How to Keep Cigars Humid

Prime age for a cigar is between five to 10 years.

Cigars can last 15 years or more, if properly stored. Many cigar smokers find that the longer a cigar is stored, the better the taste for the first five to 10 years, and after about 15 years the flavor begins to become milder and mellower. Light, temperature and humidity affect cigar flavor and lifespan. When cigars are stored improperly and allowed to dry out, cigar tobacco shrinks and the wrapper can unravel or tear. Dry cigars are less flavorful, burn fast and produce larger amounts of smoke which is inhaled by the smoker through air space between the wrapper and tobacco. Storing your cigars in a humidor is the most effective way to keep cigars moist and humid.

Things You'll Need

• Humidor
• Distilled water
• Propylene glycol
• Cigar humidifier
• Hygrometer

Instructions

1. Use a humidor with a tight seal and with enough room for the number of cigars you wish to keep. Most humidors come with a cigar humidifier and hygrometer, but these can also be purchased separately.

2. Wipe down the inside of your humidor with a clean damp cloth. There may be dust or other residues left over from shipping or packaging.

3. Place a small bowl of distilled water inside the humidor, close the lid and let sit for about 12 hours. Check the amount of water left after 12 hours has passed. If the bowl is almost empty, refill the bowl with distilled water, close the lid and let sit for another 24 hours. Cigars are ready to be placed in the humidor when the water stops evaporating.

4. Soak the cigar humidifier in a half-and-half mixture of distilled water and propylene glycol for about 30 minutes. The cigar humidifier is similar to a sponge and should have been included with your humidor. After 30 minutes, remove the cigar humidifier, dry it off and place it inside the humidor.

5. Place your cigars in the humidor and close the lid. Be sure to check the humidor's hygrometer frequently the first few days. The level should remain between 68 and 74 percent humidity. If the humidity is too low, your humidor may require a re-soak with another bowl of distilled water.

6. Add a small amount of distilled water to your humidor each month. Store your humidor in a cool, dry place and avoid any direct sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• For temporary storage, you can place cigars in a sealed Ziploc bag. Make sure to include a small damp piece of paper towel with the cigars.

• Temperature should remain below 75 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent tobacco beetle or lacioderma infestations.

References

• 1st Class Cigar Humidors: Setting Up Your New Cigar Humidor
• Neptune Cigar: How to Properly Store Cigars
• Vigilant Woodworks: Cigar Storage Tips