You have been offered cigars and you don't know how to store them? You think that humidors are only decorative?
You will be surprised in more ways than one!
Because on the one hand, you will see that keeping cigars well is not very demanding. On the other hand, you will learn that cigar humidors are, of course, objects of unique refinement like a wine cellar can be, but that they are also very useful and appreciated by cigar and beauty lovers.
1. Do not put them in the refrigerator or freezer
2. Store them at a room temperature of 20-21°C
3. Use a humidor, tuperware or cooler
4. Do not mix cigars of different brands
... and much more!
So, on this page we will discuss :
- the three simple rules for storing cigars
- why the humidity level is very important
- the absolutely fatal mistake to avoid (and yet very common)
- three inexpensive alternatives to the humidor
- the essential role of a humidifier and ahygrometer
- some tips on storage and packaging
All the information can be found in the rest of this article.
1. Three rules for storing cigars
Before going into the practical tips for storing your cigars, let's summarise the ideal conditions required for them. Cigars are not fundamentally demanding and mainly require :
- a constant temperature of about 20-21°C
- a stable humidity level between 60 and 80% (depending on the cigar)
- not to be exposed to the open air
And that's about it. Obviously, these requirements are more or less easy to meet depending on the environment in which you live, but as long as your cigars are kept in these conditions, their freshness will be guaranteed and they will give you their due.
Namely, if we indicate an average humidity level between 60 and 80%, most cigars require an average level of 68-72%.
2. Maintain a good humidity with the cigar cabinet
If we had to sum up this article with only one advice, it would be this one: invest in a cedar wood humidor (also called humidor). The conservation of your cigars will be all the better for it. You will put all the chances on your side not to have bad surprises at the time of the tasting.
Some boxes have welcome refinements such as an integrated hygrometer or humidifier, other models have drawers that allow them to be stored by brand to avoid mixing them, etc.
In this way, you will retain the character of each cigar and respect the product in its entirety.
Of course, not everyone can consider buying a cigar humidor on a whim, for financial reasons or simply because it implies being a regular smoker, which you may not be (yet).
In this case, to keep your cigars with the right humidity level without ruining yourself, we will see that there are transitional solutions to discover the world of cigars while avoiding certain mistakes.
3. Do not put them in the refrigerator or freezer
In the event that acquiring a humidor is not (yet) of interest to you, you might be tempted to want to keep your cigars in the refrigerator... Except that this is a mistake.
Indeed, if this rule may surprise at first sight, because it is a received idea that regularly circulates in the cigar world, it is however false. For the simple reason that the refrigerator diffuses cool, dry air, which is not suitable for cigars, which need a certain amount of humidity to preserve their flavours.
Another problem with keeping cigars in a fridge is that they are sensitive and absorb odours very easily, which is a problem with food products.
Freezer storage is even less recommended, as cigars will dry out much more quickly in the freezer than in the refrigerator.
4. Pack them in zip-lock freezer bags
Before you feel the need to invest in a humidor, the most economical solution is to store your cigars in a zipped plastic freezer bag. Before closing it hermetically, insert a small paper towel that you have moistened in advance.
If this solution is still not as optimal as a cigar humidor, it has the merit of being economical and simple to use. Nevertheless, in the case of a long storage period, be sure to check regularly that the paper towel is still damp, to re-humidify it if necessary.
5. Use an airtight plastic box
This is a little known trick, but it works very well for storing cigars without an "official" cigar humidor. To be as respectful as possible, use a new cooler or one that has not been used for a long time (to avoid odours as much as possible).
Place a dampened sponge in it and check it from time to time.
6. Use a cooler as a cigar box
This is not a well-known trick, but it works very well for storing cigars without an "official" humidor. To be as respectful as possible, use a new cooler or one that has not been used for a long time (to avoid odours as much as possible).
Place a dampened sponge in it and check it from time to time.
7. Invest in a humidifier or humidified bag
To equip a humidor or to improve a "home-made" one (like the cooler above), you can optimize the conservation and obtain a more stable relative humidity by acquiring a cigar humidifier intended for this purpose. You can then simply soak it with demineralised water. Another more economical solution is to use a humidified bag.
Both of these solutions allow you to maintain a permanent humidity level adapted to the type of cigar, ranging from approximately 60 to 80%.
8. Do not mix cigars together
If you have had the opportunity to acquire several brands of cigars, be very careful when storing them not to keep them together. Remember, when it comes to storage in the refrigerator, we have seen that cigars absorb the smells and flavours of what is next to them.
Always make sure you store them in separate zipped bags or plastic boxes for each brand or type of cigar.
By the way, even if you are lucky enough to have a humidor, make it a habit to store them separately. This will allow you to buy 2 or 3 cigars of a new brand to taste without taking the risk of "contaminating" the cigars you already have in your humidor.
9. Rotate and alternate the cigars
In the manner of what is done in the Champagne vineyards, with the "remuage", which consists of turning the bottles of champagne at regular intervals by a quarter turn, the idea can be taken up again to keep cigars well. Of course, the aim for cigars is not the same as for champagne, but who cares?
In addition to rotation, take the opportunity to alternate their place in the storage device you use (zipped bag, Tupperware, humidor). In this way, you move the ones closest to the humidor away from it, and do the opposite for those on the opposite side.
10. Pay attention to the packaging of cigars
Some cigars are sold individually wrapped, so the question arises whether to remove them from the wrapper or not. The answer will depend on you and your plans.
If you have a trip planned and are taking cigars with you, it is best to leave them in their case to protect them from damage. On the other hand, at home and for conservation purposes, it is commonly accepted to remove them from their packaging before storing them in the best conditions.
However, the wisest thing to do is to keep the wrapper, but make a small opening along the length or at each end. In this way, the body of the cigar is not in direct contact with any external element that could damage it, while allowing the free circulation of humidity.
The principle is the same for cigars packed in individual aluminium tubes. Leave the cigar inside while leaving the tube open. This ensures protection and humidification.
11. Get into the habit of using a hygrometer
All the above tips to help you keep the humidity at an optimum level would be useless if you could not monitor it. And to keep an eye on the humidity percentage of your humidor, there is nothing like a hygrometer.
As its name suggests, it allows you to see your humidity level in an instant and to make sure that everything is fine, or on the contrary, that you need to act on your humidifier or on the temperature of the room.
Make life easier : have a cellar
Now you know all the secrets to becoming an expert in cigar storage. The tips in this article have helped you understand several things, such as the ideal storage conditions and the importance of a humidifier. You are even able to store cigars without a humidor if you don't feel the need to do so yet.
After all, you know that for a risk-free storage in perfect conditions, there is no substitute for a humidor!
On cigar-gentleman.com, we propose different models of humidors, from the most accessible to the most refined box. Make your choice, so that your cigars are always well treated.
→ Discover our professional cigar humidors !
