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Cigars/Cigar aroma

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Expert: - 2/11/2010


Question
Hi James,

Hope all is well.

I have a quick one here regarding cigars and their aroma.

I just got back from Cuba and I realized that the cigars that I brought back have a stronger aroma then the cigars that have been in my humidor for about a year or so. Now let me explain how my cigars are stored. They are still in their original boxes. I keep the box open for display purposes.
Would you suggest that I store the cigars in the box with the lid closed to preserve their aroma?
I really do like the aroma and I hope that the older cigars are able to regain that beautiful smell!
I have a box of Monti 2's that have absolutely no smell at all.

Thanks James

Answer
Hi Tom,

Storing your boxes with the lids closed will definitely retain much of the cigars' natural aroma.  If you leave the box lids open, the natural scent of the cigars will soften and diffuse over time.  The scent can also marry with cigars from other opened boxes and this will compromise their original scent and flavour.

Unlike retail store humidor displays, cigar boxes in our personal humidors should always be kept closed to retain the original aroma and flavour; especially if you're aging the cigars longterm.  Don't worry, cigar boxes are not 100% airtight so your cigars will still receive the proper amount of humidity they need even if the box lids are closed.  (If your cigars feel dry, you can leave the lids open just a crack.  Use a toothpick or cedar spill to raise the lids a tiny bit.)

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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