If you want to be a true cigar aficionado, you must learn how to store your cigars properly. The right storage environment is necessary in order to maintain the original flavors and quality of your premium cigars.
Cigar humidors help to keep your cigars in mint condition, allowing you to store them for long periods before enjoying them at their full potential. There are many different types of humidors and you should familiarize yourself with these different varieties before picking one that meets your needs.
Here is a beginner’s guide to cigar humidors, including how they work, why they’re important, the different varieties, and how to choose the right one.
Why Are Cigar Humidors Important?
The primary purpose of a cigar humidor is to maintain the humidity level of cigars. Maintaining the proper humidity level is absolutely essential for cigars. If the humidity level drops too low, the cigar’s tobacco leaves can shrink and lose their aroma and flavor. If the humidity level is too high, mold can grow and the cigars can rot.
Cigar humidors can also help cigars improve with age. Like wine, some cigars can develop more complex aromas and flavors as they age. The oils in cigar tobacco interact and mature over the years. However, these improvements can only happen if the cigars are stored in humidors. Cigars that are left out in the open air will become stale and unsmokable over time.
What Are the Different Parts of a Cigar Humidor?
Cigar humidors are made up of several different parts, each of which plays an important role in maintaining humidity levels and keeping the cigars in prime condition. Although there are several different types of cigar humidors on the market, all of them generally consist of the following components.
Wood
Humidors are built out of wood, and the best humidors are made of Spanish cedar. These premium humidors are naturally more expensive, but are well worth the price if you can afford them. Spanish cedar works well because it has natural anti-fungal properties and absorbs moisture well. Spanish cedar humidors are also built to last forever, so they are a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate fine cigars.
More budget-friendly humidor options are either made of other types of wood or are only lined with Spanish cedar, while higher-end options are built entirely with Spanish cedar hardwood. Mahogany and cherry also work well for humidors, while aromatic woods like pine and cedar are best avoided, as they can add unwanted flavors to the cigars.
Hygrometer
The hygrometer is used to measure air humidity levels, which allows cigar owners to monitor humidity and ensure that the humidor is working correctly. They can be either digital or analog, but analog hygrometers are much less accurate, so it is usually best to opt for the digital option.
Humidifier
The humidifier is one of the most important components of the humidor, as it ensures that your cigars are at the right moisture levels. Maintaining the right moisture allows your cigars to stay fresh and burn more evenly. In general, the moisture should be maintained between 62 and 70 percent to preserve the quality of the cigar.
How to Use a Cigar Humidor
A cigar humidor is a powerful tool, but you need to take the time to learn how to properly use and maintain it. Here are the steps to setting up and using a humidor:
- Fully submerge the humidifier in distilled water. Tap water can damage the humidifier, so make sure to only use distilled water.
- Keep the humidifier fully submerged for 3 minutes.
- Take the humidifier out of the water and wipe away extra water.
- Line the humidifier with a plastic bag.
- Dampen a sponge in distilled water and place it on top of the plastic bag.
- Put the hygrometer and humidifier in the lid of the humidor.
- Close the lid and leave the humidor closed for between 12 and 24 hours—the longer the better.
- Measure the humidity level and repeat this process until it reaches between 65% and 75%.
How to Properly Care for a Humidor
Taking proper care of a humidor can extend its lifespan and ensure that your cigars are always kept fresh. Follow these steps to make sure your humidor is kept in great shape:
- Season the humidor before you use it by wiping down the interior with distilled water. This adds moisture to the wood, which keeps the humidity level at the proper level.
- Always store the humidor away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as they can damage the wood and dry out the cigars.
- Regularly check the humidity level to ensure that it stays between 65% and 75%. If it drops below 65%, add distilled water to the humidifier.
- Regularly calibrate the hygrometer to ensure that it is still providing accurate readings of the humidity level.
- Regularly clean the humidor by wiping the interior down with a soft cloth to remove debris and dust.