How to Store Cigars: A Beginner’s Guide to Cigar Storage

When it comes to enjoying cigars, proper storage is essential to preserving their freshness, flavor, and overall quality. Cigars are made from natural tobacco leaves that are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, making it crucial to understand the best practices for storing them. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or just starting your collection, learning how to store cigars properly will ensure every smoke is as enjoyable as the day you purchased it.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Cigars are not just tobacco products; they are finely crafted, natural items that require care to maintain their integrity. Improper storage can lead to dried-out cigars that burn too quickly, lose their flavor, or worse, become brittle and unsmokable. On the other hand, overly humid conditions can cause mold growth or make cigars too moist to burn evenly. Proper storage ensures that your cigars stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever you choose.

The Ideal Conditions for Storing Cigars

To keep cigars in perfect condition, it’s essential to maintain the right environmental conditions. Here’s what to aim for:

• Humidity Level: Cigars thrive in a relative humidity (RH) of 65% to 72%. This range prevents cigars from drying out or becoming overly moist.
• Temperature: The ideal temperature for cigar storage is 65°F to 70°F. Temperatures that are too high can encourage mold growth or tobacco beetle infestations, while colder temperatures can dry out the tobacco.
• Airflow: Proper airflow prevents stagnant air and helps maintain even humidity throughout your storage space.

Cigar Storage Essentials

There are several tools and methods you can use to store your cigars properly. Here are the most common options:

1. Humidors

Humidors are the gold standard for cigar storage. These specially designed containers help regulate humidity and temperature to create an ideal environment for your cigars. There are various types of humidors to choose from:

• Desktop Humidors: Great for home use and storing a moderate collection of cigars.
• Travel Humidors: Compact and portable, perfect for cigar enthusiasts on the go.
• Cabinet Humidors: Large and often luxurious, ideal for serious collectors with extensive cigar collections.

2. Humidity Packs

Humidity packs are an excellent alternative or supplement to traditional humidors. These self-regulating packs maintain a specific RH level, making them convenient and low-maintenance.

3. Cigar Tubes

Cigar tubes are perfect for short-term storage or travel. They provide a protective barrier and can be paired with small humidity packs for added moisture control.

4. Tupperdors and DIY Options

For beginners or those on a budget, an airtight plastic container (often called a “Tupperdor”) can be a practical solution. Simply add a humidity pack and a hygrometer to monitor conditions.

Setting Up and Maintaining a Humidor

If you’re using a humidor, proper setup and maintenance are critical to keeping your cigars in peak condition. Follow these steps:

1. Season Your Humidor: Before adding cigars, season your humidor by wiping the interior with distilled water or placing a humidity pack inside to reach the desired RH.
2. Monitor with a Hygrometer: A hygrometer allows you to keep an eye on humidity levels. Digital hygrometers are particularly accurate and easy to use.
3. Refill Humidification Devices: Regularly check and refill the humidification system in your humidor to maintain consistent moisture levels.
4. Rotate Your Cigars: Occasionally rotate your cigars within the humidor to ensure even exposure to humidity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, improper storage habits can ruin your cigars. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Storing Cigars in the Refrigerator or Freezer: These environments are too dry and can damage your cigars.
• Over-Humidifying: Excess moisture can lead to mold growth or uneven burns.
• Neglecting Regular Maintenance: A humidor requires consistent attention to maintain optimal conditions.

Travel and Temporary Storage Tips

For short trips or temporary storage, travel humidors or airtight bags with small humidity packs can keep your cigars fresh. These solutions are easy to use and prevent exposure to fluctuating conditions.

Signs Your Cigars Are Properly Stored

Wondering if your storage setup is working? Here are a few signs your cigars are in great condition:

• Appearance: The wrapper is smooth and free of cracks.
• Texture: The cigar feels firm but slightly springy when gently squeezed.
• Aroma: Fresh cigars will have a pleasant, rich tobacco scent.

Troubleshooting Storage Problems

If your cigars don’t seem quite right, here’s how to address common issues:

• Dry Cigars: Rehumidify them slowly by placing them in a properly maintained humidor.
• Mold: If you spot mold, discard the affected cigars and thoroughly clean your storage container.
• Uneven Humidity: Check your humidor’s seal and ensure your humidification system is functioning correctly.

Finding the Right Humidor

Knowing how to store cigars properly is the key to preserving their flavor, freshness, and quality over time. The best way to achieve this is to find a high-quality humidor. Here at Cubano Central, we provide cigar smokers like yourself with everything you need to have a proper smoking experience. We have all the cigar accessories you need, from lighters and cutters to a range of different humidors.