Expert: James Yee - 5/23/2009

Question
Hi James,

I have recently come across a box cigars which are dry.   They are not totally dry or anything, but about 1-2 months outside of a humidor, in the cigar box (Toronto weather)

I do not have a big humidor, it is about 9" x 10" x 4"

I currently have about 15 cigars in it which are well humidified.   Not having too many problems with temperature and relative humidity anymore, although RH will drop to 67% at times

anyways, I am sure when I add 25 somewhat dry cigars, it will create a sharp drop in RH.   Is there a certain way to go about this?   Should I not be adding so many dry cigars into my humidor at once?  add another humidifier?   or humidify the cigars seperately somehow?  perhaps in a big ziploc bag with a humidifier for a while?   

thanks!

Answer
Hi Andrew,

When you add dry cigars to a humidor, the drop in humidity will be temporary and very short term.  Once those dry cigars are replenished with enough humidity, the humidity level will return to normal throughout your humidor.  As long as you continue to maintain your humidification device and recharge it will distilled water when necessary, you shouldn't have any problems at all.

Also, if your new cigars are extremely dry and brittle, it's best to leave them in the box while they re-humidify.  Because of their sensitive and fragile condition, handling extremely dry cigars can cause them to split and crack.  It's best to leave them in the original box while they re-humidify.  Once they feel firm and can be confidently handled by hand, you can move them to your humidor.

I would recommend humidifying your dry cigars seperately first and then relocate them to your humidor when they are ready.  What you should do is store your box of dry cigars in a humi-pouch for 3 months and then move them to your humidor afterwards.  Humi-pouches can properly humidify your cigars for a maximum of three months (90 days) and this should be enough time to restore your dry cigars into prime condition.  Humi-pouches are available in a variety of sizes and the larger bags can accomodate whole boxes which is perfect your box of dry cigars.  You can buy humi-pouches at your local cigar store for about $5-$15 per bag.

The best part about humi-pouches is that they have a Ziploc-style zipper closure so you can add and remove cigars anytime you want.  You can also reuse the bag(s) as often as you want during the three months after the seal is broken.

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