Methods of Cigar Storage | Lifestyle

by DaveSabot

What is the best way to store a box of cigars? Should they be put into a plastic bag? Is it a good idea to keep them in their cellophane wrappers? Should separate varieties be placed together in a single location? While there are always questions about the right way to keep cigars in good condition, the one true answer or solution for optimal results is the cigar humidor. This is a specially designed box usually constructed from cedar and containing a humidity monitor and even a tiny humidifier too.

So, does this mean that you can take all of your cigars and put them in the same box without any further worries or concerns? No, it helps to understand that cigars are full of volatile oils and humidity, and these can often cause a few "clashes" between varieties. For example, most modern cigars will come with a cellophane wrapper, and this is not to maintain the humidity, but to allow the cigar to actually pull air through the wrapper. This cellophane is used primarily to prevent damage from occurring to the tobacco wrapping the cigar and to minimize the amount of flavor or aroma mingling that can occur within a humidor.

Let's say that you have a small box of vanilla scented cigars, and another box of large ring-gauge cigars without any artificial flavors. If you put them into the same tray of a humidor you will find that the unflavored cigars will rapidly absorb the vanilla aromas of the others. Fundamentally, this means that mixing separate varieties of cigars in the same tray can lead to disaster. This, in turn, means that the humidor owner should make a point of investing in Spanish cedar dividers, or even in numerous boxes to keep all of the cigars in optimal environments.

Now, if you are someone who is going to age their cigars, which is a process that takes upwards of two to three years to successfully complete, then you have to really consider the impact of mixing cigars in the same tray or box. Certainly it would take a knowing palette to detect the subtle mingling that might transpire over the aging period, but is it worth the risk of keeping several types together?

Is the humidor the only vital accessory for ensuring a good result? Naturally, the other part of the equation is the cigar owner. If they do not monitor the levels within the humidor, and if they mingle inappropriate varieties in the same location, then the results are sure to be unsatisfactory.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including nibo lighters, Dave also owns a premier online cigar humidors store.