From desktop humidors to walk-in rooms, this article represents a journey through the multiple choices available to cigar enthusiasts.
In the cigar lovers world the indispensable role of a humidor cannot be overstated.
A humidor is the proper way to store cigars, whether it be an elegantly designed box or an entire room dedicated to this purpose, it’s engineered to regulate and stabilize humidity levels for the cigars we keep inside. This precise control is vital for storing cigars and other tobacco products in conditions that maintain their freshness and integrity. Every manufacturers’ claims about flavours, notes and smoking experience is counting on you to store those cigars properly so they can push out as many flavors as possible.
Cigars are rather vulnerable to standard room conditions. Without proper care, they are susceptible to the growth of beetles or mold so investing in a humidor is one of the first steps which each cigar enthusiast must take.
Selecting the ideal humidor requires a lot of attention to detail. The most important aspect is the seal it provides; it must be as close to airtight as possible and of course the materials used to bring it to life.
Why do you need a cigar humidor?
without a humidor your cigars are but mere shadows of their potential. Delicacies require attention to detail and that is why this article will come to your aid when choosing the right option for your collection.
On your journey you will also need a hygrometer. For those truly dedicated to the craft of cigar longevity, this device isn't just useful; it's essential. Whether you opt for an analog or a digital model, regular monitoring is the key to success. And, if you're asking for a personal tip, lean towards digital, I find it way more reliable. The analog looks way better though.
Here are the main types of humidors worth mentioning. I am sure that no matter what your cigars need you will find a suitable option below.
Ziplock bag. These items are exactly what they sound like: ziplock bags, but not your everyday variety. These are engineered specifically for the noble task of taking care of the environment your cigars spend their time. Some of them offer a gel lining to protect your cigars from temperature and humidity changes, the sealing mechanism is superior and they are far more reliable than you would expect.
Now, you might wonder, why opt for these over a traditional travel humidor? Well, in my experience, most travel humidors are clunky, lack aesthetic appeal, and disappointingly, can only accommodate a small number of cigars. Take Xikar, for instance. They're well-known in this space, and they make high quality cigar accessories but I've always found their travel humidors a bit uncomfortable for my taste. Then there's CIGarmor (pronounced Cigar Armor), a newer entrant in the market with their own version of a travel humidor. It looks better, sure, but the cost of over $500 just to transport a 6 cigars isn’t practical.
For me the Boveda 1 Year Humidor Bag did the trick in all my travels, simple to use, and can hold many cigars on for the journey.
Desktop humidor. The desktop humidor is not just a necessity; it's a statement piece that beautifully blends practicality with aesthetic charm. Sizes of desktop humidors range widely. You have the more compact variants, holding about 20-30 cigars, perfect for the casual enthusiast or a modest collection. Then, at the other end of the spectrum, are the larger units, accommodating a stately 100 or more cigars, catering to the more serious aficionado. There is a wide range of these gorgeous pieces available but before you choose based on aesthetics you must first consider other factors.
The material of a humidor is not a choice to be made lightly. Spanish cedar is the gold standard in humidor construction, and for a very good reason. It has a gorgeous smell which is also a taste note found in many cigars and it has outstanding humidity control capabilities. Cedar plays another vital role and that is 'breathing'. A cedar humidor will never be 100% air tight, it will allow some oxygen exchange and in terms of aging and fermentation that is exactly what you want.
Davidoff uses okume instead of cedar, a very light exotic wood that has little to no aromatic properties.
In the same category as desktop humidors we also find acrylic humidors. These are like a glass case for your precious cigars. They are relatively inexpensive but in my opinion lack the elegance and style of a classic cedar humidor.
Tupperware. Ah, the 'tupperdor,' a term that speaks to a thoroughly pragmatic approach in the world of cigar preservation. Picture, if you will, a humble Tupperware transformed into a humidor. Lacking, perhaps, the old-world charm and dignified presence of its wooden counterpart, but offering a unique set of benefits and also a few limitations.
These vessels of convenience, airtight and crafted from food-grade plastic, stand as a testament to human ingenuity. But let us not be deceived by their unassuming appearance. While they triumph in affordability and no maintenance demands, they flirt with a significant drawback: a stark absence of breathability. Plastic, unlike the noble cedar, remains indifferent to the excesses of moisture, offering no absorption. Moreover, it is highly impacted by temperature changes, a factor not to be underestimated in the art of cigar keeping.
