top of page

The Perfect Rest: A Guide to Proper Cigar Storage

Cigars are complex works of aged tobacco, and just like fine wine, proper storage is essential to preserve their flavor and aroma. Here's a deep dive into the world of cigar storage, ensuring your smokes stay fresh and enjoyable:

​

The Humidor: Your Cigar's Sanctuary

  • A haven for humidity: A humidor is a sealed container designed to maintain consistent humidity levels, mimicking the environments where cigars are cultivated and rolled. This is crucial because cigars absorb and release moisture, and the right balance ensures they burn evenly and retain their flavor.

  • Spanish cedar lining: Most quality humidors are lined with Spanish cedar. This wood not only adds a touch of elegance but also helps regulate humidity and imparts a subtle, pleasant aroma to your cigars.

  • Seasoning your humidor: Before using a new humidor for the first time, you need to season it. This involves properly humidifying the wood to ensure it maintains stable humidity levels. Distilled water and a hygrometer (a tool to measure humidity) are essential for this process. There are many online resources that detail the seasoning process step-by-step.

a-well-lit-image-of-a-luxurious-humidor-filled-wit-1F0bDlllRd2XGq_Jq3uvOw-6YJOtqdkS-yqgN6t
a-warm-and-inviting-photograph-of-an-african-ameri-IC1wRhl0RmyBFZP9P2Ytxg-mj74-mW8QUSCKEua

Maintaining the Ideal Environment

  • Temperature: While humidity is king, temperature also plays a role. Ideally, store your cigars at a cool room temperature, around 68-72°F (20-22°C). Extreme temperatures can damage the cigars, causing them to crack or lose their flavor.

  • Humidity: The sweet spot for cigar humidity is between 65% and 72%. At this range, the cigars will stay supple and flavorful.

  • Humidification methods: There are several ways to maintain humidity within your humidor. Popular options include:

    • Humidifier beads: These are reusable beads that absorb and release moisture to maintain consistent humidity levels.

    • Propylene glycol sponges: Similar to beads, these sponges are moistened with distilled water to regulate humidity.

    • Humidification discs: These are pre-filled discs that slowly release measured amounts of moisture.

    • ​

Calibrating Your Hygrometer:

Your hygrometer is your window into the humidor's environment. Regularly calibrate it using a Boveda seasoning kit to ensure it provides accurate readings.

 

Additional Tips for Peak Performance

  • Rotate your cigars: Occasionally rotate the cigars within your humidor to ensure even aging and distribution of moisture.

  • Avoid direct sunlight: Keep your humidor out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage the cigars.

  • Quality over quantity: It's better to store a smaller number of cigars properly than to overcrowd your humidor, which can affect airflow and humidity.

 

By following these guidelines, you can create the perfect environment for your cigars, allowing them to mature gracefully and deliver an exceptional smoking experience. Remember, proper storage is an investment that will pay off with every delightful puff.

bottom of page