You store cigars properly at around 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and roughly 18 to 21 degrees Celsius. With a humidor, a humidifier keeps these levels steady; without one, an airtight box with a humidity pack does the job. Both methods keep your cigars fresh for months, as long as the humidity is right.
Tobacco lives on moisture. Too dry, and the wrapper turns brittle and the smoke sharp. Too moist, and the cigar draws hard and burns unevenly. Proper storage keeps both in balance, and you do not necessarily need an expensive humidor for it.
With a humidor
- Season the humidor. A new humidor has to be seasoned first, or the dry wood will pull moisture out of your cigars. Wipe the interior with distilled water or place a humidity pack inside and let it work for a day or two.
- Add a humidifier. Use a humidity pack (for example at 69 percent) or a classic humidifier with distilled water or a propylene glycol solution. Never tap water, it encourages mould.
- Check the hygrometer. Monitor the humidity regularly and aim for 65 to 70 percent. An inexpensive digital hygrometer is more reliable than the built-in analogue ones.
- Lay the cigars in and let them rest. Place the cigars in loosely, without squeezing them. Open the humidor only when needed, every opening costs moisture.
Without a humidor
- Choose an airtight box. A sealable plastic box with a good gasket (often called a "Tupperdor") or a zip-lock bag is perfectly sufficient.
- Add a humidity pack. Put a two-way humidity pack (for example at 69 percent) inside the box. It releases moisture when it gets too dry and absorbs it when it gets too damp.
- Add cedar (optional). A piece of Spanish cedar or the cedar sheet from a cigar box helps hold the humidity and lends a fine aroma.
- Keep it cool and dark. Store the box away from sunlight and heating, at as steady a temperature as possible. Fluctuation is the greatest enemy of storage.
FAQ
What humidity do cigars need?
- Around 65 to 70 percent relative humidity. In this range the wrapper stays supple and the burn even.
Can you store cigars without a humidor?
- Yes. An airtight box with a two-way humidity pack keeps cigars reliably fresh for months.
Should cigars go in the fridge?
- No. A fridge is too cold and too dry and draws moisture and aroma out of the cigar. Cool and dark at room temperature is right.
How long do cigars keep when stored properly?
- With stable humidity and temperature, many months to years. Many cigars even gain in roundness over time.
From the house of SB Cigars. Read how to light a cigar properly here. More about our SB Robusto here.