In the cigar community, one of the most frequently asked questions seems to be about its storage.
While those familiar with cigars might already have their preferences intact, new hobbyists often have one confusion. “Should I leave my cigars in plastic while inside the humidor?”
Being a cigar enthusiast myself, I have found myself asking the same questions. Well, as much as the answer depends on one’s preference, there are several groundworks we can lay to figure out what best works for the cigar.
So, by digging deep into what is beneficial to keep cigars fresh and intact and doing some research, I found many aspects to it.
Therefore, in this article, I will be answering your queries with recommendations regarding humidor and solid reasons to wrap or unwrap in plastics.
To Wrap or Not to Wrap?
To answer this question, it doesn’t matter whether or not you wrap or unwrap the plastic off your cigar.
Although it does sound vague, the plastic on the cigar doesn’t take away the effectiveness of a humidor.
Instead, the plastic used in cigars called “cellophane” is slightly better than ordinary plastics. They are porous and allow humidity to pass through them quickly.
Although, as mentioned above, it always boils down to the preference of a person. Some like to keep it on, and some like it off, but the benefits of keeping it on definitely outweigh keeping the plastic off.
Benefits of Keeping the Plastic On
Some of the advantages of keeping the plastic on are:
Longevity of the cigars:
The plastic used in the cigars helps pass the humidity inside of the humidor to your cigars and keeps the cigars fresh and useable for a long time. It won’t prevent it from aging at all but will slow the process of aging inside the humidor.
Storing large quantities of cigars will be easy:
When storing large quantities of cigars, the plastic cellophane will stop the cigars from “marrying” and keep individual tastes and aromas from mixing up together inside the humidor, which means the individuality of the cigars will remain intact without compromising on storage, making it significantly travel friendly.
Situations where Keeping the Plastic on your Cigar is Beneficial
Now that we’ve already found out how the plastic on cigars helps with the longevity and individuality of cigars, it’s safe to say that most people will not unwrap their cigars and keeping them as is in their humidors.
But still, if you prefer mixing the scents and aromas and essential oils of cigars to create a secondary and tertiary scent, I advise keeping your cigars unwrapped on a daily basis.
But say you have a long haul ahead and wonder if you should cover your cigars with plastic? Or should you not?
Let me answer that for you:
Here are some circumstances where it’s best to leave the plastic on your cigars:
1. Long Hauls:
Yes, that is correct; answering my question from above, I will always advise keeping the plastic on during long hauls because it ensures the cigars in enduring minor damage than it would without plastic.
It is a standard practice in cigar industries to have a plastic coat on the cigar before shipping to various retailers, which is why your cigars already come in plastic enclosing.
2. Shipping:
If you plan on shipping your cigars for sale or as a gift, the same rule applies here. For the cigar to ship away, it has to go through quite a lot of traveling; therefore, it is always advisable to enclose it in plastic.
3. Storing a large quantity together:
Suppose you’re planning to store your cigars together and don’t like how it tastes after being mingled with other identical cigars.
In that case, I advise you to keep the plastic on because, as we already know, it helps keep the cigar fresh and stops it from mingling with other cigar flavors and losing most of its essential oils. You must never forget this small detail for maximum freshness and originality.
How to Differentiate Between Regular Plastic and Cellophane
Now that we’ve come this far in this article, it would only be right for me to describe or point out the differences between regular plastic and particular-purpose cellophane used in cigars.
Although both being types of plastics, cellophane is biodegradable and have other differences amongst them:
- Color:
Cellophane will have different colors but is transparent and will not appear faded. It is much softer compared to regular plastics.
- Smell:
Cellophane is a non-toxic and odorless packaging film. Therefore, it tends to be more apparent and different from regular plastics.
- Test:
Cellophane is hydrophilic and will absorb water, whereas regular plastics repel the water on its surface.
Now, on for a few humidor selections:
What are my Top 3 Picks on Cigar Humidor?
1. Case Elegance Handcrafted Humidor:
It is a small and compact unit that holds about 15 cigars but ultimately depends on the size and shape of those cigars. If you’re planning to store cigars long-term, regulating the humidity levels is key to preserving the flavors.
This humidor keeps relative humidity levels at about 65% to 70% which is recommendable for cigar storage.
2. Bald Eagle Handmade Cigar Humidor:
It is a handmade box for the desktop ecosystem and has a modest storage capacity. It fits anywhere from 20 to 25 cigars inside, again depending on the size and shape. The underside of the box has scratch-resistant velvet for the safety of your desk.
3. Whynter Stainless Steel Cigar Humidor:
The Whynter offers ample cigar storage if you can accommodate it.
This cooler and humidor combined have 1.2 cubic feet of storage space. There’s an even larger version available with double the interior, so you’ll have enough space inside for up to 250 cigars and can be used for small commercial purposes, too.
List of 3 Best Humidors in 2021
Here are some of the best humidors in today’s date:
1. Glass Top Handcrafted Cedar Humidor:
Glass Top Handcrafted Cedar Humidor has an impressive selection of features. With a classy look and feel, it is as perfect as it seems. Case Elegance provides stylish and functional ways to store your cigars.
Features:
Materials: Cedarwood, Glass
Capacity: 25 to 30.
Accessories: Built-in hygrometer
Pros:
- Holds 25 to 30 cigars
- Includes an accessory drawer
- Elegant design
Cons:
- The hygrometer could be more aesthetically appealing.
2. Mantello Royal Glass-Top Cigar Humidor:
With a classic design and matching analog hygrometer, this humidor has a timeless look. It provides a humid environment best suited to hold cigars. With all of the sophistication without putting a burden on your bank account, this humidor is just the deal winner.
Materials: Cedar, Glass, Rosewood
Capacity: 25 to 50
Accessories: Built-in hygrometer
Pros:
- Rosewood finish
- Gold-plated hinges
- Scratch-resistant felt-lined bottom
Cons:
- The hygrometer is not digital
3. XIII Acrylic Humidor Jar:
This neat humidor comes with a humidifier and all the necessary accessories. So you won’t need to buy anything separately.
The lid gets its fit with a stable seal that locks in the humidity and keeps your cigars from damages and drying out.
Materials: Acrylic
Capacity: Up to 18 cigars
Accessories: Hygrometer, Humidifier
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Compact
- Includes cedar sheets
Cons:
- Not ideal for long term storage
As I end my article post, I sincerely hope that my article was helpful, and now you know whether or not a cigar needs wrapping in plastic inside the humidor. Also, I have listed three of the best humidors to provide the readers with options and convenience.
