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Cigars are not mere tobacco products; they are meticulously crafted creations designed to provide discerning aficionados with distinct flavors and captivating aromas. Proper cigar storage ensures their quality and enhances the smoking experience. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a novice in the world of cigars, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps of cigar storage. From selecting the ideal humidor to understanding the optimal conditions, let us delve into the intricacies of cigar storage.
Understanding Proper Cigar Storage
Maybe you received cigars as an unexpected gift, or you’re a beginner exploring the world of cigars and haven’t yet fully committed to building a cigar collection.
Despite your uncertainty about investing in a humidor, you still want to ensure your cigars remain fresh.
Luckily, there are practical and economical alternatives to humidors that can effectively maintain the freshness of your cigars.
Before you explore these storage options, it is essential to understand why you should store your cigars correctly. Unfortunately, cigars aren’t like cigarettes; you can’t take one out of the pack and light it.
Maintaining Temperature and Humidity Levels
Adverse fluctuations in humidity or temperature can impact your cigars’ burn rate and flavor. Ideally, maintaining around 70% humidity and a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21ºC) is optimal for cigar storage.
However, the ideal range is between 65-72% humidity and 65–72 degrees (18–22ºC) to store cigars.
There’s a common misconception that softer cigars that feel ‘spongy’ when you lightly squeeze them are better because they appear fresher. Overly moist or soft cigars can lead to improper burning and other problems.
The perfect texture for cigars is a soft firmness that yields slightly to a gentle squeeze between your fingers without causing the wrapper leaf to crack.
Cigars vary in density; some blends are rolled righter than others, resulting in a firmer feel, while different brands may have a softer touch.
When purchasing cigars from a reputable merchant, note their condition at that time.
A trustworthy seller will provide cigars in optimal shape, and you should aim to maintain them in that same condition.
Storing Cigars
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Let’s look at some of the most common methods of storing cigars below. Perhaps your budget doesn’t allow you to invest in a humidor yet.
Still, you received some great cigars as a gift, and you don’t want them to dry out and lose their taste.
Our primary focus will be humidors, the best option for storing cigars.
Please continue reading to learn the secrets of storing and preserving cigars for later enjoyment.
Choose a Humidor
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A humidor is a protective humidification device for cigars, preserving their precious flavors and characteristics.
When selecting a humidor, there are a few factors to think about.
Size
Size Matters, or the size of your humidor, should align with your cigar collection and smoking habits. A desktop humidor with a 20–50 cigars capacity should suffice if you are an occasional smoker with a small assortment.
A cabinet or walk-in humidor might be more appropriate if you have a vast collection.
Construction
Quality construction is critical.
Choose one made from Spanish cedar wood, known for its resistance to tobacco beetles and ability to enhance aging.
Ensure the humidor has an airtight seal to maintain humidity levels effectively.
Humidification Device
Hygrometer and humidification system: a built-in hygrometer is essential for accurately monitoring the relative humidity levels within the humidor.
It allows you to gauge whether the environment is conducive to preserving the integrity of your cigars.
How Humidors Work
A cigar humidor is a specialized container designed to maintain an optimal environment for cigar storage, ensuring its freshness, flavors, and aroma remain intact by regulating the temperature and humidity levels.
A humidification system controls the moisture content (relative humidity) inside the humidor. This system typically includes a humidifier, a sponge, gel, or beads infused with a solution that gradually releases humidity.
The humidifier absorbs water from a reservoir or distilled water, dispersing it into the air surrounding the cigars and maintaining the desired humidity level, often set between 65% to 72%.
Crucially, a built-in hygrometer allows the user to monitor and adjust the humidity. By keeping cigars in the proper moisture, the humidor prevents them from drying out or becoming overly moist, which can significantly impact their burn and taste.
Another vital aspect of a cigar humidor is temperature management.
The humidor ensures a stable temperature range, typically around 65 to 70°F (18–21°C). Consistent temperature plays a crucial role in preventing cigars from expanding or contracting too much, which could lead to cracks or damage in the wrapper.
Some humidors have built-in temperature regulation, while others rely on ambient room temperature to maintain the desired climate.
The construction material of a humidor plays a significant role in its effectiveness. Most high-quality humidors are made from Spanish cedar wood.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Spanish cedar is known for absorbing and releasing moisture, making it a crucial component in regulating humidity levels.
Additionally, the wood imparts a subtle and pleasant aroma to the cigars, adding to the overall smoking experience.
A well-functioning humidor also boasts an airtight seal. This tight seal ensures that external air cannot interfere with the internal conditions of the humidor.
By creating a stable and controlled environment, the humidor safeguards the integrity of the cigars, allowing cigar enthusiasts to savor the rich flavors and enticing aromas of cigars fully.
Essentially, a cigar humidor provides a carefully balanced environment through humidity and temperature regulation, using Spanish cedar wood and maintaining a secure seal.
When used correctly, the humidor ensures that cigars remain at their best, delivering an unparalleled smoking experience for those who genuinely appreciate the art of cigar enjoyment.
Arranging Your Cigars in a Humidor
The arrangement of your cigars within the humidor plays a vital role in their aging and flavor development.
To ensure proper humidification, consider the following guidelines:
Avoid Overcrowding
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Resist the temptation to pack your cigars inside the humidor tightly. Allow adequate space between them to promote proper air circulation.
Overcrowding can lead to uneven humidity distribution, resulting in inconsistent aging and potentially damaging the delicate cigar wrappers.
Grouping
To prevent flavors from mingling and to facilitate easy cigar selection, consider organizing cigars with similar blends and strength levels together.
