How Long Do Cigars Last in Plastic Wrapper? – A Comprehensive Guide

Cigar aficionados know that proper storage is essential to maintaining the quality and flavor of their favorite stogies.

Key Takeaways

• Generally, cigars will last 30days in their plastic wrapper and no humidor. 
• Keeping them in cellophane inside a humidor has advantages and disadvantages – it comes down to personal preference.

One question that often arises among enthusiasts is, “How long do cigars last in their plastic wrapper?” This article will explore the lifespan of cigars in their cellophane wrappers, weigh the pros and cons of keeping them wrapped, and address some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision for your prized collection.

How Long Do Cigars Stay Fresh in the Plastic Cellophane Wrapper?

Cigars can last for an extended period when stored correctly, even in their original plastic cellophane wrapper.

The plastic wrapper acts as a barrier that slows down moisture exchange and protects the cigar from potential damage or contamination.

Generally, cigars can remain fresh in their cellophane wrapper for roughly 30 days. However, the ideal duration will depend on factors such as the cigar’s quality, storage conditions, and the thickness of the cellophane.

Should I Leave Them in the Plastic?

Whether or not to leave cigars in their plastic wrapper is a matter of personal preference. Some aficionados prefer to remove the cellophane to allow the cigars to breathe and age properly. Others opt to keep the cigars wrapped for added protection. 

Should I Keep My Cigars in the Plastic Wrap in the Humidor?

Deciding whether to keep your cigars in their plastic cellophane wrapper inside a humidor depends on your personal preferences and storage goals.

Keeping the cigars wrapped in a humidor offers several benefits that can help maintain their quality and freshness.

• Enhanced Protection: The plastic wrapper provides an extra layer of protection against physical damage. It shields the cigars from scratches, nicks, and tears that may occur during handling or arranging your collection within the humidor. Additionally, the cellophane can deter pests like tobacco beetles, preventing any infestation that could ruin your cigars.
• Flavor Preservation: When stored together, different cigar blends can exchange flavors over time, affecting their unique profiles. The cellophane wrapper acts as a barrier that prevents the flavors of various cigars from mixing, ensuring each cigar retains its distinct taste and aroma.
• Moisture Control: While the cellophane is not airtight, it slows down the humidity exchange between the cigar and its environment. This feature can help maintain the cigar’s freshness, especially in situations where the humidor’s humidity fluctuates or is not consistently monitored.
• Easy Organization: Keeping cigars in their cellophane wrapper makes them easier to organize and identify in your humidor. The wrappers often display the brand and type, allowing you to locate your preferred cigars quickly.

However, there are some potential downsides to keeping cigars wrapped in the humidor. For instance, the cellophane can restrict airflow, which may slow down the aging process and hinder the development of flavors.

Additionally, cigars wrapped in cellophane might take longer to acclimate to changes in humidity, making it crucial to monitor and maintain proper humidity levels.

Benefits of Taking the Cellophane Wrapper Off

Removing the cellophane wrapper from your cigars before storing them in a humidor comes with its own set of advantages.

Here are some key benefits of taking the wrapper off:

• Improved Aging: One of the most significant benefits of removing the cellophane wrapper is that it allows the cigars to breathe and age more effectively. Unwrapped cigars have better access to air circulation, which promotes the development of complex and nuanced flavors over time. This maturation process enhances the overall smoking experience.

• Faster Humidity Acclimation: Without the cellophane wrapper, cigars can absorb and release moisture more quickly. This responsiveness helps maintain the optimal humidity levels necessary for cigar preservation. Faster acclimation to humidity changes ensures that your cigars stay in prime condition, even if your humidor experiences occasional fluctuations.

• Enhanced Aesthetics: Removing the cellophane wrapper allows you to showcase the craftsmanship and artistry of your cigars. The intricate details, such as the wrapper’s texture and color or the cigar band’s design, become more visible and appealing. Displaying unwrapped cigars can elevate the visual appeal of your humidor and create a more immersive experience for you and your guests.

• Environmental Benefits: By choosing to remove and properly dispose of the cellophane wrappers, you can reduce the plastic waste associated with cigar storage. This environmentally friendly choice helps minimize the environmental impact of your cigar hobby.

• Better Integration: Unwrapped cigars can better integrate with the cedar lining commonly found in humidors. The cedar wood imparts subtle flavors and scents to the cigars, enhancing their character and depth. Additionally, cedar helps regulate humidity and repels tobacco beetles, providing an extra layer of protection for your cigars.

While there are several advantages to removing the cellophane wrapper, it’s important to consider the potential downsides, such as reduced protection from physical damage or flavor transfer between different cigars. Ultimately, the decision to remove or keep the wrapper on depends on your personal preferences and priorities in cigar storage and care.

FAQs

Can I store cigars without a humidor? While a humidor is the preferred method for storing cigars, you can use airtight containers or plastic zip bags with a Boveda pack to maintain humidity temporarily.

How do I know if my cigar has gone bad? A bad cigar may exhibit signs such as mold, dryness, or an unpleasant smell. If a cigar feels too hard or too soft, it might be improperly stored.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, the decision to keep cigars in their plastic cellophane wrapper or remove them comes down to personal preference. Each method has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to consider your specific needs and priorities. With proper storage and attention to humidity levels, your cigars will maintain their freshness and flavor, providing an enjoyable experience for months or even years to come.

In summary, if you prioritize protection, preservation, and separation of flavors, keeping cigars in their plastic cellophane wrapper might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you value the aging process, humidity balance, and aesthetics, removing the wrapper could be more beneficial.

No matter your preference, remember that proper storage is critical. Invest in a quality humidor or use alternative methods, such as airtight containers with humidity control packs, to ensure your cigars remain in optimal condition. Regularly check on your cigars and monitor the humidity levels to prevent any deterioration in quality.

By taking the time to understand the benefits of both wrapped and unwrapped cigars and following proper storage techniques, you can ensure that your cigar collection remains fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever you decide to light one up. Happy smoking!