Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and quality of your cigars. Drawing on our expertise in fine living, we provide a comprehensive guide to ensure your cigars remain in optimal condition.
Using a Humidor
A humidor is the best way to store cigars. It maintains a consistent humidity level, typically around 70%, which is crucial for preserving the tobacco's flavor and integrity. The right humidity prevents the cigars from drying out, which can make them brittle and flavorless, or becoming too moist, which can lead to mold and uneven burning. Choose a humidor made of high-quality materials, such as Spanish cedar, which is excellent for retaining humidity and repelling tobacco beetles. Place a hygrometer inside the humidor to monitor humidity levels accurately, ensuring your cigars are kept in the ideal environment. Our website offers a beautiful selection of humidors designed to meet various needs and preferences.
Preparing the Humidor
Before storing cigars, season your humidor to achieve the correct humidity level. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth using distilled water, then place a shallow dish of distilled water inside and close the lid. Leave it for 24-48 hours, allowing the wood to absorb moisture and stabilize the environment. This initial seasoning process is crucial as it ensures that the wood in the humidor reaches the ideal humidity level. If the wood inside the humidor is too dry, it can draw moisture from your cigars, causing them to dry out. Conversely, if the wood is properly seasoned, it helps to maintain the necessary humidity levels, ensuring that your cigars remain fresh and flavorful. After the initial 24-48 hours, check the humidity level using a hygrometer. If it reads around 70%, your humidor is ready for use. If not, you may need to repeat the process to ensure the wood is adequately humidified.
Maintaining Humidity
Regularly check the hygrometer to ensure the humidity level stays around 70%. This consistent monitoring is crucial because fluctuations in humidity can affect the quality and flavor of your cigars. If the humidity drops, use a humidification device or solution to maintain the desired level. Avoid using tap water, as it contains minerals that can affect the cigars and potentially lead to mold growth. Instead, use distilled water or a propylene glycol solution for consistent results. Distilled water ensures that no impurities or minerals will interfere with the cigars, while propylene glycol solutions provide a self-regulating humidity environment. At Kirby Allison, we offer several humidor bags to ensure your humidor stays level and the cigars stay fresh. These packages include everything you need to maintain the proper humidity and environment within your humidor, ensuring your cigars are always in the best condition.
Storing Cigars in the Humidor
Arrange cigars in the humidor with enough space for air circulation. Avoid overcrowding, which can affect the humidity distribution and lead to uneven moisture levels within the humidor. Place the cigars in a single layer if possible, allowing for maximum airflow around each cigar. If you need to store multiple layers of cigars, use dividers to create separate compartments and ensure proper air circulation between the layers. This arrangement helps maintain consistent humidity levels throughout the humidor. Rotate the cigars periodically to ensure even humidity exposure, which prevents any cigars from becoming too dry or too moist. Regular rotation also allows you to inspect the cigars for any signs of mold or damage, ensuring they remain in top condition.
Travel and Temporary Storage
For short-term storage or travel, use a portable humidor or Kirby Allison Plastic Cigar Storage Tubes. These tubes are designed to keep your cigars fresh and protected on the go. They maintain a consistent humidity level, ensuring that your cigars do not dry out or become too moist. The plastic construction provides durability and protection against physical damage. These compact tubes are ideal for trips, fitting easily into luggage or pockets while preserving the quality of your cigars. Ensure the cigars are kept at a consistent humidity level and avoid exposing them to extreme temperature changes.
Preserving Cigar Quality
Proper cigar storage involves using a humidor, maintaining consistent humidity, and careful arrangement to ensure air circulation. By following these steps, we can preserve the freshness and quality of our cigars. Explore our range of humidors and cigar accessories on our website to enhance your cigar storage solution.
