Bummed - Box of Party D4s was dry

[bopmachine]

ive been storing a box box of Party d4s in my tupperdor for a few months - as factory sealed. Just pulled one out for a smoke and was dry. In fact wrapper started to split and unravel. have pulled them out of the box now to see if that helps the remaining puros.

Shoudl I be leaving my boxes partially opened?

The tupperdore in question has always been reading 70% RH.

[jibjob79]

For the few boxes i've bought i tend to open them immediately and get my fingers on my little beauties and give them a good inspection. This breaks the seal and allows me to assess their condition, if they seem a little dry i'll wedge the lid open or take the lid off the cab so that humid air can get in and slowly hydrate them, otherwise the lids are closed and stored in my humistor. They may have been stored correctly but anything can happen to them in transit causing them to arrive a little dry. I try to make a point of checking on them monthly for mold, beetles and their general condition. Moisture will get into the closed boxes but very slowly. I have heard that some people recommend storing boxes at a slightly higher humidity to compensate for this but i think leaving a box slightly open compensates for this. I have used matchsticks before to leave a slight gap under the lid for a bit of air to get in before and have had no problems.

[monkey66]

This should not happen.

How long had they been in your care and was the source reliable (is it possible they spent 3 months in transit?). Boxes are not airtight and generally do not need any special treatment to get local airflow.

[bopmachine]

Good advice boys. Boxes were from a very reliable source. Had them for the two months they have been stored. 2 out of the box of 10 seem dry, the other feel perfect.

[monkey66]

Very unusual for 2 to be dry? Do they look any different to the others in the box. Two months in a tupperdore should have re-humidified any box.

If two are dry and the rest is fine the issue is the two sticks not the storage.

[bopmachine]

make that 3 lol. I think the problem was the being on the bottom of the tupperdor. all the bad ones were from the area with the lest circulation.

[bopmachine]

have now thoroughly inspected all citizens of said tupperdor. all of them appear to be ok. i think these 3 must have arrived this way. I've emailed the retailer i got them from to see if they will do anything.

[tippexx]

make that 3 lol. I think the problem was the being on the bottom of the tupperdor. all the bad ones were from the area with the lest circulation.

That might be it Bop. I move my boxes about regularly although I have to be honest it's when I inspect them and can't remember what order I've had them in anyway!

One (small) thing though. I've never had a box arrive 'sealed'. It's normal for the seals to be broken and the contents inspected before shipping.

[Don Andres]

This is not likely caused by the location of the cigars in your humidor.

If you purchased these boxes from a cigar merchant, it is very possible these boxes arrived in that condition from a distributor. For this reason, I am all for permitting merchants to open and inspect boxes prior to shipping. In our LCDH shop, we will send a photo of the open box, if the client allows. If you insist on in-tact seals, this is a risk you take. A trustworthy merchant will listen to your complaint, and respond as the situation dictates.
If you bought this from an online vendor, then you should assume 2/10 poor quality, and factor it into your cost savings. While your at it, add the cost of your time & effort tracking down an answer and a refund.


Good luck,
Cheers
Drew P

[Soulmanure]

have now thoroughly inspected all citizens of said tupperdor. all of them appear to be ok. i think these 3 must have arrived this way. I've emailed the retailer i got them from to see if they will do anything.

I had this happen with some Mag 46's--the bulk of the cab was fine, but about three of them seemed relatively dry and had some splits. Not really sure why, but the rest are continuing to do well. I suppose it's just one of those things that happen from time to time.

[bopmachine]

This is not likely caused by the location of the cigars in your humidor.

If you purchased these boxes from a cigar merchant, it is very possible these boxes arrived in that condition from a distributor. For this reason, I am all for permitting merchants to open and inspect boxes prior to shipping. In our LCDH shop, we will send a photo of the open box, if the client allows. If you insist on in-tact seals, this is a risk you take. A trustworthy merchant will listen to your complaint, and respond as the situation dictates.
If you bought this from an online vendor, then you should assume 2/10 poor quality, and factor it into your cost savings. While your at it, add the cost of your time & effort tracking down an answer and a refund.


Good luck,
Cheers
Drew P

its actually closer to 3/400 but I get your point. Happy to say the vendor is sending me 3 puros to cover the bad ones as a gesture of good faith.

[Mo_Robusto]

Nice on the vendor to replace the damaged cigars :-D

[bigbarneyhotdog]

so they should! any reputable dealer will always inspect before shipping.

[eggopp]

Every now and again i come across a thread where i have no experience to offer help.. reason?? well simple really, a box just doesnt survive long enough no matter how hard i try!

[Aussiewaz]

It's good that the dealer is replacing your cigars. Shows trust between vendor & customer. I disagree though with the point made by others that a dealer should always open boxes prior to shipping if they are reputable. Many people expect their boxes to have all seals intact on arrival. I use three suppliers and unless I specifically ask for them to be inspected I get them as they leave Cuba. Many "Collectors" (Of which I am not one, I'm a smoker LOL) demand this.