Frequently Asked Questions for Humidors

Q4: How fresh do cigars stay outside of a humidor in their original boxes if you don't break the seal or plastic wrapping?

A: How fresh does beef stay in Saran Wrap outside the refrigerator? Do you really want to take a chance?

Storing boxes of cigars outside a humidor is like having a side of beef but no refrigerator in which to put the meat, then asking, "Can I borrow some salt?"

Investing your money in a box of fine cigars and not humidifying them is guaranteed to diminish your enjoyment of them. Even as little as one day outside a humidor can significantly reduce the cigar's moisture content. Smoking a dry cigar means heat, and heat covers up flavor.

Cellophane overwrap on boxes is minimally effective as a moisture barrier. If it were truly effective in retaining moisture, you couldn't keep a cellophaned box in a cabinet humidor because the wrap wouldn't allow moisture in. The bottom line: keep your cigars in a humidor.

This is a reprint of the article in the "Tip of the Week" section of the website
of Cigar Aficionado ( www.cigaraficionado.com ) in the week of August 28, 2000.