Cigars are delicate treasures that demand careful preservation. Not every enthusiast wants to invest in an expensive humidor from the start, but understanding proper storage is crucial. The number one rule in cigar care is maintaining consistent conditions: ideally around 70% humidity and 70 degrees. Fluctuating temperature and humidity can transform a premium cigar into a disappointing smoking experience, stripping away the rich flavours and smooth draw that make each smoke special.
5 tips to keep your cigars fresh without a humidor
These five methods will help you maintain your cigars’ quality, flavour, and smoking potential without breaking the bank or requiring specialised equipment.
A ziplock bag
The Ziploc bag approach offers an accessible solution for casual smokers. Purchase quality Ziploc bags and Boveda humidity packs, which self-regulate moisture at specific levels. These pouches maintain a consistent environment for your cigars with zero maintenance. Make sure that the bag is completely sealed to prevent moisture from escaping, and store it at room temperature. This method works brilliantly for short to medium-term storage, providing an affordable alternative to traditional humidors.
Tupperware
A clean, airtight Tupperware container can be converted into an improvised cigar storage system, providing an effective temporary solution for preserving a small number of cigars. The most straightforward approach involves using a slightly dampened sponge – the sponge should be just damp, not wet, as this could ruin the cigars. Use distilled water and place the sponge in one corner of the container, ensuring it doesn’t directly contact the cigars. This method requires more active management compared to humidity packs, as you’ll need to monitor moisture levels regularly.
The coolador
A coolador is a great way to store cigars without spending a fortune on a humidor. It’s essentially an airtight cooler that locks in humidity, keeping your cigars fresh for months. All you need is a humidity source like Boveda packs or silica beads, plus some Spanish cedar to help regulate moisture and add flavour. You can use a digital hygrometer to keep an eye on humidity levels. Just store it somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight, and you’ve got a simple, low-maintenance solution for keeping your cigars in top condition.
Mason jar
Mason jars offer an elegant storage solution for smaller cigar collections. Choose clean, wide-mouth jars with airtight seals and add a Boveda pack sized appropriately for the jar’s volume. Glass jars are best as the glass doesn’t absorb or transfer flavours, helping preserve the cigar’s taste profile. This method is particularly effective for protecting special cigars or maintaining a small, rotating selection. Consider removing the cellophane for long-term storage, but keep it on if you plan to transport the cigars.
A cool, dark room
A cool, dark room offers a fundamental approach to cigar storage for those without specialised equipment. Ideally, select a space with consistent temperature, away from direct sunlight, heating sources, or air conditioning vents. Basements or interior closets often provide the most stable environments. The room temperature should remain as close to 70 degrees as possible, with minimal temperature variations. While this method isn’t as precise as a humidor, it can help preserve cigars for short periods. However, without a dedicated humidity source, cigars will gradually lose moisture.
While these methods aren’t permanent substitutes for a proper humidor, they will keep your cigars in good form until you’re ready to invest in a dedicated storage solution. So remember, a well-stored cigar is a happy cigar. Treat them right, and they’ll reward you with a sublime smoking experience.
