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Permalink Reply by Dreemwater on May 26, 2008 at 7:19am

Is it best that all cigars in humidors do not have their wrappers? i am a beginner...will purchase a travel humidor next month. i have a tiny collection right now and need to learn at what humidity certain cigars should "bask" in.
thanks...with many more questions to come.
:D

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Permalink Reply by Mr. Nyac on May 26, 2008 at 12:41pm

First, welcome I hope you enjoy the site as much as the rest of us do.

Humidity and temperature we will tackle first.....the "rule" of 70% humidity and 70 degrees is a good place to start. Ideally you don't want to get your cigars over 72 degrees or below 60. Why???? Well at over 72 degrees there is a very real possibility that the dreaded tobacco beetle will hatch and infect your storage and the cigars in it. Yes Ladies most tobacco leaves harbor beetle eggs and they will and do hatch into larvae if conditions are right. A properly maintained humidor does the job controlling them. Under 60 degrees, you risk shocking the cigars when they are removed to be enjoyed. Either by simply exposing them to higher ambient room temperature or toasting the foot can cause a disastrous wrapper crack making the stick unsmokable. The simple rule of lower is better than higher applies. Don't fuss about a couple of degrees; use a range of acceptance and try to maintain that range. 70% humidity.....we have all heard it, we have all fretted about it, but heres the deal. It all depends on you and how you prefer you smokes. As you become more familiar with cigars you will find that a certain humidity suits you better. Personally my humidor is kept between 62-68%. I have found that aging and smoking cigars at this range, for me, is ideal. I have friends that like a "wetter" smoke an maintain 70-72% humidity. Its a learning adventure you are embarking on.So experiment a little... But you may find that draw and burn issues are far less present at a lower humidity.

Cello on or cello off!!!!!
The cellophane wrappers on cigars have one purpose and one purpose only....to protect your smokes. A pretty darn important purpose if you ask me. This issue...cello on or off...has been hotly debated for as long as they have been putting cigars in it. Like with a lot of things in the cigar world, it is a personal decision. Will cigars age ok in cello??? Yes, albeit slower. The 2 most important things to remember when deciding what to do with your cello.....one, it protects your sticks and two its up to you. Personally i leave it on....I hate cracked wrappers and broken feet!!!

I hope I answered all your questions....remember, enjoy a cigar don't just smoke it!

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Permalink Reply by Damseln D'Stress on May 26, 2008 at 7:06pm

wow... ok, am I the only one that jumped up and checked the humidity level while reading this!!

I've been keeping my humidity at around 68 - I find at that level, my smokes stay springy, which to me indicates that they haven't dried out...and the burn is good...

and personally, I keep the cello on...

thanks Guru! but did U have to bring up the bugs....

Damsel...

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Permalink Reply by TammyB on June 1, 2008 at 10:39pm

"Is it best that all cigars in humidors do not have their wrappers?"

I like to leave both the cellophane AND the wrapper on my cigars in the humi. I remove the cellophane before lighting, but I leave the wrapper on. The binder alone just doesn't do it for me....
;^p

J/K!

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