how long should I wait...

[linusvanpelt]

I just bought a box of Sancho Panza Robustos. Realistically, how long can I leave the box sealed, on my shelf, before I need to open it up and place the sticks in a humidor?

[CigarHoss]

Originally Posted by linusvanpelt

I just bought a box of Sancho Panza Robustos. Realistically, how long can I leave the box sealed, on my shelf, before I need to open it up and place the sticks in a humidor?

In the dry heat of Phoenix, I wouldn't suggest leaving them out at all. When I was in San Antonio, my friend's wife bought him a box of smokes for Father's Day one year. She didn't know a thing about it...so she left the smokes in the closet for a week before giving them to him. While they weren't ruined, by any means...there was definite signs of drying (i.e., cap shattered when cut, wrapper split...etc.). The box isn't really "sealed" at all...just closed tightly. There are still plenty of ways for air to get in.

A box is an investment. I'd be careful to make sure that they stayed safe.

[kansashat]

I agree with Cigarhoss. I live in Kansas & we've had a very wet spring & early summer. The ambient rh in my office has stayed around 65% for about 2 or 3 months now. I don't even have to charge my humidors right now. If I do, it's very slightly. In the winter, I am fighting to keep it high enough. Right now, I have to fight to keep it low enough.
Make yourself a big plastidor to keep boxes in. It costs very little & you'll be glad you did.