How long do cigars last?
Unlike cigarettes, cigars are meant to be enjoyed slowly and savored. There’s a lot of debate about how long cigars last, and the answer depends on a few factors.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what makes a cigar go bad, how to store them, and how long it will typically last.
We’ll also give you some tips on how to make your cigars last longer!
How Long Do Cigars Last?
Cigars are a type of tobacco product that can last for a very long time if they’re properly cared for and stored.
In fact, many cigars that are over 100 years old are still in excellent condition.
The longevity of a cigar depends on many factors, such as the type of tobacco used, the size and thickness of the cigar, and the storage conditions.
How Long Do Cigars Last in a Humidor?
When it comes to how to keep cigars fresh, the key to making sure your cigars last is to store them in a humidor.
This will keep the cigars from drying out and prevent the growth of mold.
Cigars that are stored in humidors will usually last longer than cigars that are not stored in humidors.
With proper care and storage using a humidor, most cigars will be able to stay fresh for several years.
Desk humidors have become quite popular, and the short video below discusses whether you should purchase your humidor from Amazon:
Read More: When Were Cigars Invented? We explore the history of cigars in this interesting guide!
How Long Do Cigars Last Without a Humidor?
Cigars that are not stored in a cigar humidor may only last anywhere from a few days to a few months.
This is because cigars are a natural product, and they will eventually go bad.
Read our related article on How to Store Cigars Without a Humidor 2022 for tips and tricks for keeping cigars!
How Long Do Cigars Last When Smoking?
The type of cigar you smoke will also affect its longevity.
Cigars made with higher-quality tobacco will generally last longer than those made with lower-quality tobacco.
Similarly, thin and small cigars will typically not last as long as those that are thick and large.
When this happens, the cigar will lose its flavor and become unenjoyable to smoke.
Read More: Punch Cigars. If you’re new to punch cigars, this guide is for you! Here’s everything you need to know.
What Makes a Cigar Go Bad?
How do I know if a cigar is bad?
- If the cigar is not properly humidified, it will dry out and lose its flavor.
- If the cigar is not stored in an airtight container, it will become stale and taste flat.
- If the cigar is exposed to sunlight or heat, it will become harsh and bitter.
- If the cigar is mishandled or dropped, it will develop cracks and holes that will allow air to enter and dry out the tobacco.
So if any of these things have happened, you’ll know your cigar is likely bad.
To avoid these problems, be sure to store your cigars in a humidor and keep them out of direct sunlight.
Handle them carefully, and never put them in your mouth without first cutting the end off.
We tested the best cigar cutter options out there in this guide, so be sure to check it out.
How to Store Cigars
It’s important to know how to properly store cigars in a humidor.
The first thing to keep in mind is that cigars need to be stored in a humid environment.
This means that they’re best kept in a humidor.
Humidors come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll need to find one that’s large enough to accommodate your collection.
Read More: How to Cut Cigars Correctly. Here’s how to cut your cigars the RIGHT way!
Season Before Use
Once you have your humidor, it’s important to season it before use.
This can be done by either using a damp sponge or by placing moistened cigar leaves inside the humidor for a few days.
Read our related article, How to Re Season My Humidor, to learn more about seasoning!
Add Cigars
Once your humidor is seasoned, it’s time to start adding cigars.
It’s important to arrange them so that they’re not touching each other. This will allow the air to circulate freely and prevent the cigars from drying out.
Read our related article on How to Tell if a Cigar is too Dry. Watch out for these signs!
Check Humidity Level
When adding cigars, be sure to check the humidity level inside the humidor periodically. You may need to add more water if the level drops below 60%.
Read More: Robusto VS Toro Cigar. If you’re torn between cigars, this guide can help! Here are the differences between Robusto and Toro cigars.
Tips On How to Make Your Cigars Last Longer
Here are a few tips to make your cigars last longer!
Store Them in a Cool, Dry Place
You should keep your cigars in a humidor, which is a special container that regulates temperature and humidity levels.
If you don’t have a humidor, you can store your cigars in a Ziplock bag with a damp sponge or paper towel.
Read More: How Do Cigar Humidifiers Work? Here’s what makes humidors work!
Avoid Exposing Them to Sunlight or Extreme Temperatures
Sunlight and heat can damage delicate tobacco leaves, so it’s best to keep your cigars out of direct sunlight.
Similarly, extreme cold can make the tobacco leaves brittle and more likely to break.
Don’t Over-Handle Them
Handling cigars too much can damage the wrapper and affect the flavor of the cigar.
So, handle them gently and only when you’re ready to smoke them.
Read More: How Much Do Cigars Cost? Cigars can cost a couple of dollars up to several hundred or thousand. Here’s the average cost plus the most EXPENSIVE cigars!
Cut Them Properly
You want to make sure you cut your cigars properly.
When you’re ready to smoke your cigar, use a sharp knife or cigar cutter to make a clean cut across the head of the cigar.
This will help ensure an even burn and prevent the cigar from unraveling.
Read More: Cut Cigar Without a Cutter. You can get a clean cut without a cutter using these tips and tricks!
Store Them Partially Smoked
If you smoke part of a cigar and want to wait to finish it, you can store it in a Ziplock bag with a damp sponge or paper towel before re-lighting it later.
Let the cigar cool down so it doesn’t scorch the tobacco leaves when re-light.
Read More: Best Cigar Cooler Humidor. These humidors keep your cigars cool and work to prevent temperatures that are too hot.
Store Them in the Fridge
You may have read to never store your cigars in the fridge. Well, you can if need be – but only for a day or two.
Refrigerators are not a proper humidor even with moisture levels of 65% (higher than the average home).
Its humidity level is too low to store cigars for long periods of time.
Read more on the Different Types of Cigars in this guide! Here are the most popular cigars.
Conclusion
Storing cigars properly is essential if you want to enjoy them for many years to come.
Be sure to invest in a good humidor and follow the tips above to keep your cigars fresh and flavorful.