To freeze or not to freeze...

[Niela]

Hey,

I am sure his has been discussed in one form or another before. but all threads I found were in the archive already. So I guess it can't hurt to discuss this once more.

As I get more and more cigars and look to store them for a longer space of time, I wondered if freezing them is a must or not. Generally all my sticks are bought from legit shops in the UK and Europe. Mostly Cubans but I do get the odd box of NC as well. I think I remembered that Cubans are usually frozen before they go out for delivery to the retailer? I would also think that any shop with extensive storage would make sure to kill any beetles before they add a box to a storage? Otherwise a shop could risk to loose a substantial amount of stock.

So I guess my question is, which cigars are frozen when I buy them and which do I need to freeze to be sure I don't get beetles?

[PeeJay]

I would freeze any Cubans that I bought in Cuba and any non-Cubans bought at source that are not destined for export.

[oskihen]

Interesting post Niela , PJ how long would you recommend freezing for and does it matter how cold your freezer is ?

[PeeJay]

Interesting post Niela , PJ how long would you recommend freezing for and does it matter how cold your freezer is ?

A domestic freezer is cold enough. I froze mine for 24 hours then let them thaw gently in the fridge for 72 hours without any harm coming to them. I'm sure someone else will say different.

[oskihen]

Interesting John , did you put the whole box in ?

[PeeJay]

Interesting John , did you put the whole box in ?

Yes, it was stilled sealed from where I bought it.

[Niela]

OK, but anything from a dealer in Europe that was obviously meant for export, I don't have to worry?

[PeeJay]

OK, but anything from a dealer in Europe that was obviously meant for export, I don't have to worry?

No, should be safe

[TheMonk]

I wasn't considering freezing the cigars I'm bringing from Cuba next month, but now I'm seriously considering it. The goal here is mainly to kill any beetles?

[PeeJay]

I wasn't considering freezing the cigars I'm bringing from Cuba next month, but now I'm seriously considering it. The goal here is mainly to kill any beetles?

Exactly, if you search deep enough I think [MENTION=13403791]Edamski[/MENTION] did a thread with photos of beetle infestation

[TheMonk]

Exactly, if you search deep enough I think @Edamski did a thread with photos of beetle infestation

Thanks, PJ, I'll take a look and also do a general google for it.

[TheMonk]

I believe you were referring to this thread, PJ?

[PeeJay]

I believe you were referring to this thread, PJ?

That's the one

[TheMonk]

Many thanks, PJ - this is priceless information for me.

Just finished reading the thread, and it seems the overall recommended procedure is to put the singles in sealed freezer bags, and the boxes inside tupperware boxes (must be airtight), and then 2 days in fridge + 3 days in freezer + 2 days in fridge + 1 day in ambient, and only then back in the humidor. Edamski thread would be extremely useful as a sticky, IMO.

[Krist]

I brought some cubans back at christmas, no problems so far but in the freezer in the morning they go!