Expert: James Yee - 12/5/2007

Question
I have a box of CAO commemorative cigars still sealed in the plastic wrap. they are Fabrica de "something" and include a "Seed to soul" DVD???  I have had them since May 2007 in a closet........probably not the thing to have done!! Anyway, I am wondering if since the plastic wrap is still sealed, if they would be okay to give to my brother-in-law for Christmas???  Don't want to give him stale cigars and these probably aren't top of the line cigars???

Answer
Hi Cynthia,

Even though the box of cigars are still sealed in plastic wrap, they can lose moisture over time.  Because you've had these cigars in your closet since May 2007, they may be dry now (or at least not in the ideal storage condition of 70% humidity.)  The good news is that these cigars can be restored just in time for Christmas.  What you should do is visit your local tobacconist/cigar shop and purchase a "humi-pouch".  These are Ziploc-style bags with humidified linings built right into the bag.  They're intended for short-term cigar storage and travel and will keep your cigars at the ideal humidity level of 70%.  No humidor required!  Humi-pouches are available in a variety of sizes and can accomodate anything from a few single cigars to whole boxes.  Depending on the size, humi-pouches can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 per bag and lasts 90 days after the seal is broken.  After 90 days, you or your brother-in-law (if he doesn't own a humidor) would need to replace the bag.

What you should immediately do is purchase a large humi-pouch and place the entire box of cigars inside the bag.  Christmas is less than 3 weeks away so that may be enough time for the cigars to slowly rejuvenate.  For Christmas, simply present the cigars - still in the humi-pouch - to your brother-in-law and advise him to wait at least one more week before he should smoke one.  Dry cigars can usually rejuvenate within 3-4 weeks but to be on the safe side, it's always best to allow the cigars to rehumidify for as long as possible before you smoke them.

Hope this answers your question.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I'll be happy to help.

Regards,
James