The choice, as it often does in matters of taste and luxury, boils down to personal preference and, unavoidably, budgetary considerations. A tupperdor may serve as a stepping stone in the journey of a cigar enthusiast, a temporary haven for their treasured collection. However, in a short while, investing in a proper desktop humidor, or even a cabinet for the more grandiose collections, becomes not just a choice, but a calling.
The Cigar Cabinet. These are not mere storages for cigars; they are statement pieces, embodying the essence of grandeur and a deep-rooted passion for cigar culture.
Imagine these towering cabinets, crafted from the finest woods possible – the venerable Spanish cedar or the robust mahogany. These humidors are a serious affair. Designed to cater to the needs of the most passionate collectors, they can hold many more cigars than the options mentioned above. We're speaking of a range starting at about a thousand cigars and soaring up to an awe-inspiring count of 5000.
I always said a cigar is not just a cigar, it represents the guarantee of a wonderful moment spent with friends, family or in solitude. A box of cigars is letting you know that you have 10, 25 or even 50 such incredible moments waiting to be enjoyed. Imagine how many fantastic memories are encapsulated in a 5000 count cigar cabinet.
They are the ultimate storage solution, a dream for those with a growing collection of cigars, ensuring that each one is cradled in the perfect conditions it deserves.
Cigar Fridge. In the never ending pursuit of cigar aging and preservation enthusiasts will explore climate-controlled systems to meet their cigar aging and storing needs. Among these, the "cigar fridge" emerges as a fabulous option since the stability of temperature and humidity is resolved. Picture a wine fridge dedicated to our beloved rolled up tobacco leaves. A good option will cost you between $2000 and $5000+ depending on the size of your collection but it is worth the investment since the value inside must be kept in perfect condition.
This year, I ventured into an experiment: transforming a wine fridge into a cigar fridge. The model came with an impressive promise – maintaining humidity levels between 50 and 75% RH. On paper, it seemed ideal. However, the reality was a bit different. This model, not originally designed for cigars, struggled under the dual burden of temperature and humidity regulation. The cooling process would dry up the air within, subjecting precious cigars to a tumultuous cycle of humidity fluctuations, twice a day. The result? An environment utterly unsuitable for cigar preservation.
The unique requirements of cigars – a delicate balance of humidity and temperature – are not to be underestimated. It's a reminder that in the pursuit of perfect cigar storage, shortcuts can sometimes lead to dead ends. Always choose solutions designed with the specific needs of cigars in mind, to ensure that they mature gracefully.
The Walk-In humidor. The walk-in humidor is the pinnacle of cigar preservation, a dedicated home meticulously engineered to maintain the temperature and humidity at the perfect point constantly. They are most commonly encountered in cigar shops and lounges. However, they found their way into private residences and offices. For the true cigar enthusiast, the ultimate expression of commitment to their passion may involve transforming a room at home into a bespoke walk-in humidor. The creation of such a space can be a project built from the ground up or a transformation of an existing room into a humidified haven.
Where should I put my humidor ?
The ideal location is a cool, dark spot within your home or office. Light's intrusion can significantly impact humidity and temperature levels. Speaking of which, the optimal humidity range for cigars lies between 67-72%, tailored to your personal smoking preferences. Temperature control, often overshadowed, is equally vital, with the ideal range hovering between 68°F and 70°F (19°C- 21°C ). It is also advisable to keep your humidor at least 70% full.
How do I reach the RH (relative humidity) I need?
For those embarking on the journey with a new humidor, seasoning is a critical first step. This process involves moistening the interior with a damp cloth and sustaining a heightened humidity level for a few days. For desktop humidors, an efficient method is using Boveda Seasoning Packets, designed to produce a relative humidity of 84%. The general guideline is one packet per every 25 cigars your humidor can hold. After two weeks of keeping the humidor closed, it's ready for use. Post-seasoning, Boveda packets continue to be an excellent choice, though they require regular replacement to ensure peak performance. Alternatively, gel and crystal-based humidifiers offer stable humidity levels but need periodic refilling with distilled water.
The journey of cigar preservation is both an art and a science, blending meticulous care with personal taste. Whether you're starting with a simple humidor or graduating to a grand walk-in, each step is a celebration of the dedication to your cherished collection.