Expert: James Yee - 7/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: I received a shipment of 24 camaroons is a wooden box, wrapped in cellophane.  Can I store them in the original encasement for 6 months?  What should be the environment of the storage?
Thank you!
P

ANSWER: Hi Pat,

It's best to store your cigars in a cigar humidor with an internal environment of 70% humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  Because they're not 100% airtight, it's perfectly to leave the cellophane wrappers on the cigars.  You can also leave all the cigars in the original box.  

If you don't own a humidor, your next best option is to store your cigars in a humi-pouch.  Humi-pouches are plastic Ziploc bags with humidified linings built into the plastic membrane.  They're designed for short-term cigar storage/travel and can automatically humidify your cigars at 70% humidity for 3 months.  After 3 months, you will need to replace the bags or move your cigars to a proper humidor.  These bags available in a variety of sizes and can accomodate everything from a few single cigars, to whole boxes.  They're available at most cigar shops and depending on the size of the bag, they can cost anywhere between $5 to $15 per bag.

I wouldn't advise storing the box without the proper humidor conditions.  If the environment is too dry (66% humidity or less), the cigars can be brittle and taste stale.  If the environment is too humid (75% humidity or greater), the cigars can become soggy and/or develop cigar mold.  67-73% humidity is the safe humidity range for cigars and 70% is considered ideal.  For temperature, it's important that your cigars are not stored at a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.  Prolonged exposure to temperatures greater than 75 degrees can cause tobacco beetle eggs inside the cigar(s) to hatch and this will permanently ruin your cigars.

I hope 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: Thanks for your help.  I will purchase the Humi-pouches.  Where would a good place be to store the cigars away from "light"?
Pat

Answer
Hi Pat,

Yes, it's best to store the cigars away from natural sunlight and incandescent desk lighting as they generate heat.  Keeping your humi-pouched cigars in a cool closet, cupboard, cabinet or drawer will work.  Be sure to also keep your cigars away from major appliances such as computer or TV as they also generate heat.  If your home is very hot in the summer, keep the cigars on the first floor or basement as they are usually much cooler than the other floors in your house.  I find the basement or a cool closet is most effective.

Regards,
James