Expert: James Yee - 10/21/2007

Question
Hello James, I am asking the best way to age cigars if it is in the boxes they come in, or take them out of the boxes so they can be exposed to the cedar lining of the humidor? Also I have another question, I am intrested in buying an oasis humidifier and I would like to know witch one would work best for my humidor and the best place to put one,it is 19"W X 12"D X 11"H with two lift out trays. Also it has a drawer on the bottom that is 4" deep and 19" X 12" the drawer is seperate from the main area. Thanks, Grant.

Answer
Hi Grant,

When aging cigars, it’s personal preference as to whether or not you should remove the cigars from the box.  Most people prefer to keep the cigars in the original box.  By doing so, the cigars will have a more “complete” feel and remain original, untouched and intact.  (Many people/cigar purists will only age whole boxes intact; especially if they intend to sell the cigars at a later time.)  The factory/date code on the box also confirms the age of the cigars, which is why people prefer to leave the cigars in the box.  

If you are aging a small amount of cigars for yourself, it’s perfectly fine to remove them from the box if you wish.  If you are aging a large amount of cigars for collection or resale, it’s best to leave them in the box as is.  

As for the purchasing and placement of the humidification unit(s), a large unit or two smaller oasis units would work best for your humidor (based on the humidor’s dimensions).  The ideal placement for humidification devices is to place them in evenly spaced and symmetrical locations.  This will create an even distribution of humidity.  Avoid placing the humidification units in locations where they may be obstructed by cigars, trays or compartments.  The most effective location inside a humidor is under the lid (centered) or at the base (centered).  If you’re using one unit, place it in a centered location.  If you decide to use two smaller units, space them evenly inside your humidor.  Some larger humidors produce uneven aeration when humidification units are placed on one side as opposed to being in the center.  By spacing the humidification unit(s) evenly, you’re making sure that the humidity will be evenly dispersed.

Regards,
James