The smell of aged boxes

[KWG116]

I just wanted to see if other members notice this. I have some aged boxes ranging from 1999 to 2001. I noticed that when I go through my humidor and look at my cigars these boxes have a weird smell. Kind of like amonia. This comes from cardboard boxes, and Semi Boite. I always wondered about this. Then I just received a box of Puch Petit Punch from a friend, dated NOV 07 and they had the same smell. I thought maybe it was the storage conditions, but all of my aged boxes came from different places. Also, all of my newer boxes do not have this smell. My aged stock runs from Bolivar,Punch,Monte,VR etc. The 1999 Monte Esp #1 are probably the worst. And just as a side note they still have not come around, Very flat and dull.

Thank you

[CIGARHead]

I dont know why your boxes would be stanky unless they were poorly stored, got wet or too humid then dried, etc. In my experience, if you have some older cigars that are tasteless, dull and flat - they aint gonna get any better. I have made many a mistake buying old cigars and I will not do it again. Age 'em yourself to be sure of storage conditions.

[sje]

my Guess, (too much humidity in your Humi, possibly mould)

good luck

s

[Cambridge1]

If a box does get wet in Cuba or during the shipping process from Cuba and the cigars are taking on a slightly musty smell, is there any chance that the cigars will ever recover? Is it one of those things where you just have to try one and see how they taste?

[bassman]

If a box does get wet in Cuba or during the shipping process from Cuba and the cigars are taking on a slightly musty smell, is there any chance that the cigars will ever recover? Is it one of those things where you just have to try one and see how they taste?

Take the cigars out, put them in the open air & sun for a day, put them back in a different non stinky box and hope for the best. I've done this with cigars from a couple musty boxes & wound up with good cigars. Of course if the cigars were made with substandard tobacco, they will not improve. y

[KWG116]

Thank you for your responses. The cigars taste fine (except the esp #1's), I was just wondering if people that have aged boxes have that smell to them. Its hard to describe. But when I got the PPP from 07, as soon as I took them out of the box I got a whiff. Maybe its just me. I appreciate your responses.

Thank you