Remove cellophane wrap in tupperdor?

[597]

It's up to you if you want to remove the wrapper. From what I have heard there are Pros/Cons.

The Pros of leaving a wrapper on is that it will retain more moisture than without the wrapper, and that it will hold its own taste/smell better and not absorb other cigars smells/taste as quick. These can be important depending on how many diffrent cigars you have in a humidor and or if you have a humidifier in the storage box.

The Pros of taking off the wrapper is that the cigars will supposedly age "better". Generally speaking this would be applicable in a humidor with cedar lineing. Also the Cigars will pick up other cigars smells/taste that are also exposed in the humidor unwrapped and touching (apparently I read somewhere that some people do this on cheap cigars to get a cheap cigars to taste like a better, thats assuming you pair them with a better cigar)

[chefchris]

(apparently I read somewhere that some people do this on cheap cigars to get a cheap cigars to taste like a better, thats assuming you pair them with a better cigar)

would that not have an equal reaction on the 'better' smokes?

[drew_goring]

It's up to you if you want to remove the wrapper. From what I have heard there are Pros/Cons.

The Pros of leaving a wrapper on is that it will retain more moisture than without the wrapper, and that it will hold its own taste/smell better and not absorb other cigars smells/taste as quick. These can be important depending on how many diffrent cigars you have in a humidor and or if you have a humidifier in the storage box.

The Pros of taking off the wrapper is that the cigars will supposedly age "better". Generally speaking this would be applicable in a humidor with cedar lineing. Also the Cigars will pick up other cigars smells/taste that are also exposed in the humidor unwrapped and touching (apparently I read somewhere that some people do this on cheap cigars to get a cheap cigars to taste like a better, thats assuming you pair them with a better cigar)

I don't believe this information to be true. Cellophane is permeable, so really it doesn't make a difference at all whether you remove the cello or not. The only difference is that the cellophane will protect the wrapper a bit, but other than that it is a matter of personal opinion.

It is generally accepted that non-flavored cigars do not "marry" their flavors. Although some people will go lengths to seperate their cigars from different regions.

But, the search button is there for a reason. Feel free to use it.

[597]

I don't believe this information to be true. Cellophane is permeable, so really it doesn't make a difference at all whether you remove the cello or not. The only difference is that the cellophane will protect the wrapper a bit, but other than that it is a matter of personal opinion.

But, the search button is there for a reason. Feel free to use it.

You are correct that a Cellophane is permeable. The Cellophane would merely slow down the transfer as I attempted to explain (don't believe me try putting a piece of food that smells in a box and in another box wrap the same food in a ziplock and see which box will smell worst sooner, its the same idea) what degree cigars will transfer smell/taste is debatable but it is possible (as if you have a bad smelling humi or something with a strong scent in it the cigars will pick it up)

And yes Chefchris is probably correct about makeing a "better" cigar drop in flavor if they are paired though it is questionable to what degree they transfer falvors.

[drew_goring]

You are correct that a Cellophane is permeable. The Cellophane would merely slow down the transfer as I attempted to explain (don't believe me try putting a piece of food that smells in a box and in another box wrap the same food in a ziplock and see which box will smell worst sooner, its the same idea) what degree cigars will transfer smell/taste is debatable but it is possible (as if you have a bad smelling humi or something with a strong scent in it the cigars will pick it up)

And yes Chefchris is probably correct about makeing a "better" cigar drop in flavor if they are paired though it is questionable to what degree they transfer falvors.

Well, that that would be an accurate comparison except for one small detail. I don't remember the last time the cellophane on a (premium) cigar was sealed. If a cigar is really that offensive or smelly that I could compare it to a smelly piece of food, the first place that cigar would be going is the front lawn.

I also find the idea that a dog rocket will make an Opus "drop in flavor" by putting them side by side in the humi laughable.

And I was really more referring to your statements about aging to be untrue. Leaving the cello on will have no effect on how a cigar "retains moisture". There becomes a time when your cigars and humidor will reach equilibrium where the cellophaned cigars will contain the same amount of moisture as the non-cello'd sticks (which contain the same amount of moisture as the humidor). Granted the cello may sligtly increase the time it takes for your cigars to reach equilibrium, this time would be measured in days, which is rather insignificant when you consider the cigar aging process.

I am wondering how you came to the conclusion that a cigar will "age better" with the cello off when compared to a cigar with the cello on. Also, what does a cedar lining have to do with the aging process?

[597]

Well, that that would be an accurate comparison except for one small detail. I don't remember the last time the cellophane on a (premium) cigar was sealed. If a cigar is really that offensive or smelly that I could compare it to a smelly piece of food, the first place that cigar would be going is the front lawn.

I also find the idea that a dog rocket will make an Opus "drop in flavor" by putting them side by side in the humi laughable.

And I was really more referring to your statements about aging to be untrue. Leaving the cello on will have no effect on how a cigar "retains moisture". There becomes a time when your cigars and humidor will reach equilibrium where the cellophaned cigars will contain the same amount of moisture as the non-cello'd sticks (which contain the same amount of moisture as the humidor). Granted the cello may sligtly increase the time it takes for your cigars to reach equilibrium, this time would be measured in days, which is rather insignificant when you consider the cigar aging process.

I am wondering how you came to the conclusion that a cigar will "age better" with the cello off when compared to a cigar with the cello on. Also, what does a cedar lining have to do with the aging process?

