To get the most out of cigars, it’s important to store them properly. Over time, cigars will dry out if the climate is arid. If it is humid, the cigars will absorb the moisture in the air. In essence, the moisture content in the cigar will ultimately match the content in the air.
A damp cigar will not burn properly while a dry cigar will overheat. There is a proper level of moisture that is required for the cigar to properly combust—about 12 to 14 percent of the cigar’s total weight (or the equivalent of 60 to 70 percent relative humidity). Cigars should also be stored at temperatures below 75° Fahrenheit.
The best way to store cigars is in a humidor. It is a box exclusively designed for the storage of cigars. Humidors could range from simple to downright extravagant. You can choose the size of humidor you want based on the quantity of cigars that you will store. If you are not pinching pennies, you can get a humidor that will be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Cigars are not cheap, and humidors can add up, too, depending on the kind you get. A humidor that can store 150 or more cigars can cost around $250. If you don’t have the budget for that kind of purchase, consider building your own humidor. Variations of homemade humidors include the Tupperdor or Igloodor.
When buying a humidor, you often get what you pay for. Purchasing cheaper humidors may be fine when you live in a climate that is close to ideal for cigars. But if you live somewhere where the weather is extreme, it might be worth investing in a good quality humidor.