Luxurious. Status symbol. Old Hollywood. Fashionable. These are some terms that come to mind when we think of cigars. In movies, especially cult masterpieces like Scarface and Predator, we've seen how cigars have proven to be a major accessory for outsized characters. Like a fine wine or rare spirits, cigars are wonderful to collect and savor, but proper cigar storage is imperative.
Cigar aficionados know that improper cigar storage can wreck high-quality tobacco. BuxBear is excited to share some tips on storing cigars so that you never have to worry about a dull smoking experience. Read on!
But first off, "can cigars really go bad?"
Simply put, yes! If cigars are not stored properly, they can lose their taste and consistency. The humidity level that cigar leaves require is crucial. A deficiency of humidity may dry out your cigar, causing the tobacco to crack. Conversely, excessive moisture may burn out your cigar quickly, giving a soggy and pungent taste. Hence, maintaining the right temperature is essential in storing cigars and can increase their shelf life by years!
"But how exactly do I store my cigars?"
If you know anything about how to store cigars, it's probably this: Cigars should always be stored in a humidor. As the name suggests, humidors help keep the moist levels consistent, thereby retaining the flavors and taste of the cigar. While traditional humidors are made of wooden boxes, you can find evolved versions in glass, acrylic, and even metal.
Choose the right temperature
Maintaining proper humidity levels while storing cigars is hugely crucial. The best temperature to store cigars is in relative humidity (RH) of 70% and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Look out for molds
Unlike plumes that are actually great for cigar storage, molds can severely damage your cigars. Blue-green in appearance, they usually occur when you use tap water instead of distilled, and can also stop the humidors from maintaining optimum temperature.
Choose the right humidor
Good-quality humidors are expensive but last much longer than the cheaper ones. Moreover, they let you adjust the temperature depending on the type of cigar, a feature that we feel is invaluable when storing cigars.
Buying the right humidor requires basic research:
- Choose the right size of humidor
Ideally, your humidor should be bigger than the number of cigars you want to store. This is because overcrowding the humidor could prevent airflow and stop your humidor from maintaining the required temperature levels.
- Choose the right type of humidor
People often tend to ignore this step, but picking the correct type of humidor can make a considerable difference. If your cigar collection comprises different shapes, styles, and tobacco levels, we suggest using a humidor with drawers to store the cigars separately. This is done so that the flavors are separated, and you don't have to worry about any odd flavors.
- Choose the right humidor build and materials
The type of wood your humidor is made of is very crucial. While low and mid-range humidors use hardwood and composite wood, the premium ones use Spanish cedar — a costly option but a worthwhile investment. Depending on your budget and types of cigars, choose a well-built humidor that will appropriately store your cigars and last a lifetime.
- Choose the right mechanism and technology for your humidor
If your humidor doesn't have one of those, you can always go for humidity pouches like Boveda packs to maintain the predetermined RH. They are low-maintenance and don't cost a fortune. If a hygrometer is not easily available, you can opt for a humidistat, which is a device that does not require electricity to function.
- Budget accordingly
Now that you know what to factor into your humidor selection, budget accordingly. A high-end humidor can cost you upwards of $600, while basic humidors come under $50. Investing in a premium humidor would be an ideal choice if you have a vast collection of cigars. Based on climate conditions, features, the type of cigar(s) you own, and the price, make the right purchase for you.
Look into a self-storage unit
If you've got a cigar collection that includes cigars you'll want to store for long periods of time, you might want to look into a self-storage unit. Self-storage facilities are generally inexpensive and climate-controlled options that will keep conditions within a safe range for cigar storage. Whether you're also storing them in a humidor or not, a self-storage unit adds a little extra security—which is very welcome if you're building an expensive collection.
"What humidor brand should I go for?"
A humidor shouldn't be challenging to buy. While there are plenty of online options, we highly recommend checking with your local tobacconist for popular humidor brands that fit your budget and could last longer. Brands like Megacra, Coleman, and Iris wouldn't drain your bank account. We suggest checking out Daniel Marshall, Humidif, and Caribe if you can stretch your budget.
"But what if humidors aren't an option for me?"
Don't worry! While humidors are the most tested way to store cigars, you can always try some DIY methods if humidors aren't readily available.
Here are some ways to store cigars without a humidor:
- Buy an air-tight Tupperware
Store your cigars in a new, air-tight Tupperware to maintain appropriate humidity levels.
- Use Boveda packs
Since your Tupperware will not have a built-in hygrometer, we highly recommend buying Boveda packs to maintain optimal temperature, especially when traveling.
- Try Zip-lock bags
Zip-locks could act as improvised humidors for those who don't want to stock countless Tupperwares to store cigars. Use a clean kitchen sponge or a damp towel and place it on one end of the ziplock. Keep your cigars on the other end and ensure they don't come in contact with the sponge. Ensure that your cigars aren't drying out and that the sponge or towel is intact.
- Use coolers
In addition to your favorite beer, ice packs, and dessert, your cooler can also store your cigar collection. Keep the seal air-tight so the cigars are fresh, and use Boveda packs to maintain the right temperature.
How do I carry my cigars while traveling?
Since wooden humidors are difficult to carry and can occupy a significant space of your luggage, go for make-shift humidors like air-tight boxes and use humidity pouches. You can also check out tubes and small cigar cases to save space.
A travel humidor is another excellent option, though it can be costly and not as convenient as Tupperware or zip-locks while traveling.
Caring for Cigars
For many, cigars are a matter of pride — prized possessions that they collect for years. And storing and maintaining them with care is simply non-negotiable. A well-stored cigar could last for years, with its taste only improving with time. Whether you are a cigar aficionado or a smoking newbie, we hope these tips on storing cigars come in handy the next time you collect some fine Havanas.