Optimal Humidity Levels For Cigar Storage

Cigars, like fine wine, are a class of items enjoyed by individuals of discerning taste the world over. And like a fine vintage wine, cigars demand a certain level of care before they yield their most nuanced and fullest flavors. Cigar connoisseurs and tobacconists have long studied the subtle art of properly aging and maintaining cigars so as to result in the release of these delicate notes. This article aims to share with you that information about the proper moisture levels for cigar storage so that you too may get the most out of your cigars.

Cigars are sensitive to numerous factors, moisture being one of the most crucial. Humidity, specifically, is a factor that determines a large part of the proper health and preservation of cigars. Because humidity is relative to temperature, temperature is also one of the key factors that you should keep an eye on when considering the care of your cigars.

Humidors are the best suited item for the purposes of proper cigar preservation, aging, and care. If you do not already possess one, consider the investment if you are an individual who cares about their cigar investments, or a budding enthusiast and/or connoisseur. These instruments regulate, with great precision and control, the storage environment of your cigars; as previously stated, they are a must have for individuals truly seeking to get the most out of their cigar purchases.

Returning to the point of discussion–humidity–keeping an eye on the humidity levels of your storage environment is absolutely essential. The lines between too moist, optimal, and too dry environments are finely drawn, and it is vital that you do not ignore them.

Cigars that have been preserved in an environment that is too moist will not burn as well as they should; it will be difficult to maintain their light, and they will be difficult to take draws from. Damp cigars will also sometimes release a smoke that is both sour in taste and smell, ruining the subtle flavor profile that is supposed to accompany a well-made cigar.

In contrast, but no less unfortunate, a cigar which is stored in an environment that dries it out results in the premature evaporation of certain essential oils that are within the tobacco and on the wrapping that encases it. This leads to the destruction of the subtle and nuanced flavor profile that the cigar was crafted in mind with. Furthermore, the smoke that comes from dry cigars is acrid and harsh to the palate. It is usually an obnoxious and overbearing flavor in strength and the degradation in flavor is obvious.

There are some very serious tobacconists and connoisseurs who swear by 70% relative humidity all the time no matter what, but general consensus from much of the tobacco community seems to be that it does not have to be quite so rigid as that. 70/70, a ratio common to those who run in social circles that appreciate tobacco, is considered a very good standard nevertheless. This ratio signifies a combination of 70% RH and 70 degrees Fahrenheit within the environment the cigars are being maintained.

However, although 70 degrees Fahrenheit is also a flexible statistic, it is of vital importance that you not keep your cigars in an environment that is higher than 75 degrees. Keeping them in an environment that hot can lead to them drying out, and can also result in the dangerous incubation of rare but very tiny beetle larvae eggs.

Achieving optimal levels of humidity for cigar storage is absolutely crucial; factors like humidity and temperature are elements that simply cannot be overlooked if you respect the investment that you have made in purchasing fine tobacco. Take steps to ensure that you get the most value and pleasure out of your smoking experience by putting forth a little effort in properly maintaining your cigars.

Learn about the advantages of using a Cigar hygrometer today! You can get the information about how a humidor hygrometer will help your cigars retain their freshness and flavor longer now.