For a cigar aficionado, the humidor is not just a storage box; it’s a critical tool that ensures each cigar is preserved, aged, and ready to offer the perfect experience. Whether you’re new to cigar collecting or have been enjoying this hobby for years, understanding the right and wrong ways to use a humidor can significantly enhance both the lifespan and the quality of your cigars. Let’s dive into the essential do’s and don’ts of storing cigars in a humidor, from choosing the best wooden cigar humidor to maintaining the optimal environment within your cigar humidor box.
Do’s of Storing Cigars in a Humidor
Do Choose the Right Humidor
First and foremost, selecting the right humidor is crucial. The best-rated cigar humidors are not just about aesthetics; they are about quality and functionality. Look for humidors made from Spanish cedar or another high-quality wood that supports proper humidity control and offers resistance to warping. The cedar not only maintains humidity but also imparts a subtle aroma that enhances the tobacco’s natural flavors over time.
Do Maintain Proper Humidity and Temperature
The ideal humidity level for a humidor is between 68% and 72%, with a temperature around 70°F. This mimics the natural tropical climate where most cigars are made and keeps them from drying out or becoming too moist. Use a reliable hygrometer to monitor these conditions regularly. Too much variation can lead to problems like mold growth or dried-out cigars that burn too quickly and lose their flavor.
Do Season Your Humidor
Before placing your cigars inside, it is essential to season your new humidor. This process involves raising the moisture level of the cedar wood slowly so that it doesn’t rob moisture from your cigars. Wipe the interior lightly with a damp cloth or sponge using distilled water and let it sit until the wood is properly humidified.
Do Rotate Your Cigars
To ensure even humidity distribution, make it a practice to rotate your cigars within the humidor every few months. This means moving cigars from the bottom to the top and from the back to the front. This practice helps prevent any one cigar from getting too much or too little humidity over an extended period.
Do Give Your Cigars Room to Breathe
Avoid overcrowding your humidor. Cigars need air circulation around them to maintain even humidity. If packed too tightly, cigars can develop mold or suffer from uneven aging. Ideally, leave some space in your humidor for air to flow freely around each cigar.
Don’ts of Storing Cigars in a Humidor
Don’t Use Tap Water in Your Humidification Device
Always use distilled water in your humidification device. Tap water can contain minerals and chemicals that can damage both the humidification system and your cigars. These impurities can lead to a buildup of deposits in the humidor that can affect flavor and promote mold growth.
Don’t Forget to Recharge Your Humidification Device
Keep an eye on your humidification device and recharge it as necessary. Depending on your climate, the size of your humidor, and how often you open it, this might need to be done as often as once a month or as infrequently as every few months.
Don’t Store Your Humidor in Direct Sunlight or Near Heat Sources
Exposure to direct sunlight or placing your humidor near heat sources can cause the internal temperature to rise, which can lead to dried-out cigars and fluctuating humidity levels. Find a cool, stable environment for your humidor, away from windows and heat sources.
Don’t Mix Flavored Cigars with Non-Flavored Ones
If you enjoy both flavored and non-flavored cigars, consider keeping them in separate humidors. Flavored cigars can impart their aromas onto other cigars, potentially altering their intended profiles.
Don’t Ignore Signs of Trouble
Finally, always be on the lookout for signs of trouble, such as mold, a musty smell, or dry, brittle cigars. These issues suggest that something is amiss with your humidor’s environment—either too much or too little humidity. Address these issues promptly to protect your collection.
Conclusion
Storing cigars correctly in a humidor is both an art and a science. By following these do’s and don’ts, you ensure that each cigar in your collection can offer the peak experience it was crafted to provide. Whether you invest in the best wooden cigar humidor or find a simple yet effective cigar humidor box, proper maintenance and mindful storage practices will allow you to fully enjoy the rich, nuanced world of cigars.
Also Read;
