The Correct Humidity Levels in a Humidor

Humidity levels make a big difference in cigar quality.

Humidors are designed to keep your cigars at peak “smokability,” according to Cigar Magazine, but a lot depends upon the maintenance of the humidity inside the humidor. The general consensus is that the temperature inside the humidor should remain between 64 and 68 degrees and the relative humidity around 70 percent. Cigar Magazine says, however, that all cigars are different as well as cigar-lover’s tastes. Anywhere from 64 percent to 72 percent is acceptable for humidity levels inside the humidor.

Judging by Feel

Some cigar lovers like a moister cigar.

Some cigar aficionados judge the humidity level in their humidors by giving their cigars a squeeze. A cigar kept at the correct humidity level will be elastic; after a strong squeeze it should spring back to its original shape. It should not feel brittle and it should exude a bit of oil.

Air Flow

Don't pack cigars too tightly. Air flow is important.

Your humidor shouldn’t be tightly sealed as air flow is important, says Cigar Magazine. Without air flow, your cigars will become moldy. Don’t pack cigars too tightly; always pack them horizontally and check the rim and lid of your humidor. You want the lid to fit tightly but not seal completely. If you see warping of the rim or lid, too much air might be getting in to maintain humidity levels.

Humidification Devices

Never use tap water in your humidor.

Most humidors have simple devices to maintain moisture, such as a sponge or an open bottle. It’s up to you to add distilled water as needed. Some humidors have hygrometers that tell you the relative humidity inside the humidor, but the true measure of moisture is the condition of your cigars.

Add enough water to moisten—not saturate—the sponge when the humidity level falls to about 64 degrees or lower. The sponge needs enough dryness to reabsorb excess moisture and maintain humidity levels.

Non-aromatic cedar is a good choice for the construction of a humidor because it absorbs and re-emits moisture.

Temperature

Tobacco beetle larvae hatch at temperatures over 80 degrees.

The best temperature for cigar storage is about 70 degrees. Cooler temperatures won’t allow your cigars to age and mature, and the blended tobaccos won’t “marry,” says Cigar Magazine. Temperatures higher than 80 degrees can result in the hatching of tobacco beetle eggs.

Relative humidity does not depend upon temperature, so anywhere between 50 to 75 degrees is OK for storing cigars.

Making Your Own

Drill holes in a plastic soap dish to create a foam holder.

A humidor can be as simple as a plastic container, says Cigar Magazine. Simply take a small container, add ventilating holes and place a piece of wet Oasis floral foam inside. Place this inside a larger container and make a 50/50 mix of propylene glycol and distilled water. Moisten the foam with this solution and wait a couple of days for the humidity levels to stabilize.

References

• Cigar Magazine: The Humidors (2006)