How to Store Cigars Properly- Understanding the Basics of Cigar Storage

Cigars are a popular luxury item for many, with enthusiasts around the world enjoying them in different forms. Proper cigar storage is essential for ensuring that your cigars remain fresh and flavorful. Understanding how to store cigars properly will ensure you can enjoy them as they were intended: full of flavor and complexity.

A proper cigar storage solution should have an airtight seal to keep humidity levels constant, while also preventing outside odors from entering the container. It should be able to maintain temperatures between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius). This temperature range helps preserve the oils within each leaf of tobacco found in every cigar – if these oils dry out too much, you won’t get the same experience when smoking your favorite stogies. Humidity levels inside the container should be maintained at 70% relative humidity (RH), which is best achieved by using humidification packs or beads placed within each compartment of your container; this prevents individual cigars from drying out too quickly and keeps their wrapper intact over time.

When it comes to finding a suitable storage solution for your collection of fine smokes, there are several options available on the market today; such as travel cases, desktop humidors, walk-in humidors and cabinets designed specifically for storing large collections of cigars at home or in commercial settings. Travel cases come in various sizes and feature pockets specially designed to hold individual sticks securely while allowing easy access during transport – they also typically come equipped with hygrometers so you can track humidity levels easily without opening up the case itself. Desktop humidors come in various sizes ranging from small units capable of holding just a few dozen cigars all the way up larger ones with capacity sufficient enough for several hundred smokes – some even feature built-in digital controls allowing users to adjust internal temperature/humidity levels remotely via mobile device or computer. Walk-in humidors provide ample room for hundreds upon hundreds of premium handmades; usually featuring multiple climate zones depending on user preference so one can easily select which area has optimal conditions suited towards specific type(s)of stick being stored therein – perfect if you want dedicated areas tailored towards long & short filler blends respectively! Finally we have cabinet models which offer similar features but on an even grander scale – they’re great solutions when space isn’t an issue since most designs allow multiple people access simultaneously without compromising quality control measures taken during manufacturing process like those seen abovementioned types do.

No matter what type you choose though remember always aim keeping environment inside chamber stable across all parameters mentioned heretofore lest risk having prized possessions succumb ravages caused by natural degradation processes occurring more slowly yet inevitably over passage time given right conditions exist…

Get the Right Humidity

Getting the right humidity for cigar storage is key to maintaining quality. Cigars should be stored in a humidor with relative humidity of 68-72%. This can be achieved by using a hygrometer and adding distilled water or propylene glycol solution as needed. Too little humidity will dry out the cigars, while too much will cause them to become soggy.

In order to keep track of your humidor’s environment, it is important to use both a hygrometer and thermometer. A digital hygrometer that displays both temperature and relative humidity allows you to easily adjust settings accordingly. To help regulate your desired conditions, an electronic humidification system may also be used in combination with these tools. These systems are designed specifically for cigar storage and can accurately maintain optimal levels over long periods of time with minimal effort on your part.

Choosing the right materials for storing cigars is equally important when considering proper humidity control. Cedar lined boxes have traditionally been used due to their ability to absorb moisture; however, some newer options such as acrylic containers are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. Glass jars are great for displaying larger quantities of cigars without sacrificing any protection from outside elements like heat or light exposure which can significantly impact flavor over time if not properly managed.

Preparing for Storage

Before you can store your cigars, it is important to understand the basics of cigar storage. First and foremost, it is essential that cigars be kept in a humidor or other airtight container. The ideal humidity level for storing cigars is between 65-70%, as any lower than this will cause them to dry out and become brittle, while anything higher can promote mold growth. It is also crucial that the temperature inside the humidor remains relatively consistent; too high of temperatures can ruin even the finest quality tobacco leaves used in handcrafted cigars.

Another key factor when preparing your cigars for storage is properly seasoning your humidor before use. This involves adding an absorbent material such as Spanish cedar wood or distilled water mixed with propylene glycol to ensure optimal humidity levels are maintained within the box itself. If you plan on aging your collection of premium smokes over time, make sure to keep only one type of cigar at a time in order to avoid cross-contamination from different wrappers and fillers mixing together.

Once all preparations have been made, it’s best practice to rotate through each stick every two weeks in order for their flavors remain balanced throughout its life span – especially if you want them ready for smoking. Whether you decide on buying pre-seasoned humidors or curing them yourself by following these simple steps above will go a long way towards keeping those precious stogies preserved until they are ready for consumption!

Locating an Ideal Place

When it comes to cigar storage, finding the ideal location is key. The most important factor to consider is temperature and humidity; cigars should be kept in an area with a consistent climate of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 percent relative humidity. Cigars should never be exposed to direct sunlight or any other source of extreme heat as this can cause them to become dry and brittle.

To maintain proper cigar storage conditions, many opt for a dedicated humidor–a small box that utilizes either cedar wood or Spanish Cedar lining with adjustable dividers for maximum efficiency. Humidors are designed with a hygrometer attached so you can easily monitor the internal temperature and humidity levels. If investing in a humidor isn’t feasible, consider storing your cigars in an airtight container such as Tupperware or Ziploc bags along with silica gel packets that help absorb moisture without drying out the stogies.

