Why Storage Matters
Premium cigars are a natural product made from whole tobacco leaves. Without proper humidity, they will dry out and become brittle, losing their oils, flavour, and structural integrity. Conversely, too much humidity encourages mould growth and can cause beetle infestations that destroy an entire collection.
The ideal storage conditions for most cigars are 65–72% relative humidity (RH) and 18–21°C (65–70°F). At these levels, the tobacco remains supple, the oils are preserved, and the cigar will burn evenly and deliver its intended flavour profile.
Choosing a Humidor
A humidor is a sealed container lined with Spanish cedar that regulates humidity for cigar storage. Spanish cedar is chosen for its ability to absorb and release moisture, its pleasant aroma that complements tobacco, and its natural resistance to tobacco beetles.
For a first humidor, a quality 50–100 count desktop model is ideal. Look for a tight seal (the "whoosh" test — when you close the lid, it should create a slight cushion of air resistance), solid construction with thick walls, and genuine Spanish cedar lining throughout the interior, including any dividers or trays.
Did you know? Avoid humidors with glass tops unless they have a proper seal. Many inexpensive glass-top models leak humidity, making it nearly impossible to maintain stable conditions.
Seasoning Your Humidor
A new humidor must be seasoned before use. The Spanish cedar lining is shipped dry and will absorb humidity from your cigars if not properly prepared. Seasoning saturates the cedar so it maintains rather than steals moisture from the environment.
The safest method is to place a small dish of distilled water inside the empty humidor, close the lid, and wait 24–48 hours. Check the hygrometer reading — when it stabilises at 70–75% RH with the water dish still inside, the cedar is saturated. Remove the dish, add your humidification device, and wait another 12–24 hours for the levels to stabilise before adding cigars.
Maintaining Ideal Conditions
Modern humidification options include Boveda packs (pre-calibrated salt-based packets), crystal gel systems, and electronic humidifiers for larger cabinets. Boveda packs are the simplest and most reliable option for desktop humidors — they are two-way humidity regulators that both add and absorb moisture as needed.
Check your humidor at least weekly. A quality digital hygrometer is essential for accurate readings (analogue hygrometers are notoriously unreliable and should be calibrated or replaced). Top up your humidification device as needed with distilled water only — never use tap water, which contains minerals that can clog humidification elements and promote mould.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your humidity is consistently low, check the seal first. Place a thin strip of paper between the lid and body — it should grip when you try to pull it out. If the seal is fine, your humidification device may need refilling or replacing. Adding more Boveda packs is often the simplest solution.
If you discover mould (white or blue-green fuzzy spots) on a cigar, quarantine it immediately. Mould spreads quickly and thrives above 75% RH. Reduce humidity, increase ventilation, and inspect every cigar in the humidor. A light coating of white crystalline bloom (plume) is harmless and a sign of proper ageing — it wipes away cleanly, whereas mould is fuzzy and penetrates the wrapper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What humidity should I store my cigars at?
The ideal humidity for cigar storage is between 65–72% relative humidity (RH), with most experts settling on 65–69% RH as the sweet spot. Temperature should be maintained at 18–21°C (65–70°F). These conditions preserve the tobacco’s oils and flavour while preventing mould and beetle issues.
How do you season a new humidor?
Place a small dish of distilled water inside the empty humidor and close the lid for 24–48 hours. This saturates the Spanish cedar lining so it will not absorb humidity from your cigars. When the hygrometer stabilises at 70–75% RH, remove the dish, install your humidification device, wait 12–24 hours, then add your cigars.
What are Boveda packs?
Boveda packs are pre-calibrated, two-way humidity control packets that both add and absorb moisture to maintain a specific humidity level. They are available in different RH levels (62%, 65%, 69%, 72%) and are the simplest, most reliable humidification solution for desktop humidors. Replace them when they feel rigid instead of pliable.