Expert: James Yee - 4/24/2007

Question
I've had a Macanudo Vintage 2000 for about a month now.  It came in a glass
tube with a cork stopper at the top and a thin sponge between the cork and
the cigar.  I keep the cigar inside of my humidor-which is operating
beautifully thanks to you!  

My question is: will the cigar age better in or out of the tube?  I know that it's
fine to keep the cigar in the tube as the tube is kept inside of my humidor,
but I would assume more moisture could be absorbed if the cigar was out of
the tube.  Maybe if the cork and sponge were simply taken out?  I'm not sure,
and I know you can help me out.
Thanks alot for all of your help!

~Albert

Answer
Hi Albert,

For short term aging (ie: if you plan on smoking the cigar within a year), removing the cigar from the tube will greatly improve the aging process as the cigar will have more exposure to the humidity aeration which will promote the cigar’s natural oils to bloom quicker (and leaving a healthy layer of plume on it).  If however, you have no plans on smoking the cigar any time soon and just want to age the cigar for as long as possible, then it’s perfectly fine to let the cigar sit in the tube.  Cigar tubes, whether they’re aluminum, glass or plastic, are not 100% airtight so humidity and air will reach the cigar even though it’s securely kept in a glass tube with a cork stopper.  If the cigar appears to be a bit dry, just loosen the cork and remove the sponge lining.  Having the cigar in the tube will protect the cigar from tobacco beetles.  (Or, if the cigar has beetles now *knock on wood*, the tube will prevent them from spreading to your other cigars.)

The only thing you need to do to the cigar for long-term cigar aging is to make sure the cigar tube is lined with a Spanish cedar sheet as that can help with the aging process.  The natural oils from the Spanish cedar will prevent bugs from nesting in your cigar, encourage an even buildup of plume and enhance the cigar’s natural aroma during the aging process.  After a few years, if and when you decide to open the cigar tube, there will be a heavenly scent of a well-aged Macanudo and the cigar will smoke like a dream. :)

Hopes this answers your question. If you have any more questions, just ask.

~James