A cigar box is attractive, but it provides little protection for its contents. To keep your favorite cigars rich and flavorful, humidors are your best storage option. In this article, we'll show you how one works and how it improves the taste of your cigars.
A humidor is any kind of box or room with constant humidity and is used to store cigars or pipe tobacco. For private use, small wooden or acrylic glass boxes that can store a few dozen cigars are used. Cigar shops may have massive walk-in, humidity controlled rooms that can cover an entire whole floor. Whatever the size, they use hygrometers to keep track of the humidity levels. The ideal humidity inside one is around 65-75%. The more empty space, the more readily the humidity will drop.
Cigar humidors are typically made of wood board with an interior veneer of Spanish-cedar wood or mahogany. Spanish-cedar is the most frequently used wood for the interior veneer because it holds more moisture than most woods, so it helps maintain humidity. As a bonus, it imparts its aroma to cigars if they are stored in it long enough. For the same reason, some cigars are wrapped in Spanish-cedar sheets before they are sold. Spanish-cedar wood can also repel tobacco beetles.
These pinhead-sized beetles can ruin entire stocks. They eat the tobacco and lay eggs which causes further infestation. They can also be discouraged by ensuring the unit does not get hotter than 20 °C, but putting cigars in one that is too dry can ruin good smokes, so the unit has to be seasoned after being bought, or if it has been dry for some time.
To enhance the body of cigars, humidors provide the correct environment. Keep in mind that you have to start with a relatively good cigar to end up with a great product. Inexpensive bundled cigars may require more initial aging than premium boxed cigars, while fuller bodied cigars will continue to mellow and improve with aging.
Cigars purchased from tobacconists' shops were likely stored in a large, humidity controlled room, so they will be ready to smoke right away. Cigars purchased online or via mail order will need to spend more time in a humidor and if using one for aging purposes, never mix flavored cigars with other cigars as taste transfer and contamination can occur.
Humidors are a necessary investment for any cigar aficionado. It is an expensive hobby so investing in one will protect your valuable stogies, plus regular cleaning and maintenance will keep the unit performing well. Besides preserving your cigars, it can make an ordinary one into an extraordinary treat.
