Cigar Storage 101: Basics of Storing Cigars, Including Humidity Levels and Humidor Maintenance

Konstantin Denishev
Sep 18, 2024
3 min read

Why Proper Storage Matters

Proper cigar storage is crucial to maintaining the quality, flavour, and overall smoking experience of your cigars. Cigars are made from natural tobacco leaves, which are sensitive to environmental conditions. If stored incorrectly, cigars can dry out, become too moist, or develop mould, all of which can ruin their flavour and structure. Learning how to store cigars properly ensures that they age gracefully and provide a satisfying smoke whenever you're ready to enjoy them.

Humidity Levels

Ideal Humidity: Cigars should be stored at a relative humidity (RH) level of 65-72%. This range helps maintain the tobacco's moisture content, keeping the cigars supple and enhancing their flavour profile.
Why It's Important: If the humidity is too low, cigars will dry out, resulting in a harsh, hot burn and loss of flavour. If it's too high, cigars can become too moist, leading to an uneven burn, mould growth, and a draw that's too tight.
Temperature: Ideally, cigars should be stored at a temperature of around 18-21°C (64-70°F). Higher temperatures can increase the risk of mould and tobacco beetle infestations.

Using a Humidor

A humidor is a specially designed box or cabinet that helps maintain the ideal environment for cigar storage. It controls humidity and temperature, keeping your cigars in peak condition.

Season the Humidor

Why: A new humidor must be seasoned to ensure the wood absorbs enough moisture to maintain stable humidity.
How: Lightly moisten a clean sponge with distilled water. Wipe down the interior walls of the humidor with the sponge. Place the sponge in the humidor on a plastic bag or dish and close the lid. Leave it for 24-48 hours, then remove the sponge and introduce your cigars.
KD Style of seasoning: Put distilled water in a large but shallow tray or use humidity crystals and set a desktop fan to blow directly in to the water/humidity crystals. The fastest and most saturating way to season a humidor.

Use a Hygrometer

Why: A hygrometer measures the relative humidity inside your humidor, ensuring it stays within the ideal range.
How: Place the hygrometer inside the humidor and check it regularly. Digital hygrometers are more accurate and easier to read than analogue ones.

Humidification Devices

Types:

Humidification Packs: Pre-calibrated packs that release or absorb moisture to maintain a set humidity level. They are easy to use and require little maintenance.

Traditional Humidifiers: Devices that contain a sponge or crystal gel, which you fill with distilled water or propylene glycol solution.

How to Use: Place the humidification device inside the humidor. For traditional humidifiers, refill them with distilled water or a propylene glycol solution as needed.

Maintenance Tips

Rotate Your Cigars: Periodically rotate your cigars within the humidor to ensure even humidity distribution. This prevents the cigars on the top from drying out while the ones at the bottom remain too moist.
Check the Humidity Levels: Monitor the hygrometer regularly to ensure the RH level remains stable. If the humidity drops or rises significantly, adjust the humidification device accordingly.

Use Distilled Water: Always use distilled water or a propylene glycol solution in your humidification device. Tap water contains minerals that can clog humidifiers and affect the flavour of the cigars.
Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overfill the humidor. Proper airflow is essential for maintaining even humidity throughout the humidor.

Alternative Storage Methods

Humidification Bags: For short-term storage, use humidification bags, which come pre-treated with humidity-regulating solutions. They are portable and ideal for travel or temporary storage.

Tupperware or Airtight Containers: In the absence of a humidor, an airtight plastic container with a humidity pack can serve as a temporary storage solution. Ensure it is kept in a cool, dark place.

Proper cigar storage is key to preserving the quality and flavour of your cigars. By maintaining the correct humidity levels and regularly caring for your humidor, you ensure that your cigars are always ready to provide an exceptional smoking experience.