How to Store Cigars: Humidity, Humidors and Common Mistakes
Store cigars the right way to keep their flavour. A guide to 68 to 72 percent humidity, humidors and the errors to avoid.
A great cigar can spoil in days if kept wrong. Proper storage keeps the wrapper supple, the smoke smooth and the flavour intact.
Ideal humidity and temperature
The classic target is 70 percent humidity and around 18 to 21 degrees C. In Vietnam, holding 68 to 72 percent is safe. Too dry and the cigar burns fast and harsh, too wet and it is hard to light and prone to mould.
Humidor or a temporary sealed box
If you are in for the long run, a cedar humidor with a humidifier is worth it, especially for valuable sticks like the Cohiba Siglo VI or a long aged sampler.
With no humidor yet, a sealed plastic box plus a two way humidity pack works. It is a stopgap, but good enough for a few weeks.
Three common mistakes
One, keeping cigars in the fridge, which is dry and full of odours. Two, leaving them near sunlight or heat. Three, forgetting to check the hygrometer while the cigar quietly dries out. A weekly check is enough.
