How to Store Cigars: The Importance of Humidity

We’re sure that all Cuban cigar connoisseurs will know that humidity and temperature play a crucial part in the longevity and maintenance of a cigar. We’re also sure that you will all know the struggles of maintaining the perfect storage conditions for your smokes. The 70/70 rule is well-known in the world of Cuban cigars online. They say the most enjoyable Cuban cigars should be stored at around 70°F and 70% humidity. So, some of you may be unaware of the risks that come with humidity and this is what we’re here to tell you today.

"A GOOD SMOKE WILL BURN SMOOTHLY AND SLOWLY"

RISKS OF LOW MOISTURE – All Cigars for sale online are hygroscopic – meaning they absorb and hold moisture from their surrounding environment. So, as you can imagine they loose moisture just as quickly as they obtain it. If you leave your cigar out in the wrong conditions, the precious essential oils will evaporate and it’ll dry out in a matter of hours. This will then lead the combustion temperature to be much higher – making the cigar burn hot and fast. Two things you don’t want! A good smoke will burn smoothly and slowly – giving the different flavours of the tobacco a chance to blend beautifully. It’ll leave you with an aggressive smoke, that’s lost the subtle flavour notes that a well-kept cigar would possess.

"AN AWFUL SMOKING EXPERIENCE"

RISKS OF EXCESS MOISTURE – When humidity levels are too high, the cigars will begin to absorb the humidity rather than losing it to the air around them – devastatingly leading to a damp cigar. Humidity is highest during the morning whilst the temperature is at the dew point, which is when the water vapour condenses into a liquid. Whilst many would assume that this is a summertime issue, you should also beware of rainfall. All it takes is 5 minutes of a heavy downpour and you can wave goodbye to your cigar! A damp cigar swells up – causing it to become too dense and proves difficult to draw from. Now, what’s better than a nice and even burn, that brings all the tobacco blends and flavours together impeccably? You will not get that smooth smoke with a damp cigar – it’ll cause ‘tunnelling’. If you didn’t know, this is when one side of the cigar burns quicker then the other. Leading to notes being released at the wrong times – it just doesn’t work. On top of this, it’ll give off a heavier smoke, which could overload your sense of smell. If you read our How To Retrohale: 3 Simple Steps you’ll know that your nose is just as important as your mouth in cigar smoking. Just imagine all these factors together…an awful smoking experience.

PROTECTING YOUR CIGARS FROM HUMIDITY – There’s no doubt that you’ve heard of Humidors. They’re the most common way that aficionados will store their stogie’s. Humidors provide a sealed environment for your cigar, whilst also allowing you to monitor and adjust the humidity levels that they’re being kept in. Shop our range of premium humidors: like the Davidoff Office Humidor – Macassar Palladium or the Cohiba Majestuosos 1966 – 50 Aniversario Humidor. If you're unsure of where to keep your humidor, here are our top tips:

The Davidoff Office Humidor - Macassar Palladium.

A DARK PLACE – Keep your humidor away from natural light. Sunbeams can raise the temperature of your humidor in a matter of hours. Not to mention, the fluctuations of light will make it that extra bit difficult for you to regulate the temperature and humidity of the humidor

The Cohiba Majestuoso 1966 - 50 Aniversario Humidor.

INTERIOR WALLS – Your humidor should be placed against an interior wall in the house. The exterior walls will face temperature fluctuations, yet again making it difficult to regulate the conditions.

Aficionados, I hope we’ve given you an insight into the role that moisture and humidity play in the storage of premium Cuban cigars. Be sure to head over to our Cuban Cigar Shop to see the range of Cuban cigars and humidors that we stock. If you want to discover more about the world of Habanos then checkout our Cuban Cigar Blog: