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How long out of humidor?
Hey folks, I have a couple of humidification questions. First, I got a pack of 5 cigars from a new company called Mederos which I've heard makes some great cigars. Problem is, I was on vacation and it was waiting for a week in the UPS station, so since they shipped it it probably spent about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks outside a humidor, though in cellophane and a tightly sealed bag. I put that package in a 70% humidity ziploc (still in the wrappings, so it doesn't absorb humidity too fast). Will they have dried out by now, or are they still good? Or should I wait some length of time so they reabsorb the moisture?
Second question is, how long can a cigar be out of the humidor (I'm in Connecticut where it's not too warm and usually not very humid, either) before it gets dried out, and what's the best way to carry it? I've been using a smaller ziploc and one of those Humicare pillows but that seems a bit much. I do have a glass cigar tube. Does carrying it outside of the humidor for say an hour or two really affect things much?
Second question is, how long can a cigar be out of the humidor (I'm in Connecticut where it's not too warm and usually not very humid, either) before it gets dried out, and what's the best way to carry it? I've been using a smaller ziploc and one of those Humicare pillows but that seems a bit much. I do have a glass cigar tube. Does carrying it outside of the humidor for say an hour or two really affect things much?
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First off welcome to the forums bud! You will find a lot of good guys here with a ton of useful information.. I should warn you, prepare to watch your bank accounts dwindle, this hobby is addicting! To answer your questions: 1) I would let the cigars in the bag rest in a properly humidified (seasoned) humidor, otherwise they will be too dry and crack and won't be enjoyable. Patience is a big thing when it comes to reviving dried out sticks. 2) I usually don't let a cigar sit outside of my humidor for more than an hour before smoking. If I take a cigar out, it's getting smoked! Cigars are very delicate and when not stored in the proper conditions can be easily ruined. Best way to carry sticks with you would be a herf-a-dor, which can be found here on CCom! I would suggest getting a humidor if you don't already have one and searching around the forums for the best ways to keep your cigars fresh! Once again welcome to the forums and happy smoking!
Heck, after a week or two in the mail but in a well-sealed bag and cello, are these even dried out yet?
If the plastic bag is holding 70% RH then I don't see a problem with keeping the sticks in there, just make sure it stays below 70% or so, since the humidity won't be going anywhere.. The sticks may not be dried out but I would err on the side of caution simply because if they are even the littlest bit dried out it can ruin the taste and experience of the cigar. Just my humble opinion though
To add to what's been said already, you can keep a cigar out of the humi for an hour or two without any real problem - longer than that, and it begins to dry out. Now, whether you'll notice or not is an entirely different matter; personally, 3 or 4 hours isn't enough for me to taste (hell, my palate isn't developed - I could go a day and probably wouldn't notice) - any longer though, and I'd start questioning why you even took it out if you don't plan to smoke it.
For your second question, your sticks might not be dried out yet, but they're well on their way. Most of the time with cigars what's going to kill them is the transition. Changes in humidity cause the wrapper and fillers to do all kinds of little movements and shuffles which will degrade the integrity of the stick, so you want to stop their drying process and get them in something that's controlled. To be on the safe side you may want to bring them up to proper humiditiy in stages. There's lots of good posts on here about "reviving dried cigars".
And don't let the cellophane fool you as a sealant, as it actually was designed to let water vapor pass through. It's purpose is to protect the wrapper from physical damage, not to assist with humidity retention in any way.