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I apologize if this is a stupid question, but is it better to store boxes with the plastic wrap on or off? I'm guessing it's a matter of personal preference, but I'd like to hear some of your thoughts. Obviously, the humidity can get through since that's the way they're stored before we get them. Thanks in advance.
It's permeable, so you need not worry, but I just have to see that the sticks are undamaged inside when I purchase a box. I would be royally POed if I sat on a box for a year or two, just to finally break the seal and discover mold, beetles, or shipping damage.
If I plan on long term aging I open to inspect and then wrap well with Saran Wrap. If they are just going in for a rest and are to be smoked soon I don't worry about it.
EDIT: When I say "I don't worry about it" I still open to inspect the contents. I just don't worry about re-wrapping.
I think its best practice to open and inspect any new purchase upon receipt. If theres any issues you want them addressed ASAP. The longer you wait, should an issue arise, the less chance you have of correcting the situation. This goes for anything you buy IMO not just cigars.
I'm in the camp of opening immediately to inspect. I've heard that leaving it sealed can help resale value down the road, if you are thinking of selling the box. But personally, when I see a sealed box for sale that the seller has had for a long time, I pass for reasons Tobias mentioned. Aged + Sealed = Uncertainty of Condition to me.
I just don't know how anyone could buy a box and not open it to ogle at the beautiful sight.
I've learned to always open and inspect...
Had half a box of cigars get damaged in shipping and I did not notice till it was too late. Was a BUSY time of year for me so I just popped them into the humidor and let them rest. Opened it up a few months later to find out they were damaged...
Thanks guys. This info helps a lot.
Depends on the material - if cello-based, you can leave it on to protect the box, if poly-based, better to take it off. Today most are poly-based shrink wrap, you can tell by the texture and how it was seal - cello-based ones put on like you paper wrap a christmas present and then seal with a heat shoe, so you can see an the hospital corner folds on the box.
From a cigar point of view less packaging is better, from a collector and protector point of view leaving the original packaging intact is better
Ultimately it really doesn't make a lot of difference unless you are aging cigars regularly for 5 or more years.
BR,
STS
I've been able to wait and leave them wrapped - for about 15 minutes, but then I just gotta' open 'em up and look at 'em. Not too many sites sweeter looking or more fun than cutting the seal and peeling back the tissue and ribbon around a fresh set of boxed cigars.
I am also in the open and inspect camp. Just to be sure.