If you have any cigars stored in your humidor long term then you’ve surely encountered the cellophane or outer wrapping turning yellow and brown. This can happen for several reasons as the cigar ages, mostly due to the oils in the cigar. You’ll also notice that some cigars may experience this at a faster rate than others. There are a few factors that influence this process, like the type of cigar and tobacco leaves it contains, the RH where the cigars are stored, and the general oiliness of the wrapper.
For the most part, cigar cellophane darkening is a good thing and indicates that your cigars are aging nicely. But to understand what’s happening and why, we need to take a closer look at that transparent packaging.
Cellophane is not plastic, it’s plant-based
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
For those unaware, cellophane is often mistaken for plastic. It makes sense why. It’s clear or transparent, feels a lot like plastic, sounds a lot like plastic, and it’s used for exterior packaging on products. But what you may find surprising is that cellophane is actually plant-based. It’s made of regenerated cellulose from organic materials like cotton, wood, or hemp. It’s manufactured and layered in flat sheets, similar to paper or wrapping materials. Then it’s wrapped around various products. It’s biodegradable so it’s often used in the food industry and sometimes the medical industry.
It has some very unique properties, as well. For example, cellophane does a pretty good job of keeping things out such as grease, water, and even bacteria. Plus, it provides surface protection from damage to whatever is stored inside. No, it won’t stop excessive damage but it’s better than nothing.
Because it’s made from the cell walls of organic materials it still allows moisture to pass through. That is what makes it ideal for wrapping up cigars.
Cigars in a humidor naturally soak up and release humidity in varying intervals. The process is extremely slow and on a micro level, but essentially, when you put cigars in a humidor that’s what’s happening. That’s also why many experts recommend rotating your cigars. Depending on how big your humidor is, and how well the relative humidity (RH) is balanced throughout, there may be some drier areas and others that are more humid. Rotating the cigars ensures that not only are they getting the appropriate humidity but also helps balance out the aging process.
But more importantly, while those cigars are doing their humidity thing, that moisture is being passed through the cellophane unless you’ve removed it from all of your cigars. That process of the humidity passing through the material pores is what turns it yellow or brown. It’s actually the natural oils in the cigar tinting the cellophane.
Those microscopic pores allow humidity in and out. Although, some claim it does hinder the aging process by restricting the moisture’s natural movements. Some claim they can taste the difference between cigars aged naked, with no cellophane, and cigars aged with it. I don’t know if I believe that personally. However, I’ve had enough unique experiences myself that I’ll never deny another person’s unique experience(s).
Tinted cellophane doesn’t always mean extensive aging
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Generally, yes, when you see yellow or brown cellophane it means that the cigar has undergone some form of aging. As long as there are no signs of mold, it’s probably going to be an incredible smoke.
But an important distinction to make here is that tinted cigar cellophane doesn’t always indicate long-term aging. Because it happens naturally, at varying intervals, and some cigar wrappers seem to release oils more openly, it’s typical of certain cigar blends. In other words, with some cigars, it happens regardless of aging and it occurs faster, too.
All cigars sold in stores have already been aged, usually by the manufacturer or the retailer. So, by the time you get them, there’s no need to age them longer. You can, and it does have the potential to vastly improve the experience. However, as long as they’re stored at the right humidity and temperature you should be good to go. Don’t confuse this with letting your new cigars rest — that you should always do.
When storing cigars near each other, the movement of the moisture and natural oils can and does exchange between the tobacco. So, you end up with cigars that exchange flavors sometimes. Imagine the flavors of a spicier AJ Fernandez blending with an Ashton or Drew Estate. Some cigars mellow out with age, while others tend to get a little stronger, it just depends. Experimentation is your friend here. And because everyone has different cigars in their humidor, that also means everyone is going to have a different experience when aging cigars.
Moreover, that is exactly why you’ll hear some Cuban purists and enthusiasts talking about storing their Cuban cigars in a separate humidor. They don’t want that natural exchange process affecting their favorite cigars so they do their best to prevent it from happening.
That’s a good reason why you should store infused or flavored cigars away from your Cubans or New World stash. In an entirely different humidor or tupperdor if you can help it.
Another hot debate in the cigar world is whether or not you should leave the cellophane on cigars stored in your humidor. I highly recommend leaving it on, unless it’s a cigar that didn’t come with any, then it’s fine to store them without.
There are a few reasons why I say leave the cellophane on:
It protects the cigar from bumps, falls, and other mishaps.
The cellophane serves as a protective barrier from cigar beetles.
It slows down humidity loss preventing cigars from drying out.
Tobacco flakes or dry leaves stay locked in the cellophane instead of littering your humidor or cedar drawers.
As with all things, they’re your cigars and it’s your humidor. It all comes down to what you want and what you prefer. If you’d rather take the cellophane off your cigars then go for it.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Alex Plesovskich / Unsplash
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Valiant Made / Unsplash
Source: Alexandre Trouve / Unsplash
