Tubed Cigars

A question I get asked very often is “How should I store tubed cigars?” A few ways to do so are - putting them in a humidor still sealed or removing the lid and placing the open tube in the humidor, or even dispose of the tube and place the cigar inside the humidor.

Tubes are mainly used for protecting the cigar inside so that they survive their transportation. However some people believe that they are a marketing technique used to get their brand more visible on the shelf. They also make great gifts, due to the graphics they are able to put on the tube they can be made to look very nice indeed. They are ideal for customers who don’t have the best conditions for storing cigars but still want to enjoy the experience of a fresh cigar.

Should you remove cigars from the tube?

This decision is entirely up to you. If you are planning to take the cigar with you on your travels, then keeping it in the tube will help to protect it, however, if you are looking at ageing the cigar, keeping it in the tube will make it age slower compared to if it was uncovered. Although it may take longer to age in a tube, doing so can give the cigar some interesting flavours and aromas. This is due to the lack of air reaching the cigar, it can become milder and the small evaporation of essential oils and ammonia that occurs inside the tube means the aromas will change.

Cigars will also stay fresh in a tube for a few days or even up to a week when removed from the humidor, this is much longer than a non-tubed one which will usually last one day.

Should you keep tubed cigars in a humidor?

Always put cigars in a humidor with or without the tube. While the cap doesn’t allow much air to get in, it doesn’t mean it's airtight and the humidity will be affected inside. A good technique is to put the tubed cigar in your humidor but with the cap off and it protects the wrapper from potential damage but allows the air in to keep it humidified. Once you have decided when you want to smoke the cigar, put the cap on and carry it wherever you like knowing the tube will offer protection and you won't even need a travel humidor.

Written by Oliver Partington