Few things are more heartbreaking to a cigar lover than opening a box and finding their prized cigars dry and brittle. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or new to the world of fine cigars, it’s a common question: can a dried cigar be revived?
The answer — thankfully — is yes, provided the wrapper hasn’t cracked or unravelled. But patience is key. Cigar restoration is not an instant process; it’s an exercise in gentle care and time.
If your cigars have dried out completely, they’ll crumble at the lightest touch and, sadly, cannot be saved. However, if they’re simply a little under-humidified, there’s every chance they can be coaxed back to life — though they may never quite regain the flawless aroma and burn they once had.
Step One: Assess the Damage
Start by examining your cigars carefully:
- Wrappers intact? They’re good candidates for revival.
- Cracked or split? It’s best to discard them — they won’t improve with moisture.
- Too dry to handle? They’ll likely disintegrate, so it’s better to accept the loss.
Remove any cellophane sleeves, cedar tubes, or aluminium tubos before you begin, as these slow down the rehydration process.
Step Two: Rehydrate Slowly
Rushing the process is the quickest way to ruin cigars. Too much humidity, too soon, causes wrappers to expand faster than the filler and binder, leading to splitting.
If you have a walk-in humidor, place the open box inside for gradual exposure to a stable humidity of around 68–70%. After two or three days, gently rotate the cigars — swapping top and bottom rows — then repeat every few days for about two weeks.
For those without a humidor, here’s a reliable home method:
- Place your cigars (in their box) inside a small Zip-Seal bag with several tiny holes pierced in it.
- Insert this bag into a larger Zip-Seal bag with one or two large humidification pads (such as Boveda) inside.
- Seal the larger bag and store it in a cool, dark place.
- After four to six days, rotate the cigars 25% every two or three days to ensure even moisture distribution.
You may notice small bubbles forming beneath the wrapper — don’t panic. These will disappear naturally as the cigar stabilises. The process can take up to three weeks for the best results.
Step Three: Let Them Rest
Once your cigars feel supple again and emit that faint, rich crackle when gently squeezed, they can be placed back into their original box or humidor. For the best results, allow them to rest for 6–12 months, giving the three key components — filler, binder, and wrapper — time to re-equilibrate. Check them every few months for consistency.
Tips for Successful Restoration
- Always use distilled water or humidor solution with your humidification devices.
- Avoid using damp towels directly on cigars; if you must, wrap the closed box in a lightly damp towel and monitor carefully.
- Don’t mix Havanas with New World cigars during restoration — different tobaccos absorb humidity at different rates.
- Never expose cigars to direct moisture or misting — humidity should always come from the surrounding air.
Restoring Extremely Dry Cigars
If cigars are extremely dry, go slower still. Keep the box closed in a large humidor or sealed bag for a month before opening. This allows the internal humidity to rise gradually and evenly. Only then should you begin the rotation process described above.
The Verdict
Rehydrating cigars is entirely possible — and often deeply satisfying — provided you approach it with patience. The process can take weeks, even months, but for any true cigar lover, that’s part of the craft, not the inconvenience.
Ultimately, though, nothing compares to proper storage. Investing in a quality humidor is the surest safeguard against heartbreak — preserving your cigars’ burn, draw, and flavour exactly as the master blender intended. If your cigars were extremely dry, keep them sealed in a humidor for about a month before opening the lid, then begin the gradual rotation method described earlier to complete their revival.