Aging In The Box - Sealed or Open a Crack?

[Rich93]

I've recently acquired an end table humidor from Bob Staebell that I intend to use for storing boxes (beautiful piece of furniture, by the way). What is the consensus on this question: Should I put in the boxes sealed tightly or should I store them cracked open a millimeter or two so that some air can get inside?

If it matters, given my age and the uncertainty of when the grim reaper might strike, I do not intend to store them for longer than a five year period.

Thanks for the help!

[NSXCIGAR]

My understanding (and traditionally) for best long-term results (5-7 years +) ambient airflow should be minimized, meaning boxes sealed tight, lids closed.

For short term aging it may be best to actually remove them from the box or leave the box open to maximize airflow. Short-term aging may improve the cigar at the expense of long-term results. In my experience, these short-term aging strategies are best for reducing harshness/tannic/green characteristics in a young cigar. One may not get the same development of flavors possibly gained by 5-7 years of airtight, cabinet aging.

A few recent threads where aging and storage practices in boxes have come up:

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=126024

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=125820

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=122902

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=121156