Why Proper Cigar Storage Matters
A fine cigar is a living thing. The tobacco inside continues to age, evolve, and develop complexity long after it leaves the factory — but only if it's stored correctly. Get the conditions wrong and even the most premium cigar will dry out, crack, or turn bitter. Get them right, and your cigars will reward you with a richer, smoother smoke every time.
Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just building your first collection, this guide covers everything you need to know about storing cigars at home.
The Golden Rules: Temperature & Humidity
Two factors govern cigar storage above all else: temperature and relative humidity (RH).
- Ideal humidity: 65–70% RH
- Ideal temperature: 16–18°C (60–65°F)
These ranges replicate the tropical conditions in which tobacco is grown and aged. Stray too far in either direction and problems follow quickly.
Too Dry (Below 60% RH)
Cigars lose moisture, the wrapper leaf cracks, and the draw becomes harsh and hot. Essential oils — the source of a cigar's flavour — evaporate, leaving a flat, bitter smoke.
Too Humid (Above 75% RH)
Excess moisture encourages mould growth and creates a breeding ground for tobacco beetles — a cigar collector's worst nightmare. Overly humid cigars also burn unevenly and may go out repeatedly.
Too Warm (Above 21°C)
Heat accelerates ageing unpredictably and, critically, raises the risk of tobacco beetle larvae hatching. Beetles can devastate an entire collection in days.
The Humidor: Your Most Important Investment
A humidor is a sealed box — traditionally Spanish cedar-lined — designed to maintain stable humidity around your cigars. It's the cornerstone of any home cigar storage setup.
Choosing the Right Humidor
When selecting a humidor, consider:
- Capacity: Choose one larger than you think you need. A 50-cigar humidor is ideal for a 25-cigar collection — overcrowding restricts airflow.
- Spanish cedar lining: Cedar absorbs and releases moisture naturally, helping to stabilise humidity. It also imparts a subtle, complementary aroma and repels tobacco beetles.
- Seal quality: The lid should close with a gentle whoosh of air resistance. A poor seal means constant humidity loss.
- Hygrometer: A built-in or separate hygrometer lets you monitor RH at a glance. Digital hygrometers are more accurate than analogue ones.
Seasoning a New Humidor
Before placing any cigars inside, a new humidor must be seasoned — a process of slowly introducing moisture to the cedar so it doesn't draw humidity away from your cigars.
- Wipe the interior cedar surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water. Never use tap water — minerals can damage the wood and affect flavour.
- Place a small dish of distilled water or a damp sponge inside and close the lid.
- Leave for 24–48 hours, then check the hygrometer. Repeat if necessary until the RH stabilises at 65–70%.
- Remove the dish and add your cigars.
Humidification Systems
Your humidor needs a humidification source to maintain the correct RH. Options include:
- Floral foam humidifiers: The traditional choice. Filled with a 50/50 mix of propylene glycol solution and distilled water, they release moisture slowly. Require topping up every few weeks.
- Gel crystals: Silica gel beads that absorb and release moisture. Low maintenance and very effective at stabilising humidity.
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Boveda packs: Two-way humidity control packs that both add and absorb moisture to maintain a precise RH level. Simply place inside and replace every 2–3 months. Ideal for beginners. We stock a full range:
- Boveda 65% RH – 60g — ideal for long-term ageing and drier climates
- Boveda 69% RH – 8g — perfect for travel humidors and small cases
- Boveda 69% RH – 60g — the most popular all-round choice
- Boveda 72% RH – 60g — suits warmer homes or larger collections
- Boveda 75% RH – 60g — for seasoning new humidors
- Electronic humidifiers: Fan-assisted units for larger collections or cabinet humidors. Set-and-forget convenience with the highest level of control.
Calibrating Your Hygrometer
Even a brand-new hygrometer may read inaccurately. Calibrate it before trusting its readings using the salt test:
- Place a small amount of table salt in a bottle cap and add just enough water to make it damp (not dissolved).
- Seal the salt and your hygrometer together in a zip-lock bag for 8–12 hours.
- At equilibrium, the hygrometer should read exactly 75% RH. If it reads differently, note the offset and adjust your readings accordingly.
Organising Your Humidor
How you arrange cigars inside the humidor matters more than most people realise.
- Keep bands on: Remove cellophane wrappers if you want cigars to interact and share flavours, or leave them on to preserve individual character. Either approach is valid — just be consistent.
- Rotate regularly: Every few weeks, move cigars from the top to the bottom and front to back. Humidity distribution inside a humidor is rarely perfectly even.
- Separate strong and mild: Strong, full-bodied cigars can impart their character to milder ones over time. Use cedar dividers or separate trays if your collection is varied.
- Don't mix flavoured cigars: Infused or flavoured cigars will transfer their aroma to natural cigars. Always store them separately.
Alternative Storage Options
A traditional humidor isn't the only way to store cigars at home. Depending on your collection size and budget, consider:
Tupperdor
An airtight plastic container (such as a Tupperware or Sistema box) paired with Boveda packs. Inexpensive, airtight, and surprisingly effective. Lacks the aesthetic appeal of a wooden humidor but is a practical solution for beginners or overflow storage.
Coolidor
A small drinks cooler or cool box lined with Spanish cedar sheets and fitted with a humidification system. Ideal for larger collections — a standard cool box can hold hundreds of cigars at a fraction of the cost of a cabinet humidor.
Cabinet Humidor
For serious collectors, a freestanding cabinet humidor holds thousands of cigars and typically includes built-in electronic humidification and temperature control. A significant investment, but the ultimate home storage solution.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Humidity Won't Stay Stable
Check the seal on your humidor lid. If it's not airtight, no humidification system will compensate. Also ensure your humidifier is adequately charged and that the humidor isn't placed near a heat source, radiator, or in direct sunlight.
Mould on Cigars
White, powdery spots are usually plume (also called bloom) — a natural crystallisation of oils that's harmless and can be gently brushed off. True mould is fuzzy, green, or blue-grey and spreads. If you spot genuine mould, remove affected cigars immediately, lower humidity, and inspect the rest of your collection carefully.
Tobacco Beetles
Tiny round holes in your cigars and fine tobacco dust are the telltale signs of tobacco beetles. If detected, seal affected cigars in a bag and freeze them for 72 hours (in stages — first 24 hours in the fridge, then the freezer) to kill larvae. Inspect and clean your humidor thoroughly before restocking.
Long-Term Ageing
One of the great pleasures of cigar collecting is ageing. Many premium cigars improve significantly with 2–5 years of proper storage, as the tobacco leaves meld and harsh notes mellow. For long-term ageing:
- Maintain humidity at the lower end of the range (65% RH) to slow the process and reduce mould risk. The Boveda 65% RH – 60g pack is ideal for this.
- Store in a cool, dark location away from vibration.
- Be patient — and keep notes on what you're ageing and when.
Final Thoughts
Storing cigars at home doesn't need to be complicated, but it does require consistency. Invest in a quality humidor, keep your humidity and temperature stable, and check on your collection regularly. The reward is a cigar that smokes exactly as its maker intended — or better, if you've given it time to age.
At Thorns Tobacconist, we stock a curated range of premium cigars alongside everything you need to store them properly, including the full range of Boveda humidity packs. Browse our collection online or get in touch if you need advice on building your home humidor setup.