My statements above are from what I have heard and they do have some logic to it. Most of the statements above are what authors in cigar books have said one of which being Tad Gage. I am assuming by what he ment by ageing is the same thing about the transfer of air from inside/outside the cellophane wrapper which seems to be the main point in this thread. It is logical that transfer of air is easier with no barrier. If there is a barrier then air and all of the elements, molecules within the air may not travel as rapidly through the barrier. It comes down to basic science. Yes eventually they will reach equalibrium with humidity assuming the humidor doesn't flucuate sporadically. However a barrier (ie cellophane) may prevent some transfer of air particles(ie smell...). We are both saying the same thing as far as I see. I am just trying to point out "arguments" on both sides to allow the thread creator to make an informed decision on their part. The diffrence between having a cellophane wrapper and not is probably minimal in most situations.

[drew_goring]

My statements above are from what I have heard and they do have some logic to it. Most of the statements above are what authors in cigar books have said one of which being Tad Gage. I am assuming by what he ment by ageing is the same thing about the transfer of air from inside/outside the cellophane wrapper which seems to be the main point in this thread. It is logical that transfer of air is easier with no barrier. If there is a barrier then air and all of the elements, molecules within the air may not travel as rapidly through the barrier. It comes down to basic science. Yes eventually they will reach equalibrium with humidity assuming the humidor doesn't flucuate sporadically. However a barrier (ie cellophane) may prevent some transfer of air particles(ie smell...). We are both saying the same thing as far as I see. I am just trying to point out "arguments" on both sides to allow the thread creator to make an informed decision on their part. The diffrence between having a cellophane wrapper and not is probably minimal in most situations.

Yup. I just didn't want people to get the wrong idea about cello. It really is just a matter of personal opinion.

[597]

I got an e-mail news letter today from Cigar.com which discussed this very issue. I thought I post it on this thread just to show some people what others say. Well here it is.

Leaving the Cellophane On:

Contrary to popular belief, humidity will reach your cigars when you leave the cello on. The plastic used by cigar manufacturers is permeable, enabling a certain level of moisture and air to circulate in and out of the protective cover. Otherwise, a micro-climate would be created inside the cellophane, and the cigars would be more susceptible to mold. Since humidity will reach your cigars with or without the cellophane, there are many reasons to leave it on.

Protection From Other Cigars: Tobacco gets its flavor and characteristics from oils that escape from the leaf and remain on the surface. The oils from the various tobacco leaves inside the cigar meld and marry with each other to create balance and give each blend a unique profile. Storing different brands without cellophane right next to one another can produce the same marrying effect on a much larger scale. The result is that over time, many of the various brands will start to change and take on one uniform taste.

Protection From You: The oils that form on each of your cigars are also at risk from over-handling. Every time you pick up a cigar and come into direct contact with the tobacco, the oils rub off on your skin. Once lost, these oils can take a great deal of time to replenish, and will affect the overall smoking experience when the time comes to enjoy your cigar.

Protection From the Elements: As you can see, cigars that have been removed from their cellophane are at higher of losing both flavor and aroma. However, aside from these changes, cellophane also protects against physical damage that can occur when moving your cigars from place to place or dropping them in your pocket as you head out for the night. After tobacco ferments, it becomes much less pliable, and it takes very little to tear or damage the delicate wrapper. Any damage changes the way a cigar burns, resulting in a dramatically altered taste.

Taking the Cellophane Off:

At this point, you are probably asking yourself, "Why would anyone ever want to take the cellophane off their cigars before storing them?" Well, the cellophane can actually inhibit the aging of your favorite smokes.

Aging: Once rolled, cigars complete their final fermentation in aging rooms, then are boxed and shipped to retail stores around the world. Next, the cigars begin the first of as many as three maturation periods that are characterized by the breaking down of tannins and the marrying of oils. During these stages, the cigar settles into a more refined taste. Depending on the tobacco used to make the cigar, this process can take as long as 50 years. However, if cigars are kept in cellophane, this process is slowed by as much as 60 percent. Additionally, after several years in cellophane, the emitting oils and by-products of the maturation can make the cellophane less breathable, and your cigars will be susceptible to mold.

Maintaining Steady Humidity: While cellophane is breathable, it is not ideal for maintaining the best possible climate for your cigars when they enter your humidor. Once a cigar levels out at a constant humidity, the tobacco absorbs and releases moisture in an effort to maintain equilibrium and consistency in your humidor. This can be more difficult with an added layer of cellophane encasing your sticks.

Tradition: Cellophane is relatively new to cigars, as it was first introduced by JC Newman (makers of Diamond Crown and Cuesta Rey) in the 1930’s. Prior to that time, only a small handful of cigars came in packaging, which ranged from foil to tissue paper. In fact, to this day, no hand-rolled premiums are imported from Cuba in protective cellophane.

Which method is right for you? In the end, it all depends on what type of cigar smoker you consider yourself to be. If you anticipate traveling and handling your cigars to some degree, then you should keep your cigars in cellophane. However, if you intend on aging a limited variety of brands for an extended period of time and want them at their best, it is smarter to remove the cellophane before storing them. Nevertheless, keep in mind that aging requires patience and organization because the cigars should not be over-handled and must be separated to avoid cross-marrying of the different blends in your collection.

This does not necessarily have to be a black and white issue. Many aficionados will buy a box of cigars and store half of them "naked" for aging, and keep the remainder in cellophane for added protection. Just keep in mind that regardless of your preference, each method has its advantages.