Humidor Essentials: How to Store Cigars Like a Pro

Summary

Storing cigars, the way they are meant to be kept, means more than simply dropping all your cash on an expensive humidor. Seasoning and maintaining your humidor is just as important. Here are the basics of cigar storage. 

Prolonged storage below 65% RH strips cigars of their essential oils and flavor; when this happens, their distinctive aroma cannot be fully restored. (Source) 

A well-kept humidor protects every cigar you love. It maintains humidity, preserves oils in the wrapper, and gives cigars the consistent environment they need. Whether you are building a small daily stash or prefer to buy cigars online, simple humidor habits will improve flavor and prevent costly mistakes. 

Pick the Right Humidor

A cabinet-style humidor works for cigar collectors who are in it for the long term. Look for Spanish cedar lining and a solid lid seal. Cedar helps stabilize humidity, supports proper aging, and reduces the chance of pests. A weak seal lets humidity drift and can spoil your entire collection. Before putting cigars into a new humidor, it’s important to season the box so the wood can hold moisture properly. 

A simple way to do this is to gently wipe the inside with a cloth dampened in distilled water, place the humidifier inside, and keep the lid closed for a couple of days. Check the hygrometer during this time, and once the readings settle near your preferred range, the humidor is ready to use. Skipping this step can leave the wood dry enough to pull moisture from your cigars. 

When it comes to storage conditions, aim for stability instead of worrying about exact numbers. Many cigar enthusiasts maintain humidity in the mid-60 percent range and keep the temperature in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. These conditions promote smooth aging while minimizing the risk of mold growth. Also, try to position the humidor in a place that avoids sunlight, kitchens, or vents, since those areas can cause sudden changes in temperature and humidity. 

A note on special blends

Some cigars are built to age. Arturo Fuente cigars, for example, often reward slow, steady storage and careful rotation. Boxes stored at steady humidity can develop smoother flavors and more integrated complexity over months and years. 

Troubleshooting common problems

If cigars start tasting flat, humidity is usually the culprit. When they dry out, they turn brittle and lose character. Too much moisture makes them soft and difficult to burn evenly. If your humidor develops an odd smell, take the cigars out, let the box air for a while, then wipe the interior with distilled water before re-seasoning and refreshing the humidifier. A little routine care goes a long way in keeping bigger issues from creeping in. 

In Conclusion

A humidor works like its own mini-environment, and the way you maintain it directly shapes the cigars inside. Proper seasoning, stable humidity, and regular maintenance checks will help keep your collection in good condition. When you add to your stash or buy online, choose shops with a solid reputation and clear storage and shipping practices.

Sticking with trusted online retailers lowers the risk of poorly kept cigars, especially when buying specialty items like Arturo Fuente Hemingway. With those basics covered, your humidor will take care of the rest, and your cigars will hold onto the flavor you expect. In the US, Cigars N Cigars have been a staple for veteran cigar smokers, thanks to their unmatched dedication to give every cigar the love and care it deserves. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I season a new humidor?
Wipe the inside with distilled water, add the humidifier, and let it rest for a couple of days.

Where’s the best place to keep a humidor?
In a cool, stable spot away from sunlight, vents, or kitchens.