This thoughtful arrangement will help you quickly find the perfect cigar that matches your mood and occasion.
Other Ways To Store Cigars
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If a humidor is unavailable, there are various alternative storage options for your cigars, provided you can seal them after introducing a humidification source.
Everyday items like mason jars, coolers, Tupperware containers, and Ziploc bags can be simple yet effective solutions to store cigars.
However, they are short-term solutions and will never replace a quality humidor. Let’s investigate some alternatives below.
Ziploc Bags
Storing cigars in a plastic Ziploc bag is the simplest and most basic method.
Premium cigar shops often use these sleeves when selling individual cigars.
While the bag can maintain the cigars’ freshness for a short time, using a humidity source for more extended storage is essential.
Some cigar manufacturers use cellophane sleeves before boxing cigars, providing protection during shipping and display but not preserving freshness or humidity.
Use Boveda humidity control sachets that fit into the Ziploc bag to keep your cigars fresh for weeks or months. These humidity packs release moisture at predetermined RH levels (like 65%, 69%, or 72%) and require no maintenance.
Just ensure the bag remains sealed, or the humidity will dissipate quickly. Store your cigars at room temperature and avoid leaving them in fluctuating temperatures for prolonged periods.
Humidity pouches for Ziploc bags are readily available at tobacconists, online, and chain stores. You can choose different sizes and humidity levels based on the number of cigars you’re storing and your preferred moisture level.
Remember, cigars act like sponges are absorb any flavors around them.
Suppose you like to light up a flavored cigar from time to time. In that case, keeping them in separate bags or sealed containers (described below) is best to avoid flavor cross-contamination.
Tupperware or Mason Jar DIY Humidor
Creating a Tupperware (or mason jar) humidor provides an easy and budget-friendly way to preserve their freshness.
Any airtight container that has a tight seal will do the trick!
All you need to do is moisten a clean kitchen sponge with distilled water, place it in a clean Tupperware container with your cigars, and snap the lid shut.
To prevent excessive humidity, consider cutting the sponge in half or using only a tiny section, especially if your container is small.
While monitoring humidity without a hygrometer is less precise, this practical method remains convenient.
You can also try using humidity pouches, like a Boveda pack, as an alternative to the sponge–this will give you more control over the humidity inside the container.
Remember To Rotate Your Cigars
For rotating your cigars, it’s all about fairness and equal opportunity. Simply put, you want to give each cigar a chance to shine.
The idea is to avoid favoritism by not constantly reaching for the same cigar. Give your entire collection some love.
Cigar rotation is a practice that ensures even aging and prevents mold growth.
By periodically moving cigars from the bottom to the top shelves, you promote consistent flavor development and exposure to humidity, contributing to a balanced smoking experience.
To safeguard the quality of your cigars, be mindful of common storage mistakes:
- Please don’t store cigars in the refrigerator or freezer. Although it may seem efficient to maintain freshness, these environments can cause drastic temperature and humidity fluctuations, ultimately damaging the cigars and diminishing their flavors.
- Keep your humidor away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can lead to temperature swings and adversely impact the flavors of your cigars. You can choose a cool, dark spot for your humidor to ensure stable and consistent storage conditions.
The Importance of Proper Storage
Proper storage for cigars is paramount to safeguard these prized possessions against the threats of excess moisture, cigar beetles, mold, and deterioration.
Whether you’re a casual cigar enthusiast or a devoted aficionado, ensuring the right conditions for your cigars is essential to maintain their quality and flavors. Let’s delve into the critical components of adequate cigar storage and why it matters.
To preserve the freshness of cigars, using a well-maintained humidor is crucial. A humidor is a specialized container designed to regulate humidity and temperature. Spanish cedar-lined humidors are particularly popular due to their moisture-absorbing properties and ability to impart subtle flavors to cigars over time.
One of the most dreaded threats to cigars is the cigar beetle, also known as the tobacco beetle. These tiny pests can quickly infest and destroy your cigars, turning a fine collection into a nightmare. The key to preventing cigar beetles is proper humidification.
Using distilled water in your humidification device and ensuring it’s not overly damp will deter these pests. Additionally, storing cigars at temperatures below 70°F (21°C) reduces the risk of beetle activity.
Mold growth is another concern when storing cigars. Too much moisture can lead to mold, resulting in negative flavors and a ruined smoking experience.
To prevent decay, avoid exposing cigars to direct sunlight and maintain proper air circulation within your humidor. Placing a damp cloth or paper towel can also help preserve the correct moisture levels.
Properly storing cigars is a blend of science and art. While Cuban cigars and other fine cigar varieties are often coveted, their potential can only be protected if stored correctly.
For extended storage, consider using boveda packs, which are humidity control packets that help maintain the ideal humidity level.
In conclusion, proper cigar storage is about preserving cigars and enhancing your smoking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar aficionado or a casual smoker, paying attention to humidity, temperature, and the conditions within your storage environment ensures that your cigars stay fresh, flavorful, and free from the risks of excess moisture, cigar beetles, mold, and deterioration.
Invest in a good humidor, adhere to the recommended humidity and temperature levels, and enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors of a well-preserved cigar collection.
Conclusion
Proper cigar storage is an art form that enhances the pleasure of cigar smoking.
Investing in a quality humidor and understanding the critical role of humidity and temperature control ensures that your cigars age gracefully, bestowing you a delightful and flavorful smoking experience.
Remember to thoughtfully organize and rotate your cigars while avoiding common storage mistakes to protect your treasured collection. With these insights, you’ll undoubtedly become a knowledgeable cigar connoisseur, appreciating the intricacies of cigar storage. Happy smoking!
