As a cigar lover, you want to experience your premium cigars’ rich, full flavor. However, you may find that your cigars are more moist, leading to a tight draw, burn issues, and an overall unpleasant smoking experience. This is where dry boxing comes into play!
What is Dry Boxing Cigars?
Dry boxing is a technique employed to reduce the levels of humidity of cigars, typically by placing them in a cedar box or other dry container for a couple of days. This process allows the stogies to reach an ideal moisture content for smoking and is distinct from storing them in a humidor, which adds moisture instead of removing it.
How to Dry-box Cigars?
You will need a cedar box or another container, a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels, and cigars. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dry box cigars:
- Check the humidity levels in your dry box using a hygrometer. The ideal humidity level is between 60-65%.
- Place your sticks in the storage, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Close the cigar box and leave it in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight.
- Check the humidity levels every 12 hours to ensure that the levels remain within the ideal range.
Tips for Dry-boxing Sticks
When dry boxing cigars, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure the best results. Here are some best practices:
- Do not dry box your cigars for too long. The ideal duration is one to three days.
- Refrain from over-drying your cigars, which can lead to burning issues and other problems.
- Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat, which can cause your premium cigars to dry out too quickly.
- Always use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in your dry box.
How Long Does it Take to Dry Box Stogies?
The best practice for dry boxing cigars is to keep them in the box for one to three days, although this can vary depending on factors like cigar size and moisture content. It’s essential to check the humidity regularly so that your cigars don’t become too dry.
Pros and Cons
Like all things in life, this has its advantages and disadvantages too. Here are some pros and cons of dry-boxing cigars:
Pros
- Removes excess moisture from cigars for a smoother and more consistent burn.
- Reduces the likelihood of burn issues, such as uneven burn lines and tunneling.
- Improves the overall taste and aroma of the cigar.
Cons
- Over-drying cigars can cause burn issues.
- This process may not be necessary for all types of cigars.
- Requires additional equipment, such as a hygrometer.
A Taste Test
To assess the efficacy of dry boxing sticks, we conducted a taste test with a group of cigar aficionados. We stored one set of cigars in a dry box and the other set in a humidor for the same amount of time. The taste test results revealed that the dry boxed stogies had a more even burn, a fuller flavor, and a stronger aroma than the humidor-stored ones. This suggests that this technique enhances the overall smoking experience.
Conclusion
If you’re an avid cigar smoker, dry boxing your cigars is a must for getting the most out of your premium sticks. Removing excess moisture from your cigars makes it possible to achieve a more even burn, richer flavor, and stronger aroma. With this guide in hand, you can now dry-box like a pro and enjoy every puff of your favorite cigars. So don’t hesitate – give it a try today!
FAQ
It is suggested to dry box your cigars prior to smoking them if they seem too damp. Nevertheless, this may not be necessary on a regular basis if you keep your cigars in an adequately managed cigar humidor.
It is possible to over-dry your cigars if you leave them in a dry environment for too long. This can lead to burning issues and other difficulties, so it is important to check the moisture content of your storage regularly.
Some cigars are naturally drier than others, so it may not be necessary to dry box them. However, if you find that your cigars are too moist and have issues with burning, then drying them could enhance the smoking experience.
It is strongly discouraged to store cigars in a dry box without using a hygrometer, as this will prevent you from accurately measuring humidity levels. A hygrometer is essential for maintaining optimal relative humidity conditions and should always be used.
