How should my cigars be stored?
In an attempt to recreate the conditions in terms of climate where cigar tobacco is grown, it is recommended that for optimum enjoyment cigars should be stored at a humidity level of between 68% - 72% and at temperature range of between 68 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
When purchasing a humidor, look for a box that has perfectly squared and fitted seams, a tight seal, and a Spanish cedar interior. Spanish cedar is the best wood used for lining a humidor for three reasons: tobacco beetles don't like it, it's unique in that it helps age cigars, and it is very good at retaining humidity. The cedar should be well aged, aromatic, and unfinished. When you close the box you should hear a quiet suction sound. If it clunks it isn't airtight and won't be able to maintain a constant level of humidity.
Maintenance of the cigars in a humidor is very simple. Use a humidifier. Humidifiers are available in many shapes and sizes. Most of them are made of "Oasis," the same material you find in floral arrangements. Oasis holds a lot of humidity. Be sure to buy a humidifier that is big enough for all the cigars in your humidor.
Another product you may wish to have is a hygrometer, which measures relative humidity. Digital hygrometers are the most accurate. Otherwise, the condition of the cigars is the perfect measure of your humidor's performance. If the cigars exhibit a slightly oily sheen and when gently squeezing the foot of the cigar with your fingers it springs back like a loaf of fresh bread then conditions are ideal. If they seem dry then add more distilled water.
Also be sure to keep your humidor away from windows, heating/air vents, and other heat sources to prevent warping or other undue stress.
Check your cigars every day until you break in your humidor. Eventually, you'll get to know your humidor and how often to refill your humidification device (always use distilled water). Even then, it's a good idea to check it every day. Also, a good idea would be to leave the box open for about 15 minutes a couple times a week to let some air circulate through the cigars, which will keep them from getting too moist or moldy. Another tip is to rotate the bottom row of cigars to the top every so often to make sure all of your cigars are humidified evenly.
To break in a new humidor, pour distilled water in your humidifier to activate it. Wipe down the interior of your humidor with a clean, slightly damp cloth. Again, use distilled water. Put shot glasses or several small cups of distilled water inside the humidor and then let it sit for 24 to 48 hours. Remove the cups of water and add your cigars, being sure to check them every day.
A cigar storage alternative to a humidor is a food storage container, such as Tupperware. Place an appropriately sized humidification device in the container, remembering not to let the device actually touch your cigars. Tobacco does need to breathe in order to age properly. That's why wooden humidors are not hermetically sealed. You should open your container every few days (once a week at least) for about 15 to 20 minutes. It is even better if you can get some pieces of cedar to put in there with your cigars.
Should my cigars be stored with the cellophane on or off?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and one of serious importance to cigar smokers and collectors. With the prices of cigars today you want to make sure you do everything in your power to take care of them. If you store your cigars without the cellophane, they will "enjoy" the environment in your humidor much more quickly, and age better as well. The problem with this is if you have many multiple types and brands of cigars, and store them all together without cellophane, they can adopt each other's flavors over time.
