Saving Dry Cigars

[mattdivo]

I just received a box of NCs from a friend, and noticed that they were very dry. I've had them for about a week, and have kept them in a humidor at about 72-75 percent humidity, and also brought them in the steam-filled bathroom after showers. To date, the cigars still feel hard and make a dry cracking sound when they are pinched.

Any suggestions on how to save these sticks? I'm hoping to save them as they are perfect to hand out to non-smokers.

[BrotherBear]

3 months in a properly humidified humidor will likely do the trick.

[Puros Y Vino]

I just received a box of NCs from a friend, and noticed that they were very dry. I've had them for about a week, and have kept them in a humidor at about 72-75 percent humidity, and also brought them in the steam-filled bathroom after showers. To date, the cigars still feel hard and make a dry cracking sound when they are pinched.

Any suggestions on how to save these sticks? I'm hoping to save them as they are perfect to hand out to non-smokers.

Do a search on the forums. Lots of great advice. In general. Revive them slowly. Start at lower RH levels and build it up over time. Be ready to spend 6mos to a year before they are "rehabilitated" though. If they've been dry for over 2 years, there might not be much left to revive if all the oils have evaporated.

[CaptainQuintero]

Ditto on the do it slowly, if you do it too fast the wrapper may explode/split

[riazp]

Ditto on the do it slowly, if you do it too fast the wrapper may explode/split

Yup you want to bring up in humidity slowly...saved a few cigars that way

[CaptainQuintero]

Yup you want to bring up in humidity slowly...saved a few cigars that way

and wear a tin hat just in case they do explode

[Hohenthal]

Most non Cubans are wrapped in celophane, you could slice the celophane lenghthways (using small scissors) to allow more humidity exchange, but otherwise: +1 on SLOWLY.

[mattdivo]

Thanks for the great advice. I guess I'll have to be patient and slowly resuscitate them back to life.

[Tony12]

Soak'em in some cold water...Just kidding

Revive them slowly. Put them in your humi and forget about em!

[Diamondog]

Typically you will find dry cigars are not worth saving. You can always experiment but I personally wouldn't bother. The oils are essential and if they are gone forget about it and move on...

[Diamondog]

You are right that alot of the flavour is gone if the oils are gone, but how can you say its not worth it? It doesnt cost anything to try other than a little bit of patience.

True enough but if the flavors aren't there which they most likely won't be then I'd rather pitch them and smoke something flavorful...never hurts though...