As a cigar aficionado, you may have come across individually wrapped cigars and wondered if they require the same storage conditions as their unwrapped counterparts. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of individually wrapped cigars and explore whether they need to be stored in a humidor to maintain their quality and flavor.
Understanding Cigar Storage
Before we delve into the specifics of individually wrapped cigars, let’s first understand the basics of cigar storage. Cigars are delicate products that require specific environmental conditions to maintain their optimal flavor, aroma, and overall quality. The two most crucial factors in cigar storage are humidity and temperature.
Humidity
Store cigars at a relative humidity level between 68% and 72%. This range allows the cigars to retain their natural oils and moisture, preventing them from drying out or becoming too moist. Exposing cigars to low humidity can cause them to become dry and brittle, leading to a harsh and unpleasant smoking experience. On the other hand, excessive humidity can cause cigars to absorb too much moisture, resulting in a tight draw and a bitter taste.
Temperature
Temperature plays a vital role in cigar storage in addition to humidity. Store cigars at an ideal temperature range between 65°F and 70°F (18°C and 21°C). Extreme temperatures can have detrimental effects on cigars. High temperatures can cause the oils in the cigar to evaporate, leading to a loss of flavor and aroma. Low temperatures, on the other hand, can cause cigars to become dry and lose their pliability.
The Role of a Humidor
A humidor is a specialized storage container designed to maintain the optimal humidity and temperature levels for cigars. Humidors come in various sizes and materials, ranging from small desktop boxes to large walk-in rooms. The interior of a humidor is typically lined with Spanish cedar, a wood known for its ability to absorb and release moisture, helping to regulate humidity levels.
Humidors are equipped with a humidification system, which can be as simple as a sponge or as advanced as an electronic humidifier. The humidification system works in conjunction with a hygrometer, a device that measures the relative humidity inside the humidor. Monitoring the humidity levels and adjusting the humidification accordingly allows cigar enthusiasts to ensure that their cigars are stored in the optimal environment.
Individually Wrapped Cigars
Now that we have a basic understanding of cigar storage and the role of a humidor, let’s focus on individually wrapped cigars. Individually wrapped cigars, also known as cellophane-wrapped cigars, are cigars that are individually sealed in a clear plastic wrapper.
The Purpose of Individual Wrapping
Protect cigars from physical damage during transportation and handling with the primary purpose of individual wrapping. The cellophane wrapper acts as a barrier, preventing the cigar from being crushed or damaged by external factors. The wrapper also helps to maintain the cigar’s moisture content by creating a microenvironment around the cigar.
Do Individually Wrapped Cigars Need a Humidor?
The short answer is yes, individually wrapped cigars still require proper storage in a humidor to maintain their quality and flavor. While the cellophane wrapper provides some protection against moisture loss, it is not a substitute for a humidor.
The cellophane wrapper is not entirely airtight, meaning that moisture can still escape from the cigar over time. Storing individually wrapped cigars outside of a humidor for an extended period will eventually cause them to dry out, losing their flavor and aroma.
Moreover, the cellophane wrapper does not protect the cigar from temperature fluctuations. Exposing individually wrapped cigars to high or low temperatures can still cause them to suffer from the same negative effects as unwrapped cigars.
Storing Individually Wrapped Cigars
When storing individually wrapped cigars in a humidor, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Removing the Cellophane
Some cigar enthusiasts prefer to remove the cellophane wrapper before placing the cigar in the humidor. This allows the cigar to “breathe” and interact with the humid environment inside the humidor more efficiently. However, removing the cellophane is a matter of personal preference and is not strictly necessary.
Arranging the Cigars
Arrange individually wrapped cigars in a humidor so that they are not tightly packed together. Cigars need some air circulation around them to maintain their optimal humidity levels. Stacking cigars too closely can lead to moisture buildup and the development of mold or tobacco beetles.
Rotating the Cigars
Rotate the cigars in your humidor periodically to ensure even humidity distribution. Move the cigars from the bottom of the humidor to the top and vice versa. Rotating the cigars helps to prevent any one cigar from being exposed to excessive humidity or dryness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, individually wrapped cigars, despite their protective cellophane wrapper, still require proper storage in a humidor to maintain their quality and flavor. The cellophane wrapper alone is not sufficient to protect the cigar from moisture loss or temperature fluctuations over an extended period.
Store your individually wrapped cigars in a well-maintained humidor, paying attention to humidity levels, temperature, and proper arrangement to ensure the best smoking experience. Providing your cigars with the optimal storage conditions allows you to preserve their rich flavors, smooth draw, and exquisite aroma, enabling you to fully enjoy the art of cigar smoking.
jay
Self proclaimed cigar expert. I've been smoking since 2010. I've practically lived at a cigar lounge from 10am to 10pm and trying every new cigar that came out for years.
