If you don’t store your cigars correctly, they can become dry and brittle, which will affect the flavor and overall smoking experience.
It’s important to know how to store cigars long term regardless of whether you’re new to cigars or have been enjoying them for years.
Let’s discuss the best ways of storing cigars so that they stay fresh and aromatic!
Ideal Storage Conditions (Humidor)
If you’re a cigar smoker, you know that the taste and quality of your cigars depend on proper storage.
This is why knowing how to store cigars is so important.
Cigars are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, and if you don’t know how to store cigars correctly, they can dry out or mold.
Read our related article on How to Tell if a Cigar is too Dry. Here are the signs to keep an eye out for.
Temperature
A humidor is the ideal storage solution, as it will help to regulate the level of humidity in the air.
It’s important to know how to properly store cigars in a humidor.
Pay attention to the temperature at which you store your cigars. Cigars should be kept at a constant temperature of between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If the temperature dips below 68 degrees, the cigars will dry out.
- If it gets above 72 degrees, mold could start to grow.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your cigars are always fresh and ready to smoke.
Read our related article on the Best Humidor for Cigars. We tested the top humidors on the market — here are our favorites!
How to Store Cigars Without a Humidor
If you’re a cigar lover, you know that cigars are best when stored in a humidor.
However, not everyone has a humidor, and there are still ways that you can store your cigars.
- First, you’ll need a hygrometer to measure the humidity levels. You should aim for 70% humidity and 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the cigars out of direct sunlight. Once you’ve found your spot, regulate the humidity by placing your cigars in an airtight container with a damp sponge.
- Check on your cigars regularly to make sure that they’re staying fresh.
We’ll go over a few common ways to store cigars without a humidor below.
Read more on the Different Types of Cigars in this guide where we share the most popular cigar types!
In the Fridge
Most cigar aficionados will tell you to never store your cigars in the fridge.
Fridges are quite a bit cooler than room temperature, and cigars should be stored in temperatures anywhere from 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
A fridge may also not have the proper relative humidity of 65-70%, which is key to keeping your cigars fresh.
Although your fridge’s moisture level could be around 65%, it is still dryer than a humidor which will, in turn, dry out your cigars.
Why would storing cigars in a fridge be beneficial?
If you only need to store cigars for a day or two, you could keep them in the fridge. However, the fridge is simply too cold and dry to store cigars over time.
Overall, the fridge will dry out your cigars and they will fall apart when you smoke them.
That being said, there are other ways to make sure you keep your cigars fresh!
Read More: How Long Do Cigars Last in a Humidor? What about without a humidor? Here’s how long you can expect cigars to last in various conditions!
Plastic Wraps and Cigar Boxes
Plastic wraps are airtight, so they keep cigars fresh for a longer period of time than cigar boxes.
However, plastic wraps can be difficult to open and close, and they’re not as visually appealing as cigar boxes.
Cigar boxes are not airtight, so cigars stored in them will eventually dry out.
However, cigar boxes are easy to open and close and can be decorative.
When it comes to storing cigars, plastic wraps have the advantage of keeping cigars fresh for a longer period of time, but they’re not as visually appealing as cigar boxes.
Cigar boxes have the advantage of being easy to open and close, and they can be decorative, which complements the décor of a room.
The short video below further explains how to store cigars without a humidor:
Read our related article on the Best Cigar Cutter. Quick and easy cuts are part of the smoking experience. Here are the best cutters out there!
Best Humidor Brands
If you’re thinking of going with a humidor to make things easy, these are our favorite brands.
Quality Importers
Quality Importers offers a wide range of humidors in different sizes and styles, so you’re sure to find one that meets your needs.
Their cigar accessories are also top-notch, making them a one-stop shop for cigar needs.
Read our related article on How to Properly Store Cigars in a Humidor. Get the most out of your humidor with these tips!
Daniel Marshall
Daniel Marshall humidors are works of art, handcrafted from beautiful woods like mahogany and cherry, which add a touch of elegance to any home or office.
Because they’re made with quality materials, they’re built to last.
Read More: How Do Cigar Humidifiers Work? We explore humidors in this guide!
Credo Humidifiers
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider Credo Humidifiers.
They offer a wide selection of budget-friendly humidifiers that are well-made and stylish.
Read our related article where we review the Best Cigar Cooler Humidor. Cooler humidors keep the temperature and humidity consistent. See the top options!
Final Thoughts
If you’re a cigar smoker, it’s important to know how to store your cigars properly. Without the proper care, cigars can dry out and lose their flavor.
However, by following the tips in this article, you can keep your cigars fresh and flavorful long term.
Happy smoking!