Humidor Care & Advice

If you are planning on keeping your cigars for longer than 1-2 weeks, you will need a humidor.

This includes cigars that are in metal tubes or wrapped in cellophane. 

Cigars must be kept below the maximum temperature of 73°F (23°C) and between 65-72% humidity.

Ideal conditions are 70°F (21°C) and 70% humidity.

If possible, pick a humidor that has gauges indicating the right ranges, sometimes these are displayed externally but they operate better internally.

Modern, digital humidors are available which can feature alarms as appropriate settings change. If you plan to store cigars of substantial value then this is an area we advise you to explore. 

Finally, we believe that humidors should reflect one’s personality. Many are incredibly ornate and artistic. The range of flamboyance to stylishly discrete is very wide so have some fun picking one out.

It is of paramount importance to store your cigars in a cool, dry place. Away from direct sunlight and any other strong aromas. 

We know of a few cases where scented candles stored next to humidors have impacted their flavour.

Aim to season your humidor at least 3-4 times a year.

You will need to remove all of the cigars. Set them aside in a sealed device such as a ziploc bag or Tupperware.

With a clean sponge, apply a small amount of distilled water to the surfaces inside your humidor. Close the lid and leave for a day or two to allow it to return to the right humidity.

Under no circumstances should you use tap water. This has microscopic minerals which can clog the wood (typically Spanish cedar). This will adversely affect the functionality of your humidor. 

Humidors are essential as they serve to prevent the following risks:

- Drying out: Always use a dedicated humidor that has a good seal. Cigars can dry out in just a couple of months. This invariably leads to flaking and cracking which will also spoil the taste of the cigar.

- Tobacco Beetles: These are rare but are nonetheless a possible risk. If you see any bore holes you’ll need to address it immediately. We recommend you check your humidor monthly to ensure the temperature and humidity is at the right level.

- Mould: This can occur if cigars are left in conditions too moist and also if they’re not turned and aired regularly. Again, mould will spoil the taste of a cigar. 

It is also important to open the lid regularly as this prevents build up of stale air. 

Humidity Control:

There are many humidity options on the market. We find the boveda packs to be very effective but they are expensive in the long-run. The simplicity of knowing that when the packs turn solid then it’s time for a new one is very convenient and user-friendly.

For medium sized and upwards humidors, you will also need to regularly turn the contents so that cigars are effectively humidified.