Expert: James Yee - 9/10/2009

Question
Hi James!
Would you please let me know your recommendations on step-by-step process of cigar defrosting after sitting in the freezer for 48 hours (bugs killing process). I went through the archive of your answers but not all the questions had their answers yet. In particular I would like to know
1) Is it safe to put cigars into humidor right after freezer or it is better to put them in the fridge for some time to ease temperature shock?
2) If some time in the fridge is recommended what time would be sufficient
3) How you would treat excessive moisture appearing on the cigar wrapper (if cigars go straight into the humidor) or inside the ziploc bag (if put into the fridge for defrosting). Does it make sense to repack cigars into new ziploc bag right after taking them out of the freezer?
4) Your recommendations on what to do with the recovery humidor (e.g. do additional seasoning or put extra humidifier into the humidor or anything else) to help cigars regain humidity in the safest and least stressful way.
5) Any other tips and hints specific to the defrosting process
Thank you very much in advance :)
All the best
Vladimir  

Answer
Hi Vladimir,

When removing your cigars from the freezer, you can just let them sit at room temperature for about an hour and this will allow the cigars to slowly "thaw" at their natural pace.  To eliminate the condensation that can form with thawing cigars, simply let the cigars sit on a paper towel or lint-free cloth and just delicately pat the entire cigar with the paper towel/cloth to remove the excess moisture.  Refrigeration time is not necessary.

After an hour, you can return the cigars to your humidor.  The safest and less stressful way to help your cigars regain humidity is to just let them sit and naturally re-hydrate @ 70% humidity.  Adding a second humidifier or re-seasoning your humidor (when not needed) is unnecessary and can increase the humidity to dangerously high levels.  If your humidor's humidity level is fine right now, you don't need to add or change a thing.

Your cigars should sit in your humidor for at least 3-4 weeks before you smoke them.  This should be enough time for the cigars to regain the humidity that they lost during the freezing process.  The longer amount of time they spend in the humidor is even better so if you are not in a rush to smoke your cigars, just let them sit in your humidor to thoroughly hydrate.

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

Regards,
James