Proper Cigar Storage
Cigars are fragile products that can be greatly affected by the environment around them. This environment can significantly alter the quality, flavor, and overall smoking experience. Storing them correctly is vital for their longevity and a properly maintained humidor is ideal for achieving this goal. Here the writer looks at the ideal conditions of the environment to store and mature cigars with the principal focus being centered on temperature and humidity. These two factors being the most crucial variables can be controlled by using the right equipment. Having a deeper understanding of the temperature and humidity in your humidor will ensure that your cigars remain fresh, flavorful, and aromatic as the cigar maker intended.
Optimal Temperature and Humidity
The perfect environment for cigars is a balance of temperature and humidity. Here’s what you need to know:
Temperature: Cigars should have 68-72% relative humidity and 50-70°F (10-21°C) temperature. Any temperature below or beyond this might dry out or infect the cigars with mold. Furthermore, if the temperature isn’t maintained within this range, it can cause the evaporation of the tobacco leaf’s essential oils. This will greatly affect the taste, draw, and burn of the cigar.
Humidity: The ideal humidity depends on the type of cigar; however, most are kept around 65-70% relative humidity. Proper humidity prevents cigars from drying out, cracking, and puffing. Not to mention, mold and swelling may occur when cigars are exposed to extreme humidity. The idea is for the tobacco leaves to be wet enough to be pliable and flavorful, but not wet enough for mold to grow and thrive. Make no mistake, smoking a moldy cigar is not only the most unpleasant taste you’ll experience, but can also cause severe illness. This is why it’s crucial to make sure your cigars are being stored at the proper humidity and temperature!
The Importance of Maintaining Proper Humidity
Maintaining the right humidity is crucial for several reasons:
1. Preservation of Flavor: Since cigars are made from natural tobacco leaves, they might lose their natural oils and flavor if improperly kept. Proper humidity helps leaves retain moisture and taste delicious. Cigars that are stored at appropriate humidity levels have fresh, rich-smelling tobacco leaves that are wonderful to smoke.
2. Structural Integrity: When cigars are too dry, they may split or unravel causing an uneven burn and ultimately bad flavor. A seasoned cigar smoker will notice whether a cigar is too dry or wet by simply touching it. For example, I always perform what I call the finger test before I light up. I hold the cigar up to my ear and give it a light squeeze. If I hear no sound or (even worse) something that sounds like a damp sponge, too much humidity. If I hear a snap, crackle, pop then it’s too dry. What I should hear is a barely audible light crunch.
3. Mold Prevention: Mold ruins cigars. Period. It also spreads rapidly meaning it’ll make short work of every cigar in your humidor. The good news is it’s super easy to prevent. Just make sure that your humidor is within the proper range (65-70% RH) and at room temperature. If the environment is properly maintained, it is unlikely that mold will be a problem.
4. Consistency: There’s a reason why the genesis of cigars can be traced back to Caribbean and Central American regions. It’s because they thrive in tropical climates, they burn evenly and taste just as the cigar maker intended. Cigar aficionados value consistency, meaning they want the same experience every time.
Factors Affecting Humidity and Temperature
A humidor's humidity or temperature depends on surrounding circumstances such as the quantity of cigars, and the kind of humidor used. Understanding the ideal ambient conditions for storing cigars can be understood with the information in this article.
Ambient Environment: This is basically the environment in which your humidor is located. The conditions in the room can substantially alter the cigars. The interior temperature of the humidor can be affected if it’s in direct sunlight or has insufficient ventilation. This can cause variations in the relative humidity. For this reason, you should place your humidor away from direct sunlight in a room with a consistent temperature.
Number of Cigars: The number of cigars in your humidor also affects the environment inside. Moisture collects in empty humidors, making them less efficient at maintaining a consistent humidity. Overloading reduces air circulation and may cause humidity imbalances. That being said, it’s important to consume your cigars wisely. The general rule is to keep your humidor at least 50% full at any given time. It’s important to note that it is the rapid fluctuations in empty space in your humidor that will cause imbalances so it’s not wise to take several sticks out at a time without replacing them with others.
Type of Humidor: Considering your humidor's material and design is another factor to maintaining the optimum atmosphere. Wooden humidors absorb and release humidity into the air. They’re a popular option but require a bit more work as they must be seasoned and conditioned. On the other hand, acrylic and glass humidors don’t require this extra maintenance because they seal much better. As a result, these humidors are very consistent and so long as you have the humidity level where you want it, it’ll create a very consistent environment for a long time. It’s worth mentioning that while wooden humidors require more maintenance, they are much better for aging and maturing cigars. It’s for this reason that most serious cigar smokers will have a wooden or cedar humidor or at the very least, place a few sheets of cedar in their acrylic humidor.
Steps to Maintain Your Humidor
Maintaining your humidor involves several steps to ensure it provides the optimal environment for your cigars. Here are some key steps to follow:
1. Seasoning Your Humidor: New wooden humidors need seasoning. As a humidifier and storage device, it controls cigar humidity and temperature maintaining their quality. This involves wiping the walls with a towel soaked in distilled water and placing a plate of water inside for a few days. To prevent cigars from drying, this technique prepares the wood for hygrometric expansion and water absorption.
2. Regular Monitoring: Take regular humidity and temperature readings in your humidor using an accurate hygrometer/thermometer. Measure these conditions weekly to ensure they remain within the ideal range.
3. Adjusting Humidity Levels: Use distilled water or a humidity boosting device if the humidity is too low. If it’s too high, open the humidor for a while or add a dampener to draw moisture out.
4. Cleaning Your Humidor: To prevent mold and mildew growth, clean the humidor regularly. Wet a cloth and wipe the inside to remove dust and other particles. Avoid bleach and other harsh cleaners that may affect cigar flavor.
5. Rotating Your Cigars: Rotate your cigars to equally disperse humidity. Replace the lowest cigars with the top ones. This will prevent cigars from spoiling, drying out, or over humidifying.
Benefits of a Well-Maintained Humidor
A well-maintained humidor offers several benefits that enhance your cigar-smoking experience:
Flavor Preservation: A properly kept humidor protects your cigars’ natural oils and flavors. This allows each cigar to have a complex and rich taste.
Extended Shelf Life: Properly storing cigars extends their lifespan giving you more time to enjoy them. Not to mention, maintaining this environment allows you to mature the cigars and create a collection that improves over time.
Enhanced Smoking Experience: Every cigar smoker knows that well-maintained humidors light and burn cigars evenly. This eliminates cracking, unwinding, and inefficient burning making smoking more enjoyable.
Protects Your Investment: Cigar aficionados understand that cigars are investments worthy of protection. Cigar owners want to keep them in excellent shape and the best way to do that is to have a quality, well-maintained humidor.
Final Thoughts
The control of the environment in your humidor is important in preserving the quality of your cigars. It is important to keep the cigars’ temperature 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity level 65%-70% for cigars to remain in good condition.
Apart from improving your smoking experience and safeguarding your stogies, it is crucial that you invest in a quality humidor and take proper care of it. If properly taken care of, cigars are firm, aromatic, and produce good flavors. Whether you’re the type who smokes cigars regularly or occasionally, you will need to learn and apply these principles of cigar storage at least once in a lifetime to maximize enjoyment of your beloved cigars.
