidor/wine cellar will need to be adjusted accordingly to compensate the difference.  This is not true.  The humidity should never exceed 74% regardless of temperature.  If the humidity exceeds past 74%, your cigars can be soggy and susceptible to cigar mold.  If the humidity drops below 66% humidity, your cigars may be too dry, brittle, burn improperly and taste stale.

For temperature, do not exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit.  When your cigars are exposed to prolonged temperatures above 75 degrees, tobacco beetle eggs can incubate and hatch; ruining your cigars in the process.

If your wine cellar has an electronic humidifer, just set the humidity output to 70% and your cigars will be fine. :)

Hopes this helps!  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask.

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi.  Last question - on the same topic.  The wine cellar does not have a separate humidity control and simply operates at a temperature of 64 degrees.  It appears the humidity in the cellar is at 48%.  Assuming I can control the humidity within the humidor (which is in the cellar) at the 66-74% you suggest (I believe I can) am I okay with the cigars being stored at 64 degrees?  Thanks, Ken

Answer
Hi Ken,

64 degrees Fahrenheit is fine.  With temperature, you'll want to avoid extremely cold temperatures (ie: sub-zero temperatures) and extremely hot temperatures.  At hot temperatures, your humidor is susceptible to tobacco beetles and at extremely cold temperatures, the humidification device has to work harder to maintain proper humidity.  This will result in more frequent humidifier refills.  Try to keep your humidor temperature between 64-74 degrees Fahrenheit.  (70 degrees is considered perfect.)

To maintain proper humidity in your larger wine cellar, you will need to use an electronic humidifier unit that allows you to configure the desired humidity setting.  I'm not sure exactly how big your wine cellar is but cigar stores do sell electronic humidifiers designed for desktop, cabinet and walk-in humidors so check with your local cigar store about buying a proper humidifier.

Hopes this helps!  If you have any more questions, feel free to just ask.

Regards,
James