Cigar Box Storage

[winengolf]

I have made a coolidor because I think my other set up was not keeping the boxes at a desired humidity. I noticed some cigars in boxes to be dryer than they probably should.

How does everyone store there boxes, cracked? cellophane off the box if its sealed? What humidity do you store them at for long term (greater than 1yr)

I appreciate all input---thanks

 

[orangedog]

I will generally put a humipack or water pillow in the boxes, and put them in the humi closed (or cracked if all the cigars are there and the humi pack keeps it from closing all the way). If it is a sealed fuente box with a humi pack already in it, I'll put it in sealed.

 

[Headbanger]

All my coolidors the sticks are strored how they are bought. If I buy a box, the box stays shut and the sticks kept in the box how they came. If 5 packs or single bought with or without cello then that is how they are stored how they came. Enough RH gets into the box closed for me not to worry about keeping the box cracked. I keep coolidors with kitty litter beads so during the summer is about 67% RH and winter closer to 63%RH in all the coolers.

 

[BEN(SWEDEN)]

Plastidor, 67-60 humidity. Longterm aging I zip lock 3 months after I have received the box.

 

[Danilo]

I Just take the cellophane off of the box, and keep it sealed at 63-64%.

 

[winengolf]

Thanks everyone...any idea why some cigars were dryer than others that residing in the same area. Humidity on the hygrometer was consistantly at 62-65. This is why I was wondering if boxes should be cracked, uncovered etc.?

 

[Headbanger]

Thanks everyone...any idea why some cigars were dryer than others that residing in the same area. Humidity on the hygrometer was consistantly at 62-65. This is why I was wondering if boxes should be cracked, uncovered etc.?

:dunno: Maybe the wrapper felt more dry or were a different type of wrapper? You might try a small fan like an Oust to gently stir the air for more even RH distribution.

To add to your original question dress boxes will let in RH, all cedar boxes or slide lid boxes will also only slower, and fully varnished cedar boxes even slower yet. ALL will allow the RH in the coolidor/humidor to get to the cigars.

Only time I crack a box if I just received a box and the cigars were shipped over humidified which does happen from some vendors more than others. Otherwise I keep cello on and boxes tight as most of my sticks are several years old. Also if I buy sticks in tubes and they feel wet or spongy then I loosen or take the cap off for about 30 days, then tighten them up once I am confident the RH in the tube is good.

 

[Danilo]

Thanks everyone...any idea why some cigars were dryer than others that residing in the same area. Humidity on the hygrometer was consistantly at 62-65. This is why I was wondering if boxes should be cracked, uncovered etc.?

are those certain cigars smoking bad? burning too fast or uneven? or do they just feel a little dry? My stuff is stored at 63%, and I have not had problems.

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

I Just take the cellophane off of the box, and keep it sealed at 63-64%.

I'm with Danillo on this one.

Humidity rises, the boxes at the bottom could be a little dryer, put fans in your coolidor to help move the air around the boxes.

 

[winengolf]

are those certain cigars smoking bad? burning too fast or uneven? or do they just feel a little dry? My stuff is stored at 63%, and I have not had problems.

No they burned ok, but was concerned about the wrapper splitting. They were Cohiba Robusto's so they were in a SLB, and it was closed completely. I have several other brands that "crackle" a bit when squeezed...so I became very concerned as some of these I really want to age...

I wonder if I didnt have enough beads/humi packs? The hygrometer was reading in the 60-65 range but maybe I didnt have the beads placed in the right place?

 

[winengolf]

I'm with Danillo on this one.

Humidity rises, the boxes at the bottom could be a little dryer, put fans in your coolidor to help move the air around the boxes.

Thats exactly what I was wondering too Larry. The boxes were on the bottom and lets say I maximized my space so there was little room for air flow. Too many sticks and too little room if you will. Right now I have them spread out alot more because I have the coolidor and I did crack all the lids. But, after reading everyones suggestions, I wonder if I should leave them cracked for a month or two to try and get the sticks back to where they were or is this necessary at all?

This "oust" fan, is this a special cigar fan or is this something like an air freshener fan?

 

[Danilo]

it's the air fresher fan, just don't use the scent (you have to buy it new)
It has been discontinued, but can be found online.
It uses 1 D cell battery that should last 2-3 months.

 

[76GTFan]

I store mine at 65/65. Coolers are low maintenance. I am moving on to a wine cooler.

 

[76GTFan]

Cigar boxes will throw off ur RH when first introduced to ur stash. I usually put a damp distiller water sponge in there overnight until it equalizes.