Expert: James Yee - 2/16/2007

Question
James I was recently given an opus X Reserva D' Chataeu. Unfortunately it was placed in a unseasoned humidor with a Rh reading of around 58-62 for about 4 days.  Now, I read in some places that an Rh in the low 60's is ok but this cigar seems a bit brittle to me, although it is still manageable and not cracking or overdry.  The first thing I did was place the cigar in a ziplock bag with a saturated sponge (disteled water) and a plank of cedar tightly sealed for 2 days.  I then raised my humidor level from 68 to 80 and I took of the wrapper and placed the cigar directly on the side wall of my humidor. Please let me now if I am doing the right things, if there is anything more I can do, and about how long will it take for the cigar to be at a smokeable level, and How will I know. Should I keep the Rh higher than usual 75+ or bring it back down.

It will be a shame to see such a fine cigar laid to waist.  Thank you James, Michael

Answer
Michael,

Unless you're in an absolute hurry to smoke the cigar, it's not necessary to flash hydrate (ie: keeping a cigar in a sealed container with high humidity.) a dry cigar.  Flash hydrating a cigar is not recommended as it can sometimes provide unstable results and possibly damage your cigars.  Keeping your cigar in a properly maintained humidor with 70% humidity (no more than 74%) should do just fine and your cigar should be back to normal and smokeable in 3 to 6 months; depending on how dry it is now.  

The first thing you should do is lower the humidity immediately to 70%.  Humidity levels over 75% can cause mold to form on your cigar(s). Reduce the humidity to 70% and just let your dry Opus sit in your humidor for as long as possible.  Keeping your dry cigar in a 70/70 humidor environment is perfectly fine and though it may take longer for the cigar to be rejuvenated, you'll at least be using a safer rehydration method.

If the dry Opus doesn't seem too brittle and sensitive to the touch now, 70% humidity is fine. If the cigar appears very delicate and will crack at the slightest touch, start off with 63-65% humidity for 2 or 3 weeks and then increase to 70% once you are able to confidently handle the cigar by hand without damaging it.  Remember to not exceed 74% humidity as that can lead to mold and cause split wrappers.

Once the cigar is fully rehydrated, you'll notice that it is firm and spongy to the touch and you can gently squeeze the foot of the cigar without damaging the wrapper or worrying about it breaking apart.

Hopes this answers your question.  

Regards,
James