Is is OK to keep cigars in their factory boxes in your humidor?

Monday, November 29 1999

Q. I just bought a cabinet humidor. If I store my cigars in their factory boxes, will they receive the proper amount of humidity?
- Gene in East Hampton, NY

A.  It depends on how long you plan to age them. The key is to make sure all of your cigars receive as equal an amount of humidity as possible.The best way to ensure this, especially for long-term aging, is by keeping the boxes open just enough to allow air flow into them. Tucking a rolled-up business card in the corner of the boxes, or some other small, innoucuous prop will do the trick.