Fresh air supply

A well-filled humidor should be aerated at least once every two weeks to regularly supply it with fresh air

 

Optimum temperature for cigar storage

A temperature of 64-70°F (18-21°C) is considered ideal. At lower temperatures, below 54°F (12°C), the desired aging process of the cigars is impaired. Therefore, cold wine cellars are only suitable for cigar storage to a limited extent. Even worse are high temperatures. Temperatures of over 75°F (24°C) can lead to worm infestation and cigar rotting. For this reason, the humidor should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

 

Maximum duration of storing cigars

Cigars can generally be stored inside a humidor for an unlimited period of time, as long as a constant relative humidity of 65-75% and regular supply of fresh air are ensured. High-quality premium cigars develop a special flavor after many years of storage.

 

Do cigars mature over time

Before premium cigars are shipped to tobacco shops, they should ripen for about six months in factories or in the distributors’ air-conditioned compartments. Due to the increasing demand for cigars, this ripening period has apparently not always been observed in recent years. Therefore, it is recommendable to store cigars after the purchase for another 3-6 months in the humidor. During the aging process cigars develop a smoother, more balanced flavor. Some premium cigars develop a particularly fine flavor after several years of storage. In the end, the duration of cigar storage is a matter of individual preference. One should compare the changing flavor of the preferred cigar brands within different storage times, in order to determine the perfect aging time.

 

Cigar "marriage"

Cigars absorb aromas from their environment. That is, they not only absorb the aroma of the humidor’s interior wood lining but also aromas from other cigars stored in the same humidor. Dividers are used in humidors to minimize this aromatic discoloration. However, in order to prevent any flavor transfer, the cigars have to be stored in different humidors or in cabinet humidors, where cigars can be stored within their original boxes. Some aficionados, however, appreciate the mixture of the flavors of their favorite cigars and therefore intentionally store different cigar brands in one humidor for several months. In general, however, the storage of cigars of different strengths (in particular different countries of origin) should be avoided as well as possible. The not very aesthetic storage of cigars in cellophane wrap or alternatively storing cigars in their original boxes in large cabinet humidors can likewise prevent this aromatic discoloration.

 

Do cigars need to be regularly rotated in the humidor

In small humidors of less than 75 Robustos cigars do not need to be rotated since an even humidity level should be reached inside a well-made humidor of this size. In large humidors, however, with trays and several levels, the humidity level will be slightly higher in proximity to the humidification system. Therefore, cigars that are stored for long periods of time may be rotated every 1-3 months. Alternatively cigars intended for imminent consumption may be placed in closer proximity to the humidifier and cigars that are to be stored for longer periods may be placed on levels farther from the humidifier. For humidors with several trays, a more even humidification can be reached if no cigars are placed in the middle of the trays, which will improve air circulation within the humidor. When using electronic humidifiers in cabinet humidors, regular cigar rotation is not necessary.

 

Should the cellophane wrap of the cigars be removed before placing cigars in the humidor?

Cellophane protects cigars from losing too much humidity during transport. Within the humidor, however, the plastic foil is rather counter-productive for the preservation of an optimum humidity level. If cigars are placed in the humidor with the cellophane the cellophane should be opened at the ends to ensure oxygen circulation. Whether the cellophane should be removed or not is also a question of taste. On one hand, removing the cellophane supports the desired aging process of the cigar and is the preferred option from an aesthetic point of view. On the other hand, keeping the cellophane wrap on will protect cigars against the mixing of flavors of different cigar tobaccos. Consequently, if no divider is available for the humidor and the mix of flavors is to be prevented, then storing cigars with cellophane in the humidor might be an option. Premium cigars are frequently delivered in a Spanish cedar wrapping. Ultimately, it is here also a question of personal preference whether to leave on the cedar wrapping, which intensifies the cedar aroma of the cigars, or to remove the wrapping before placing the cigars in the humidor.