Cigar Storage: How to Get Started with a Humidor
Whether you tried your first cigar at a wedding, a tailgate with friends, or while traveling in the tropics, becoming a cigar enthusiast is a bit like falling in love. Once you take the leap, you’re probably in for good.
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But once you start collecting cigars, storage becomes essential. A simple Tupperware container won’t cut it. Like fine wine or antiques, cigars require specific conditions to stay in top shape. Without the right care, they’ll dry out and lose their flavor. Just like a relationship, cigars need ongoing attention if you want them to last.
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If you’re not sure how to store your cigars properly, you’re not alone. Aficionados have strong (and sometimes conflicting) opinions, which can make things confusing. But it doesn’t have to be. This guide will walk you through the basics of cigar storage, from choosing and setting up a humidor to tips for long-term preservation.
How to Choose a Cigar Humidor for Your Collection
If you’re in the market for a cigar humidor, look for one with enough space for the cigars you already own, plus room to expand as your collection grows.
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As your interest in cigars deepens, don’t be surprised if friends start gifting you sticks, or if you find yourself picking up new favorites while traveling.
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Humidors come in a range of sizes, from compact countertop models to larger cabinets that can hold up to 1,500 cigars. If you plan to move your humidor seasonally (say, from a backyard lounge in the summer to a home bar in the winter), a smaller, more portable model may be a better fit.
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Helpful features to consider include:
- Built-in humidification system for easily maintaining optimal humidity
- Opti-Tempâ„¢ Technology, which combines compressor cooling and a built-in heater for year-round temperature stability
- Peek-In Spanish cedar drawers that enhance flavor and aroma while letting you view your collection
- Interior lighting to showcase your collection
- Locking doors to keep cigars secure from kids and pets
- Exterior LED display showing internal temperature and humidity
- Adjustable pegs and drawer dividers for storing both boxes and individual cigars
- Freestanding or built-in designs, depending on your space and style preferences
How to Set Up Your Cigar Humidor
Once you've chosen the right humidor, setting it up properly is key to getting the most out of your cigar collection. From organizing your stash to monitoring conditions and maximizing flavor, here are tips to help you get started.
Organize Your Collection
Most humidors come with rolling shelves, pegs, or dividers to help sort your cigars. You can organize them by:
- Age
- Place of origin
- Flavor profile
Many cigar enthusiasts also separate more delicate cigars from stronger, full-bodied ones to avoid flavor transfer. A popular method is the FIFO system (first in, first out): older cigars are placed at the front to be smoked first, while newer additions go toward the back and rotate forward over time.
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Some aficionados label drawers or compartments for easy tracking. You can even use inventory apps like Cigar Scanner to manage your collection based on:
- Flavor profiles
- Ratings
- Cigar sizes
You can track your humidor’s conditions, and even scan or photograph your cigars to build a virtual humidor, perfect for showing off your collection with friends when you’re on the go.
Place Your Humidor in a Temperature-Controlled Location
Where you place your humidor can affect its performance. Choose a stable, temperature-controlled location out of direct sunlight and away from heating or cooling vents. Avoid areas prone to temperature swings, such as garages or unfinished basements.
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If your humidor is in a location prone to heat, placing a towel-wrapped ice pack on top during extreme heat waves can help regulate temperature. Be prepared to adjust the settings during weather changes, whether that’s a spike in humidity or the onset of subzero temperatures.
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Monitor your humidor settings regularly to ensure the conditions are where you want them. If you’re going out of town for vacation, make sure you account for changes in the home’s thermostat. You might even want to have a friend or family member check on your collection while you’re away.
What is the Best Temperature and Humidity for Storing Cigars?
Cigars are made from organic tobacco leaves, which means they need proper care to maintain their flavor and quality over time. The right temperature and humidity are essential to preserving your cigars, preventing decay, and ensuring a great smoking experience.
Best Temperature for Cigar Storage
Cigars store best in mild, tropical-like conditions where temperatures typically range between 62°F and 72°F. Many cigar enthusiasts follow the simple and effective "70/70 rule," which means keeping cigars at 70°F and 70% relative humidity. This balance creates an environment that helps cigars stay fresh for years.
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Maintaining the proper temperature is critical because temperatures above 72°F can cause tobacco beetle eggs to hatch, leading to larvae that damage your cigars. Too cold temperatures reduce humidity levels, making it harder to keep cigars properly moist, especially in dry winter air. This is why many collectors in cooler climates choose humidors with built-in climate control.
Optimal Humidity for Cigar Storage
Humidity is just as important as temperature. Cigars need about 12–14% moisture content, corresponding to roughly 68–72% relative humidity, to burn and smoke well.
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If cigars are too dry, they can shrivel, crack, lose essential oils, and burn too quickly, resulting in a harsh taste. If cigars are too moist, they become vulnerable to mold, mildew, and tobacco beetles, and the wrappers can swell and crack.
Maintaining Optimal Temperature and Humidity for Cigars
While the 70/70 rule is a reliable starting point, some aficionados adjust humidity and temperature slightly based on their personal preference and local environment. As a general guideline:
- Warmer temperatures require slightly lower humidity.
- Cooler temperatures require slightly higher humidity.
Following this guide helps protect your investment and ensure a smooth, enjoyable smoke every time.
Long-Term Cigar Storage Tips to Increase Longevity and Flavor
Once you've dialed in the right temperature and humidity, there are a few more best practices to help keep your cigars as fresh as the day you bought them:
- Keep wrappers on for travel. If you regularly carry cigars with you, leave the cellophane wrappers intact. This helps protect the cigars from damage like splits or cracks. A small resealable plastic bag can also help keep them secure while on the go.
- Unwrap cigars for aging. Planning to age your cigars? Remove the wrappers to allow humidity and natural flavors to develop more fully over time. This is especially effective in humidors lined with Spanish cedar, which enhances the aroma and taste.
- Open just the end for air circulation. Not sure whether you’ll be storing or traveling with your cigars? Try opening just one end of the wrapper. This allows for some air circulation while keeping them protected and travel-ready.
- Monitor humidity regularly. Humidity levels can fluctuate with seasonal or daily temperature changes, so check your humidor often to make sure conditions stay consistent. Staying ahead of any swings will help you avoid issues like drying out or mold.
- Use only distilled water. When adding moisture, always use distilled water. Tap water contains minerals and impurities that can alter cigar flavor or lead to mold inside your humidor.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Store your humidor in a shaded spot away from windows or heat sources. UV rays can degrade your cigars over time and cause internal temperatures to rise, affecting humidity balance.
Cigars require careful climate control to look, smell, and taste their best when you finally light them. If you plan to collect and store cigars for longer than just a couple of weeks, it’s worth investing in a humidor that gives you full control over temperature and humidity for long-term storage.
Shop Newair’s Collection of Cigar Humidors
Newair has a cigar humidor for every collector, whether you’re just starting out or expanding your collection. We also offer a full lineup of compact appliances designed to elevate your entertaining experience, like beverage fridges, wine coolers, and more.
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Prefer whiskey on the rocks with your cigar? Our portable ice makers produce crystal-clear ice that's perfect for your favorite bourbon or single malt.
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As a U.S.-based company, Newair offers fast shipping, easy returns, and a reliable warranty on every product. Don’t forget to register your humidor once it arrives to take full advantage of your warranty coverage.
