Are you a cigar smoker who is looking for ways to store cigars? If so, you’re in luck!
Cigars are an amazing way to relax and enjoy time with friends.
Whether you’re a cigar novice or a seasoned smoker, it’s important to store cigars properly so that they stay fresh.
That said, we will discuss four practical ways to store cigars.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
The Perfect Environment for Cigars
A few things are essential when it comes to cigars:
- A good-quality cigar.
- A sharp cutter and butane lighter (knowing how to cut and light a cigar, of course).
- The perfect environment.
First of all, they need to be kept in an environment of around 70% relative humidity to stay fresh.
The perfect environment for them is one that is humid but not too humid.
On the other hand, if they are stored in a too-humid environment, they will become moldy and unpleasant to smoke.
Note: Do not confuse cigar plume with mold. We have explained all the differences in a separate article.
In addition to relative humidity, the temperature is also important.
Cigars are made from tobacco leaves that are dried and fermented.
They will become dry and brittle if they are stored in a too-dry environment.
If it is too cold, the cigar will burn slowly and produce a weak smoke.
If it is too hot, the cigar will burn quickly and produce a harsh smoke.
The ideal temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit/ 21 Celsius, with a humidity level of 65% to 72% is the perfect spot.
It all comes down to your personal preference.
So if you want to get the best experience while smoking your cigar, make sure you pay special attention to how you store your collection.
Additionally, different approaches will affect how long your cigars will last.
Best Way to Store Cigars: Humidor
Look no further than a humidor as the best way to store cigars.
A humidor is a specially designed box that helps maintain a consistent humidity level, preventing them from drying out and becoming brittle.
In other words, it mimics the conditions of a tropical climate. The kind of climate where tobacco is typically grown.
Not only does this help to preserve the flavor and quality of cigars, but it also prevents them from losing their shape or unraveling when set up correctly.
Most humidors come with a digital hygrometer, which measures the relative humidity, or RH level, inside the box.
When shopping for a humidor, choosing one that is large enough to hold your collection without being too cramped is important.
You should also look for a model with good seals and reliable hinges to keep the humidity and air out.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your cigars will be well-protected and ready to be enjoyed any time of the day!
With Plastic Wrapper or Without
The debate over whether to store cigars inside a humidor with or without cellophane wrappers is a fiercely contested one.
Some argue that the wrapper helps to protect them from damage and deterioration.
Others contend that the wrapper can actually cause them to dry out and lose flavor.
So, which method to store cigars is right? The answer may depend on your personal preferences.
If you want your cigars to have a strong flavor, you may want to store them without a wrapper.
On the other hand, if you prefer a milder taste, wrapping them in plastic may be the way to go.
Humidor Brands to Consider
There are a lot of different humidor brands available that you can buy to store your cigars.
Here are a few of the best humidor brands to consider for your cigars:
Xikar is one of the most well-known and respected humidor brands out there.
They make high-quality products that are designed to protect them from the elements.
C.J. Newman is another fantastic option for humidors and practically everything in related to cigars and accessories.
They make high-quality products that will keep them fresh and flavorful.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that they are America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar company.
Davidoff of London is a luxurious brand that makes some of the best humidors on the market.
Their products are top-of-the-line and will definitely help keep them in good condition.
Boveda is a company that specializes in making humidification products.
Therefore, you know their products will be effective in keeping them fresh.
How to Store Cigars Without a Humidor
The original container your cigars came in may seem like the perfect place to store cigars.
But before you store them in those wooden cigar boxes, hear us out.
The original container is probably not airtight, which means that it will dry out quickly.
Apart from this, it is most likely made of wood, which is not ideal for storing cigars.
Wood can absorb moisture and flavors, and it can also cause them to become musty smelling.
Here are some other better options you should go for if you do not have a humidor:
Coolidor
Getting a coolidor is an excellent idea for anyone who wants to keep their cigars in top condition.
A coolidor is simply a box or container designed to keep cigars at a consistent temperature.
By controlling the temperature and humidity levels, a coolidor can prevent them from drying out or becoming too moist.
As a result, cigars stored in this will stay fresh for months or even years.
In addition, a coolidor is an excellent way to age cigars.
Slowly exposing them to higher temperatures and humidity levels can dramatically improve your cigars’ flavor.
So whether you’re looking to keep your cigars fresh or age them to perfection, a coolidor is the perfect solution.
Ziploc Bag with Humidification Packs
Another great way to store cigars if you do not have a humidor is in a Ziploc bag with humidification packs.
The humidification packs help to keep them moist, while the Ziploc bag helps to seal the humidity.
This combination of factors helps to keep cigars fresh for months or even years.
In addition to this, storing cigars in a Ziploc bag with humidification packs is a great way to travel with them.
No matter where you go, your cigars will be protected from the elements and ready for a proper smoking session.
Store Your Cigars in Tupperware
Many cigar aficionados swear by storing cigars in tupperware.
The airtight containers help to keep cigars protected from both humidity and dryness, two of the main enemies of cigars.
All you have to do is place a small moist sponge or a small glass jar of water into them.
Always use distilled water since tap water has many chemicals and impurities.
In addition, tupperware can be stacked, making it easy to organize your cigar collection.
Tupperware is a great option if you’re worried about your cigars getting crushed.
The sturdy plastic containers can withstand a lot of weight, so you can rest assured that your cigars will stay in perfect condition.
So if you’re looking for an effective way to store cigars, tupperware is definitely worth considering.
Do’s & Don’ts for Effectively Storing Cigars
Cigars are a luxurious treat, so you should not compromise on how you store them. Here are a few additional tips for effectively storing your cigars.
DO Rotate Your Cigars Regularly
Just like fine wine, cigars benefit from being rotated on a regular basis.
This allows them to develop evenly and prevents them from becoming over-humidified or dried out.
DON’T Overcrowd Your Cigars
Overcrowding can damage cigars and prevent them from being adequately humidified.
Store cigars in an orderly fashion and refrain from bunching them together.
DO Handle Your Cigars with Care
Make sure you handle cigars with care, as crushing or dropping them can damage their delicate construction.
DON’T Keep Your Cigars on Direct Sunlight
Cigar aficionados often choose to keep their cigars in the dark cabinets, as this helps to preserve them from going bad by losing the flavor.
It is important to avoid drastic temperature changes, as this can attract pesky little insects called tobacco beetles.
Also, cigars may expand and contract, affecting their taste and quality.
So there you have it. If you previously had any questions about how to store your Cuban cigars, we hope they have been answered now.
After all, the last thing you want to do is compromise on your smoking experience just because of some careless mistakes!
