Do you have some dried-out cigars that you’re hoping to revive? Well, you’re in luck! We will show you how to rehydrate your cigars back to life with just 4 simple steps.
Additionally, we’ll answer some of our readers’ most common questions about rehydrating cigars.
So sit back, relax, and let’s get started on this journey to cigar-rehydration bliss!
Why Do Cigars Need Rehydration?
Cigars are made from tobacco leaves that have been fermented and aged.
During this process, the leaves lose moisture and become dry.
However, cigars need a certain level of moisture to maintain their flavor, aroma, and texture.
So why do cigars need rehydration? Well, think about it like this: imagine you’re walking through the desert without any water.
Your mouth is dry, your skin is parched, and you’re desperate for a sip of something refreshing.
That’s kind of what it’s like for a cigar that has lost its moisture.
It becomes brittle, the flavor is diminished, and it’s just not as enjoyable to smoke.
Rehydrating cigars is IMPORTANT because it restores the moisture that has been lost, allowing the tobacco to return to its optimal state.
Properly hydrated cigars will burn more evenly, produce better flavor, and last longer.
Additionally, cigars stored in a humid environment are less likely to attract tobacco beetles, which can ruin your precious stogies.
How to Tell if Your Cigars Need Rehydration?
The first thing to look for is dryness. You can definitely spot the oily sheen on a fresh cigar AGAINST a dry-as-bone cigar.
Another sign of a bad cigar is if it feels brittle and crackly to the touch.
Give it a gentle squeeze – it should have a bit of bounce to it, like a happy little marshmallow.
But if it feels more like a handful of dry leaves, then Houston, we have a problem.
And, finally, if your cigars are burning too quickly or producing harsh, bitter smoke.
That means it’s time to give that bad boy a little extra humidity.
Trust us, your taste buds will thank you for it.
What You Will Need to Rehydrate Your Cigars
To rehydrate cigars, you will need the following items:
- A sealable container
- A humidification device (such as a Boveda pack)
- Calibrated Hygrometer
How to Rehydrate Your Cigars in 4 Simple Steps
Now that you have all the right items you need to bring your sticks back to life, carefully follow the steps below:
Prepare Your Container
The first step is to prepare your container.
You want to ensure the container is clean and free of residual odors or flavors that could transfer to your cigars.
A Tupperware or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works great for this.
And the container is large enough to hold your cigars without being overcrowded.
Add the Humidification Device
The next step is to add the humidification device to the container.
Keep your cigars stored at the proper humidity level with a humidification device like Boveda packs or a standard humidifier.
The best part of using a humidification pouch is that you won’t have to guess how much humidity is needed.
As the bags are manufactured to deliver predetermined humidity levels.
Start with a 62% humidity pack and gradually increase the level over 2-4 weeks.
Remember, cigars expand and contract. Therefore, adding too much humidity too quickly can cause them to explode.
Replace the 62% pack with 65% after 2-4 weeks, then switch to 69% after another 2-4 weeks.
Avoid going above 72% RH, as it’s a safe limit for cigar storage. Many cigar lovers prefer to store their cigars at 69% RH or below.
Carefully Adding Your Cigars
Add your cigars to the container with the humidification pouch.
Ensure that the cigars are not touching each other and that there is enough space for the air to circulate.
If you have many cigars, you may need multiple containers to ensure that each has enough space.
Seal the Container
Once you have placed everything inside the container, seal them tightly.
You want to create an airtight environment so that the moisture can be evenly distributed throughout the container.
It’s a good idea to check on your cigars periodically to assure that they are properly rehydrating.
You can do this by touching the cigars to see if they feel pliable or by using a hygrometer to check the humidity level inside the container.
Tips for Rehydrating Your Cigars
- Use a calibrated hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in your container.
- Do not rush the process of rehydration. Allow your cigars to rehydrate slowly to prevent damage.
- Make sure to rotate your cigars regularly to ensure even rehydration.
This means swapping the cigars in the humidification container so that the ones on the bottom get a chance to be on top. - While you want to restore the moisture in your cigars, you don’t want to overdo it.
Over-humidification can cause mold to grow on your cigars and ruin them.
Things to Consider when Re-Hydrating Dry Cigars
When re-hydrating dry cigars, it’s essential to avoid falling for certain myths or “stupid” ways that people have come up with.
Never Put Super Dry Cigars in Your Stable Environment
Whatever you do, DO NOT throw these super dry cigars into your stable environment humidor or whatever you use.
It’s like throwing yourself into an ice bath without any preparation.
The RH of these bad boys is hovering at around 30%, while everything else is at 68%.
This means they will suck moisture from anything around them, including the wood and other cigars.
Not to mention, it’ll put a ton of stress on your humidification device.
So, please keep them in a separate environment until they’re good to go.
How NOT to Re-Hydrate Cigars
Do not directly expose your cigars to steam or water.
Some may think that blasting their cigars with steam or soaking them in water will quickly rehydrate them, but this is untrue.
This can cause the tobacco to become too moist too quickly and compromise its integrity.
Set an Expectation
Rehydrating cigars is like trying to revive a wilted flower.
Even with the right amount of water and care, it won’t be the same as it was before.
So, set your expectations accordingly and understand that while you can bring back some of the flavors, it won’t be the exact same cigar as before.
The essential oils responsible for the cigar’s unique flavor and aroma are lost in the process of over-drying.
So, even if you rehydrate them, they won’t taste or smell the same as when fresh.
Thus, it is always best to store your cigars properly and avoid letting them dry out in the first place.
Note: Not all dry cigars can be salvaged, so if you notice any signs of mold or an unpleasant odor, it’s best to dispose of them and start fresh.
How to Re-Hydrate Cigars FAQs
Can you rehydrate cigars that have been over-dried?
Yes, you can rehydrate cigars that have been over-dried, but it may take longer and require more attention.
If your cigars are extremely dry, it is best to proceed cautiously and rehydrate them slowly to avoid cracking or splitting the wrappers.
Can you restore dried-out cigars quickly?
Unfortunately, there is no quick way to restore dry cigars.
It’s essential to be patient and gradually reintroduce moisture using a humidification device like Boveda packs or a standard humidifier.
Rushing the process can cause the cigars to crack or become damaged.
How long does it take to rehydrate cigars?
The time it takes to rehydrate cigars depends on the size, the level of dryness, and the humidity level in the container.
Generally, it takes a few months to rehydrate cigars properly. You should be able to tell when they are good again.
Can I use a damp cloth to rehydrate my cigars?
No, using a damp cloth to rehydrate your cigars is not recommended.
This method can lead to uneven rehydration and can damage the cigars’ wrapper.
What is the ideal humidity level for cigars?
The ideal humidity level for cigars is between 65% and 72%.
Humidity levels that are too low can dry out your cigars, while too-high levels can cause mold to grow.
