How to Store Cigars: The Essential Humidor Guide
Introduction To Humidors
Cigars are more than just rolled tobacco—they are carefully crafted, aged, and blended to deliver a unique smoking experience. However, improper storage can ruin their flavor, texture, and burn quality. Whether you’re a casual smoker or a dedicated aficionado, keeping your cigars fresh requires maintaining the right humidity levels.
A humidor is the best solution for long-term cigar storage, ensuring that cigars stay fresh, properly humidified, and age gracefully. This guide will walk you through why humidors are essential, the different types available, how to season them, and how to maintain perfect humidity levels. We’ll also cover an alternative solution: Humidor Bags powered by Boveda, ideal for beginners and those looking for a hassle-free option.
Why a Humidor is Essential
A humidor is a specially designed box that controls humidity to protect cigars from drying out or becoming too moist. Without proper storage, cigars can:
- Dry out – Losing essential oils, resulting in harsh, bitter flavors.
- Become too damp – Leading to tight draws, uneven burns, and mold growth.
- Lose their aroma – If stored incorrectly, cigars can absorb unwanted odors and contaminants.
The ideal environment for cigars is 65-72% relative humidity (RH) and around 70°F (21°C) temperature. A humidor helps achieve and maintain these conditions, ensuring that your cigars are ready to smoke whenever you are.
Why We Choose Humidor Bags?
- No Maintenance Required – No need to season wood or monitor humidity constantly.
- Perfect 69-72% RH Control – Unlike wooden humidors, Boveda Humidor Bags regulate humidity flawlessly.
- Portable & Airtight – Ideal for home storage, travel, and keeping cigars fresh right out of the store.
- Long-Term Freshness – Keeps cigars in pristine condition for months, even years.
At Privada Cigar Club, we provide Humidor Bags powered by Boveda to ensure your cigars remain in top condition, even if you don’t have a humidor. Watch our video to see why we trust Humidor Bags over traditional humidors!
How to Season a Humidor: Step-by-Step Guide
Before using a new humidor, you must season it to ensure the wood absorbs moisture evenly. Skipping this step can cause cigars to dry out quickly.
Step 1: Gather Supplies
You will need:
✅ Distilled water
✅ A clean sponge or cloth
✅ A hygrometer to measure humidity
✅ Humidification device (Boveda packs, humidification gel, or beads)
Step 2: Wipe Down the Interior
- Lightly dampen a clean sponge with distilled water (never use tap water).
- Wipe the interior walls, lid, and trays. Avoid soaking the wood.
Step 3: Add a Small Dish of Distilled Water
- Place a shallow dish of distilled water inside the humidor.
- Close the lid and let it sit for 24-48 hours.
Step 4: Monitor the Humidity
- Check the hygrometer—aim for 65-72% RH before adding cigars.
- If the humidity is too low, repeat the process for another 24 hours.
Step 5: Remove Water & Add Cigars
- Once the humidity is stable, remove the dish of water.
- Place your cigars inside, ensuring proper airflow.
For those looking for an easier solution, Boveda Humidor Seasoning Packs offer a hands-free alternative, gradually adjusting humidity levels over 14 days.
Maintaining Humidity Levels in Your Humidor
To keep cigars in prime condition, follow these essential maintenance steps:
1. Use a Hygrometer
A hygrometer monitors humidity levels inside your humidor. Digital hygrometers are more accurate than analog ones.
2. Choose the Right Humidification Method
- Boveda Packs – Pre-filled packs providing consistent moisture control.
- Silica Gel Beads – Absorb and release moisture as needed.
- Propylene Glycol Solution – Keeps RH levels stable.
3. Store Your Humidor Correctly
- Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep it away from air vents or AC units.
Common Humidor Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Overfilling the Humidor – Prevents proper airflow. Always leave some space.
❌ Using Tap Water – Contains minerals that promote mold growth. Always use distilled water.
❌ Neglecting to Calibrate the Hygrometer – Inaccurate readings can ruin your cigars.
❌ Not Rotating Cigars – Rotate every 2-4 weeks to ensure even humidity distribution.
❌ Confusing Mold & Plume – Mold is blue/green and fuzzy (bad), while plume is white and powdery (harmless).
Final Thoughts
Proper cigar storage is key to preserving their flavor, aroma, and quality. Whether using a traditional humidor or Humidor Bags powered by Boveda, maintaining the right humidity levels ensures a premium smoking experience.
If you’re just starting your cigar journey, consider Privada Cigar Club’s monthly subscriptions for expertly curated cigars delivered fresh to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you season a humidor for the first time?
To season a humidor, wipe the interior with distilled water, place a dish of distilled water inside, and let it sit for 24-48 hours before adding cigars.
How to store cigars without a humidor?
Use a Humidor Bag powered by Boveda or a sealed plastic container with a Boveda pack to maintain proper humidity.
How are cigars supposed to be stored?
Cigars should be stored at 65-72% humidity and 70°F. Using a humidor or Humidor Bags ensures optimal conditions.