How to Preserve Cigars in Freezers

Cigar preservation is important as cigars dry out quickly if not looked after correctly.

Cigar aficionados are divided on whether preserving cigars in freezers in a good idea or not. It can be done, but you do need to follow the correct procedure to avoid damaging the taste, texture and smokability of your cigars. Cigars do dry out quickly and are usually kept in a humidor, which maintains them, but if you have bought a large batch that will not fit in the humidor, then the freezer is an option.

Things You'll Need

• Airtight plastic container

Instructions

1. Place your cigars into the airtight container; do not over-pack them. Place the lid on the container. Make sure you have sealed it properly.

2. Place the cigars in the freezer. If they are in the box, they should be safe and wont' get damaged.

3. Take your cigars from the freezer at least two days prior to using them and place them in the refrigerator's vegetable-crisper area. You are doing this to stop the cigars being "shocked," going from very cold to warm too quickly. A shocked cigar will be impaired.

4. Place your cigars in a humidor for 24 hours prior to smoking them, after taking them out of the refrigerator. If you do not have a humidor, just place them in a cedar box with a small piece of dampened oasis (available from flower stores); this will return the cigar to the correct humidity prior to smoking.

Tips & Warnings

• This method of cigar preservation is also sometimes used when a cigar has "Tobacco Beetle" as these bugs do not like freezing temperatures.

• Speak to your cigar supplier if you need a cedar box or humidor.

• If you have any old cigar canisters with the screw tops, these can keep individual cigars fresh for a few days.

References

• Cigars For Less: Cigar FAQ - The Cigar Hut
• Cigar Aficionado: The Cigar Advisor Miscellaneous
• Tribe Magazine: Cigar Preservation Without a Humidor