Interesting topic. Even got Chuck to adequately participate!
I was hesitant when I was told to try this. Seems very counterintuitive, but a lot of people take cigars out of Cuba's atmosphere and are adamant that storing at 60% is optimal...
Nonetheless, I was sent some sticks from a friend to try and after I smoked one that was 20yrs old and reported back it was meh, he asked if I soaked it, which I said no. Told me I ruined it lol. Dafunk
So on the re up he sent I soaked with purified water, was told to use distilled but whatevs, although faucet seems like a bad idea given the chlorine and chems. I should have used the bottled water I got from Flint
The wetness seems to liven old wrappers and kind of suck em into the rest of the stick. I wet then Pat down with shirt. Great burns, great flavor. Definitely shocked
Had much less success on fresher stock than older and seemed to help more with dryer looking wrappers than oily ones. Have done this now probably 30 to 40 times. Only time I wouldn't again is on 98 degree super high humidity Michigan nights. But probably should just be inside anyways