If you’ve ever smoked a high-end cigar, you know that the right way to store it is important to retain its taste, smell, and quality. Cigars are constructed from genuine tobacco leaves, which makes them sensitive to their surroundings. A cigar may dry out, lose taste, or even go moldy if it isn’t stored properly. A humidor is the best way to keep cigars fresh and ready to smoke.
A humidor is a box or container that keeps the humidity level stable, generally between 65 and 72 percent. This range keeps your cigars from being too dry (which makes them unpleasant to smoke) or too wet (which may make them burn unevenly or mold). A hygrometer measures the humidity within the humidor, and a humidification mechanism keeps the moisture at the right level. A tiny desktop humidor is an excellent place for novices to start, while seasoned collectors may choose to buy cabinet-style humidors to hold their bigger collections.
Before you put your cigars away, you need to season your humidor. You should clean the inside with a moist cloth and let a humidifier sit inside for at least 24 hours before adding cigars. If you don’t do this step, your cigars might dry out rapidly or pick up flavors you don’t desire. After seasoning, fill your humidor with cigars and check the humidity every week to make sure it remains right.
The most important thing to remember while storing anything for a long time is to keep it the same. Avoid putting your humidor in direct sunlight, near heaters, or air conditioners, since these might change the temperature and humidity. Make careful to check the hygrometer often and rotate your cigars every month or so to make sure the humidity is evenly distributed. If you take care of them, your cigars will stay as rich and tasty as the day you got them.
If you love your cigars, a well-kept humidor is a good investment. It will not only keep your cigars fresh, but it will also make smoking them better. After all, there’s nothing better than the feeling of cutting and lighting a cigar that has been preserved properly. Contact us for more tips to keep your cigars fresh!