How to Store Cigar Boxes

A properly maintained cigar box will preserve cigars.

When a humidor is not available or is simply not large enough to fit your box of cigars, it is important to improvise. Cigars can be quite expensive, and without a proper environment, they are prone to drying out and cracking, losing flavor and intensity, or accumulating mold. Moldy cigars are ruined and must be thrown out, whereas dried cigars are still smokable. Storing your cigar box without a humidor is easy and can preserve your cigars for up to a month.

Things You'll Need

• Cigar box
• Dry mistat stick
• Ziplock bag
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Place the cigar box in a cool, dark basement. A basement may also be slightly damp, which will help prevent the cigars from drying out. Do not remove the cellophane overwrap because this will help maintain the quality of the cigars.

2. Place a dry mistat stick in the cigar box alongside the cigars. Dry mistat sticks have polyglycol crystals and distilled water to help keep your cigars at a proper level of humidity. These small containers are useful for a box with 25 or fewer cigars.

3. Place the cigar box in a large ziplock bag and store in a cool, dark place. Also put a small piece of paper towel moistened with a couple drops of water in the ziplock bag. The moistened paper towel will help prevent the cigars from drying out.

References

• Vigilant: Cigar Storage Tips
• Cigar Advisor: Storing Cigars in Their Factory Boxes Without a Humidor