Dry Cigars

[KenyanSandBoa]

I recently got some cigars that are really dry. I tried smoking one that seemed ok, but it was a disaster. I lost the cap on the cut and wrapper just started flaking off onto my lips as I smoked it. When it came down to me smoking binder, I just quit.

My question is two fold:

1. Am I better off taking the dry cigars out of the cello to "re-humidify" them?
2. How long should they be treated before they are ok to smoke?

Thanks!!

[e-man67]

I would leave them in the cello...it will breathe and probably protect your sticks from hydrating too fast...a week should do the trick I would think.

[Mr B]

I got a dry one the other day from someone. I put it in the humi for about 2-3 weeks and smoked it the other day. It could have used more time. It was not super dry to begin with but I could tell it was not properly himidified.

[KenyanSandBoa]

Thanks!!

And this is done at normal RH levels?

[mosesbotbol]

If you thought they smoked fine outside of them falling apart, you can try rinsing the outside of the cigar before cutting if you don't want to wait it out. There's a thread on that somewhere on this site. Even on humid cigars, rinsing changes the taste and generally for more complex, less bitey cigar.

The rest, well, it just take time. Two weeks for them to be humid, perhaps longer to really be like they were in there for a while.

[KenyanSandBoa]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

If you thought they smoked fine outside of them falling apart, you can try rinsing the outside of the cigar before cutting if you don't want to wait it out. There's a thread on that somewhere on this site. Even on humid cigars, rinsing changes the taste and generally for more complex, less bitey cigar.

The rest, well, it just take time. Two weeks for them to be humid, perhaps longer to really be like they were in there for a while.

That was pretty much the case...it was mainly the wrapper. I'll look into rinsing...thanks for the tip!!
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[bobarian]

Try just misting the wrapper with a spray bottle. I use the one I have for moistening my beads. A few spritzes and then wipe the wrapper with your finger to spread the water beads evenly. This will work if only the wrapper is dry. But if the binder/filler still taste dried out, then rehumidify in your humidor.

[wolfandwhisky]

in my limited experience with this subject, I think time is your friend. let them sit as long as possible. unless you absolutely have to smoke it in the near term, I'd say let them sit for a month or more - maybe 2 or 3 months even. maybe a bit conservative, but extra time won't hurt them, too little time could not bring enough moisture back in. the time also depends upon the size.

Cello on or off doesn't really make a difference, as the cello isn't airtight. The other brothers are right that you should rehumidify them, but I'd strongly suggest you do it in stages...a week or so at 60, then 65, then your ideal humidity for as long as you like (like Matt said, time is your friend). Keep an eye out for wrapper damage (especially at the foot); it's a sign that you're bringing them up too fast.

[KenyanSandBoa]

Thanks everyone.

I'll let them sit for a while and try one after misting it.

[jmsremax]

Originally Posted by KenyanSandBoa

Thanks everyone.

I'll let them sit for a while and try one after misting it.

I think you can afford to let them sit for a few weeks.

[KenyanSandBoa]

Originally Posted by jmsremax

I think you can afford to let them sit for a few weeks.

What are you trying to say, Jon...that I have a problem?

[Mugen910]

It is not a problem till the woman says it is
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