Why Humidors? For anyone serious about enjoying cigars the way they’re meant to be experienced, proper storage isn’t optional—it’s essential. Cigars are handcrafted products made of carefully aged and blended tobacco leaves, and they are highly sensitive to their environment. That’s where the humidor comes in: a specially designed storage container that replicates the ideal conditions for preserving and aging cigars.
Let’s break down why cigars need a humidor, what those ideal conditions are, and what can go wrong when cigars are neglected.
The Ideal Environment for Cigars
Cigars are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb and release moisture depending on their surroundings. This makes them incredibly reactive to changes in temperature and humidity.
Ideal Humidity Range:
65%–70% Relative Humidity (RH)
This range keeps cigars supple, helps maintain a consistent burn, and preserves the oils and flavors within the tobacco.
Ideal Temperature Range:
65°F–70°F (18°C–21°C)
Keeping the temperature stable is just as important. Higher temperatures can encourage mold or tobacco beetle infestations, while colder temps can dry cigars out—even at the right humidity.
Why a Humidor Is Necessary
A humidor is designed to maintain that sweet spot of humidity and temperature. Without one, cigars are at the mercy of ambient conditions, which tend to fluctuate daily and seasonally. The result? A ruined cigar experience.
A well-functioning humidor prevents:
- Drying out
- Over-humidification
- Flavor degradation
- Burn issues
- Pest problems (e.g., tobacco beetles)
- Mold growth
What Happens If Cigars Get Too Dry?
When cigars are exposed to air that’s too dry (below 60% RH), several things can go wrong:
- Cracking and Splitting: The wrapper becomes brittle and prone to damage.
- Hot, Fast Burn: Dry cigars burn hotter and faster, which destroys the flavor complexity and causes harshness.
- Loss of Aroma and Oils: The essential oils that give cigars their flavor and aroma evaporate in dry conditions, resulting in a flat, tasteless smoke.
- Uneven Burn or Canoeing: The cigar may burn down one side or struggle to stay lit at all.
If cigars become too dry, you can try to rehydrate them slowly in a humidor, but once the oils are gone, there’s no bringing back the original flavor.
What Happens If Cigars Get Too Humid?
On the other end of the spectrum, cigars stored above 72% RH come with their own problems:
- Spongy Feel: Overly moist cigars feel soft and are difficult to draw.
- Burn Issues: They may burn unevenly, or not at all, due to the excess moisture.
- Mold Growth: High humidity encourages mold on both the wrapper and the foot of the cigar.
- Tobacco Beetles: These pests thrive in warm, humid environments and can chew holes through an entire box of cigars.
- Bitter or Off Flavors: Excess humidity can make the smoke harsh, acidic, or overly musty.
If you open your humidor and your cigars feel damp or smell sour, you’re likely over-humidifying.
Types of Humidors and Tools
There are various types of humidors depending on your needs:
- Desktop Humidors: Great for small collections (25–100 cigars).
- Cabinet Humidors: For serious collectors with hundreds of cigars.
- Travel Humidors: Compact and portable, ideal for a few sticks on the go.
- Coolidors/Wineadors: DIY solutions using coolers or wine fridges with humidification devices.
- Walk-in Humidors: Typically seen at reputable cigar shops where you can walk in and view thousands of cigars on sale in their proper environment for long term storage.
Essential tools to monitor and maintain your humidor include:
- Digital Hygrometer: Far more accurate than analog versions.
- Humidification Device: Boveda packs, beads, or electronic humidifiers.
- Calibration Kit: Ensures your hygrometer is giving you reliable readings.
Cigars are a luxury product, but they’re also delicate. A properly maintained humidor isn’t just about preserving your investment—it’s about preserving the essence of what makes cigars enjoyable: their flavor, their aroma, their craftsmanship. Whether you’re aging cigars for years or just keeping your weekly stash fresh, the humidor is your best friend. Without it, even the finest cigar can turn into an underwhelming—or even unsmokable—experience.