Monday, November 29 1999
Q. I recently tried a Kristoff Criollo Torpedo and was completely blown away. I'm eager to buy a box but since they are not in cello I'm worried about storing them. I've read that 'naked' cigars in a humidor can pick up some spiciness from the cedar. I think I've experienced that when I did a taste test of naked vs. cello of the same brand. Do you have any suggestions on the best way to keep the fresh-from-the-box-flavor for cigars not wrapped in cello?
- Richard H. in Houston, TX
A. Regarding this cedar spiciness issue, I have never heard of this - unless you're referring to another type of cedar. Most humidors use Spanish cedar because premium cigars are aged in Spanish cedar-lined aging rooms, not to mention that most cigar boxes are made from same. Perhaps when you did your test, you just got an odd bitter stick?
You could place all the cigars in a Ziploc bag and keep that in your cigar humidor. Or, if your humidor is big enough to hold it, just put the factory box in there.
Outside of that, I say give them a chance to age as-is. I believe that over time you will taste a marked improvement.
