Cigars · Red Meat & Cigar Club editorial

Humidor 101

Keep cigars at the right humidity.

A premium handmade cigar is a natural product made from fermented, aged tobacco leaves. Like a fine bread or a good wine, its condition depends on how it's stored. Too dry and it burns hot, harsh, and fast, with a cracking wrapper. Too wet and it draws poorly, won't stay lit, and can grow mold. A humidor solves that by keeping cigars in a stable environment.

The numbers

Common guidance for premium cigars is roughly 65–72% relative humidity and about 65–70°F. The often-quoted "70/70 rule" (70% humidity at 70°F) is a starting point. Many smokers prefer the lower end of the range, 62–67%, for a better burn, especially with thick cigars. Stability matters more than any exact number.

Temperature is the silent risk. Above roughly 75°F, the risk of tobacco beetles hatching rises. These tiny insects can bore through cigars. Keep humidors out of direct sun, away from heaters and windows, and in a cool part of the house.

Types of humidors

• Desktop wooden humidors: the classic box, typically lined with Spanish cedar, which holds moisture, resists mold, and adds a subtle aroma.
• Acrylic or "tupperdor" containers: airtight plastic boxes with humidity packs; inexpensive and very effective.
• Cabinet humidors: furniture-sized, for larger collections.
• Electronic humidors: powered units that control temperature and humidity; useful in warm climates.
• Travel humidors: small cases for a few cigars.

Seasoning a new wooden humidor

New cedar is dry and will pull moisture out of your cigars until it's saturated. Season it before use. Common methods include placing a dish of distilled water or a humidity pack inside the closed humidor for several days, or lightly wiping the cedar with a clean cloth dampened with distilled water. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Never use tap water, which leaves mineral deposits.

Humidification

• Two-way humidity packs are pre-set to a specific level (often 62%, 65%, 69%, or 72%) and add or absorb moisture as needed. Many smokers consider them the simplest, most reliable option.
• Foam or crystal gel humidifiers are refilled with distilled water or propylene glycol solution.

Hygrometers

A hygrometer measures humidity. Analog dial hygrometers can be off by several points; digital ones are usually more accurate. Calibrate with the salt test (a damp salt slurry in a sealed bag reads about 75% after several hours) or a calibration kit.

Storage tips

• Don't overfill; leave room for air to circulate.
• Rotate cigars occasionally if your humidor has uneven spots.
• Cellophane wrappers can stay on or come off; both have advocates.
• Strongly flavored or infused cigars can transfer aromas; keep them separate.
• Check the hygrometer weekly.

Colorado's dry air

Colorado's semi-arid climate pulls moisture out of humidors faster than in humid regions. Check the humidity more often, keep the lid closed, and consider a well-sealed container. Your cigars will thank you.

Rescuing dry cigars

If cigars have dried out, bring them back slowly — over a week or two — by moving them up in humidity gradually. Rapid rehydration can crack wrappers.

A well-kept humidor is the single best thing you can do for your cigars. Cigars are for adults 21+. We don't sell tobacco.

How long can cigars age?

Many cigar smokers believe premium cigars improve with some additional rest in a well-kept humidor, as flavors meld and harshness fades. Manufacturers already age tobacco before rolling; Padrón, for example, says its 1964 Anniversary Series tobacco is aged four years. Whether extra years at home improve a specific cigar is a matter of taste. A few weeks of rest after shipping, so cigars acclimate to your humidor, is a common and sensible practice.

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