As you aficionados know, storing your cigars is extremely important to keep them fresh and long-lasting. Without good storage, your cigars may suffer from cracks, over-humidification, and drying out. If you have spent a lot of money on Cuban cigars, then you would know that keeping them in cigar humidors is key to saving your buck. However, sometimes, we don’t have a handy humidor sitting in the cupboard, do we? So, it makes you wonder, is there an alternative way to store your cigars while minimising damage as much as possible? The simple answer is - yes - there is a number of ways you can keep your cigars in great shape! Let’s face it, humidors can be pricey, and if you can find a suitable substitute, what is there to lose? In this article, we will be discussing some great, short-term methods for keeping your cigars fresh.
IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR KEEPING CIGARS
No matter what, a humidor is often the best storage solution for keeping Cuban cigars. Cigars often fall victim to rough-handling and an inappropriate environment, so it is important to ensure that the container is tightly-sealed and regulates the humidity well. You wouldn’t want that expensive Cohiba Behike 54 to go to waste, do you? These short-term solutions are relatively inexpensive, but if you have a more extensive collection of premium stogies, then it's worth investing in a good-quality humidor like the S.T. Dupont Humidor or the Davidoff Office Humidor.
Left: Davidoff Office Humidor; Right: S.T. Dupont Humidor
ZIPLOC BAG
Get your hands on a humidification pouch! If you haven’t heard of this product, it essentially maintains the best level of humidity to store your cigars in. A great product we recommend is the Boveda Pack; it provides precise humidity control wherever you decide to keep your cigars. It’s as simple as dropping the pack into a Ziploc bag! As experts suggest, the humidity should be about 70%, and through our website, we sell the perfect level of 72%. But, If you do not have the time to purchase the pack - do opt for a sponge. Wet a small piece of sponge and place it inside the bag, without it touching the cigar. Remember to check the sponge every now and then to ensure it hasn’t dried out.
Boveda Pack.
TUPPERWARE
If you have a more extensive collection of cigars that need to be stored, then you can opt for Tupperware. They are reasonably cheap and easy to get a hold of; we're sure that you aficionado's have a few in your kitchen! Just like the Ziploc bag, you can take a humidification pack or a damp sponge, and leave it inside the container. Make sure that the Tupperware that you are using has a tightly-sealed lid so that the moisture does not dissipate through. When soaking the sponge, do opt for distilled water as tap water can encourage mould to grow.
SMALL COOLER
A small cooler makes an excellent long-term alternative to a humidor, as long as it is tightly sealed! Do make sure that the amount of cigars you are storing is just the right amount, allowing it to fit perfectly within the container. For short term humidification, you can use a sponge or the humidification pack. But for the long term, invest in the correct tools like a hygrometer or a humidifier - which can be bought relatively cheap.
There you have it! These are the best alternatives to a humidor. Are you looking for some premium cigars to add to your amazing collection? Visit our Cuban Cigar Shop! And, for more exciting articles about Habanos, read the Cuban Cigar Blog:
- How to Store Cigars: The Importance of Humidity
- How to Hold Cigars: 5 Different Methods
- How to Season Your Humidor: A 5-Step Guide