Should cigars be unboxed, unwrapped, or both before storing in a humidor?

Question

Can any cigar enthusiast please answer my question on whether cigars should be unboxed, unwrapped, or both before being stored in a humidor? Thanks.

Answer 1

I would always unwrap before putting in a humidor.

the humidor is designed to keep them at optimum conditions, and the wrappers stop that happening

Answer 2

You hear it both ways, some say leave wrapping on and others say take it off.

My personal opinion is that if you are putting the cigars in a humidor to age, and you're conscientious about making sure the moisture and temperature levels remain constant, then unwrap them.

I've had several that were aged in the wrapper and I think it raises the ammonia taste.

If you're just storing them for a short time before using them I believe it is perfectly acceptable to keep them in the wrappers or boxes. That's the way the stores keep them.

Answer 3

If you have a high quality humidor with Spanish cedar that holds humidity well then unwrap. They will age indefinitely if properly stored. Flavors tend to mellow though.
If not I'd leave them in the cello. Its an extra buffer that gives you some fudge room if humidity goes down. If you smoke them within a few months it shouldn't affect flavor.
If I have room I'll leave uncello-ed sticks in the box then place the box in the humidor. I do that with my Partagas Lusitanias and they are sublime after about 3-4 years.
Make sure your temp doesn't get too high either. Tobacco beatles can hatch and ruin everything.

Answer 4

You can store them either way the cello wrapper still allows moisture and the boxes impart a flavor if they are good quality (if they are paperboard not so much). Enjoy!