It’s also crucial to ensure optimal ventilation when storing cigars; keeping them wrapped tightly may seem like a good idea but it could lead to mold formation if done incorrectly. To combat this problem, use traditional wooden cigar boxes which provide adequate airflow while still protecting your collection from harmful elements like dust and dirt particles that can affect flavor quality over time.

Crafting a Cigar Box

Crafting a cigar box is an important part of properly storing cigars. The right kind of storage can help maintain the moisture and aroma of your prized tobacco products. Building a custom cigar box with high-quality wood materials is one way to ensure that your cigars are kept in optimal condition for extended periods.

Selecting the type of wood for crafting a cigar box is key to its success as a storage container. It should be strong enough to protect against heat, humidity, sunlight and other elements that could affect the taste and texture of your cigars over time. Cedarwood is often used because it helps absorb excess humidity from within the container while releasing any accumulated moisture outside into drier air. Other types of hardwoods such as oak or walnut also provide sturdy protection without compromising on flavor or quality when used correctly.

When designing your own cigar box, it’s essential to include some form of ventilation system so that air can circulate throughout the space and keep things fresh inside while avoiding potential mold growth due to excessive humidity levels. Installing adjustable vents near the top lid will allow you to adjust airflow according to current weather conditions or desired levels of relative humidity inside your chosen storage area – great if you live in an area where climate fluctuations occur frequently. Adding dividers between each compartment can make organizing multiple sizes easier while still providing adequate breathing room for every individual piece stored within them too!

Monitoring Temperature and Humidity

Monitoring temperature and humidity is a crucial part of proper cigar storage. Cigars are affected by changes in their environment, so it’s important to keep them in an optimal climate. The ideal temperature for storing cigars is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, with relative humidity between 65-70%. Humidity should never exceed 70%, as this can cause mold or mildew growth on the wrapper. Keeping cigars at too low a humidity will dry them out and affect their flavor.

A great way to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels for your cigars is to invest in a humidor – an airtight box specifically designed for cigar storage that comes equipped with either analog or digital hygrometers (devices used to measure moisture). Depending on the size of your collection, you may need more than one humidor; larger collections require multiple boxes. It’s also important not to overcrowd your humidors since too many cigars stored together can lead to uneven aging which affects taste over time.

Cigar aficionados often choose high-end Spanish cedarwood boxes due to its natural ability to absorb excess moisture while allowing some airflow into the container; this helps keep relative humidity consistent without trapping heat inside the box. Cedarwood has natural antifungal properties which help prevent mold growth within the container itself – an added bonus.

Avoiding Exposure to Air

It is essential to avoid exposure to air when storing cigars. A sealed container will protect them from the effects of oxygen, which can dry out and damage the cigar’s wrapper and binder leaves. Storing your cigars in an airtight humidor helps preserve their flavor and strength while also preventing potential contaminants like dust or mildew from entering the container. Humidors typically use either a sponge or crystal-based system to keep humidity levels consistent inside, allowing you to store multiple boxes of cigars for extended periods without worry about their quality degrading over time.

Another way to ensure that your cigars remain fresh is by using individual cellophane wrappers on each one before storage. This prevents oxygen from reaching any part of the cigar and maintains its natural oils, ensuring a longer shelf life than if stored uncovered in a humidor or other storage device. It allows you to inspect each cigar individually for signs of mold growth or other issues prior to smoking them.

Always make sure that any external environment where you are storing your cigars does not have drastic changes in temperature or humidity levels; these fluctuations can cause significant harm to tobacco products over time as they may expand and contract due to sudden shifts in climate conditions outside the box or bag holding them. By controlling both internal and external factors affecting cigar storage, smokers can be assured that they will enjoy every puff without having sacrificed flavor or aroma during long-term aging processes beforehand.

Utilizing Specialized Products

To ensure cigars are kept in peak condition, many smokers choose to use specialized products for cigar storage. Humidors are the most common option and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. These boxes typically have an interior lining of Spanish cedar wood that helps to regulate humidity levels inside the box. Humidors usually feature one or more hygrometers that measure the amount of humidity within it at any given time. Cigar aficionados will often customize their humidor with various types of dividers or drawers to keep different varieties separated as well as other accessories such as trays and cutters.

Humidification devices can also be used alongside a humidor or by themselves depending on how much space is available for storing cigars. Common examples include jars, crystal gel packs, electronic devices, and sponges soaked in distilled water among others; all which work together to maintain optimal moisture levels while keeping out impurities from entering the container they’re stored in. It’s important when selecting these items that they’re capable of holding enough moisture without becoming over saturated so not to damage your precious stogies.

Cigar cases are another great way for smokers to safely store their smokes when traveling away from home or simply keeping them close by when attending an outdoor event such as a wedding reception or tailgate party. Cases vary in size from two-stick capacity up through larger models capable of carrying up twenty plus sticks – there really is something for everyone no matter how big (or small) your collection may be. With designs ranging from simple leather pouches made specifically for cigars right up through stylish travel cases complete with built-in hygrometer gauges; it’s easy finding something suited perfectly for anyone’s needs.

Looking for premium cigars? Download our free catalogue of cigars available online in Thailand today!

Download the Cigar Emperor
2023 Catalogue