Wrappers in the humidor?

kavenius · March 2008

Ladies and Gents~

I've recently entered into the wonderful world of cigars, and I'm certainly enjoying my newfound hobby. In perusing the blogs and forums, I must say that a newbie will feel very welcomed by the surrounding people. I've read most, if not all, of the posts and responses, and all questions are entertained with sincerity and respect, whether obvious or elementary.

With that, I must ask my question: do you "professionals" leave the wrappers on the cigars when you put them in your humidors?

I've read the answers from "Yes, the plastic will breath so it's ok," to the "No, they are only used for shipping and should be removed."

So which is it? I'm sure there are personal preferences, but is there an overwhelming preference either way?

Thanks in advance!

spidah · March 2008

I too have asked this question of several people. I have found that it all boils down to personal preference. Some say remove the cellophane some say leave it on. Personally I have found that it is a matter of the cigar. With certain brands I found that over time the "taste" of the cellophane was absorbed in to the cigar while others were unaffected completley. My suggestion is if you buy a few unwrap half of them and leave the other half alone. If you notice a difference you have your answer.

ashmaster · March 2008

This question has brought about many a spirited discussion and as far as I'm concerned there is no absolute right or wrong. As spidah said, "it all boils down to personal preference". I leave the cellophane on all my smokes, except one of each kind. Basically cellophane is used to protect the wrapper and as I have a good number of smokes with the need to rotate them from time-to-time, I just don't want to risk damaging the wrappers. I've never noticed a humidity problem as the cellophane is porous. As far as aging, doesn't taste like there's a problem either. This works for me.

joeten5 · March 2008

All wrappers off for me.

kuzi16 · March 2008

i keep all the cellophane on. I know it ages a bit slower but, i rummage through my stash often and i like the added protection.

its about personal taste

xander · March 2008

Personally, I leave my wrappers on. I tend to travel quite a bit and take various smokes with me when I go. So I like having the wrappers on to help protect my sticks.

However that being said, I do think that the sticks look better in the humidor without their wrappers.

handypantz · March 2008

Both! I keep my cigars seperated in my humi by similar characteristics...so the ones on the top tray that I will more sooner smoke I take the cellophane off...the ones deep down in the bottom and some of my finer cigars I leave them on...but its completely subjective imho

Chevy · March 2008

I keep some on and some off, depending on how soon I plan on smoking them. I hear that it is better for the "aging and maturing" process if you take them off the cigars but they will breathe either way.

aaron · March 2008

I take all mine off. I like how it looks, but I'm also not convinced that the sticks breathe just as well either way. They may breathe with cello on but they must do better with it off. So I take all of mine off and let all the flavors marry and let the humi do its thing.

Alex_Svenson · March 2008

I wrote an article on this subject a while back. I cant seem to find it now, but this one is also pretty good. You may have to register with the site to read it. http://www.cigaradvocate.org/411/read_411_art.cfm?art_id=22

kavenius · March 2008

Great article, Alex. And thanks to all giving their respective input. I believe I will take everyone's advice; I left one tray for unwrapped sticks, and the rest will remain wrapped. We'll see which ones taste best at the "smoking hour."

Itsfine · September 2022

I would leave the cello on the cigars.

Rhamlin · September 2022

It’s a personal preference. If you are prone to rummaging through your cigars leave them on. I used to always take them off if keeping them in a box but I got lazy so I leave them on now.