One of the most appealing aspects of cigar smoking is growing a premium collection. But, that doesn’t come without some related concerns. If you don’t have a humidor, how do you safely keep them stored to preserve the quality? Properly storing cigars involves more considerations than you may think. What’s the best and easiest way to store cigars is in a humidor? The compartment that provides your cigar with a microclimate to maintain the ideal humidity and temperature. However, how do you go about storing cigars without a humidor? It’s possible. Read further to find out.
Optimum Environment for Cigars
To keep it simple, it is best to adhere to the rule of 70. The rule of 70 refers to 70 percent humidity and 70 degrees temperature. Some believe that 70 percent humidity may over-humidify a cigar, but 70 is a safe way to go because the cigars dry out faster than they get moldy. Humidity levels also depend on the type of cigar you are smoking, or according to your region and geographical elevation.
Tobacco is like a sponge and can absorb moisture. If you smoke a cigar that has a very thick tobacco, they will need less moisture, as they are more absorbent. The optimum humidity for thicker cigars will be between 65 and 67 percent. Cigars from the Dominican Republic have lighter tobacco, which requires more humidity.
Storing Cigar without Humidor
Storing cigars without a humidor can be as simple as going to a big-box retailer and buying a big plastic container. After buying the container, you can throw a humidification pack inside, like one made by Boveda. A humidification pack can provide two-way humidification that can help your cigars last longer. The best humidification pack allows you to control humidification by allowing moisture and removing it.
Once you provide the cigar with the ideal humidity and keep it stored in a cool, dark place, you can also age the cigar. Technically, as long as the cigar stays within the neutral state of proper humidification and temperature, it can last you 20 years.
It is important to note that the cigar does not necessarily get better with age, and most of the time, cigars are distributed from the manufacturer ready to smoke as the blender intended. Make sure that you keep the environment in the proper range, and keep it steady, so the cigars don’t dry out and lose their oils, or get over humidified and become moldy. Once you dry out a cigar, it loses the nuance of flavors, and you will be unable to experience the cigar’s complete flavor profile.
It is crucial that you leave the cellophane on your cigars in storage. The cellophane wrapping protects the cigars from outside damage. It is a plant-based material, so you do not have to worry about cellophane blocking moisture.
Zip-Lock Bags
If you do not have a container or humidification pack, you can simply use a zip lock bag. Like cellophane wrapping, a zip lock bag also helps create a two-way moisture system. When putting your cigar inside the zip lock, make sure that you remove as much air as possible and place the cigar in a cool and dark environment.
Plastic Wraps and Others
As you can probably tell, the general theme of storing cigars without a humidor is creating an airtight seal and placing it in a cool, dark place. Wrapping the cigars in plastic wrap is an alternative to zip lock bags, and works the same way. You can also use a glass container with an airtight seal, and put a plastic wrap on top of it. Do you have a humidification pack, any container or compartment can work? If you wish to choose a plastic container, make sure that it is BPA-free plastic and that the plastic is non-toxic.
If you live in a dry area, you must allow more humidity to enter your make-shift humidor. To do that, you can lightly spray a paper towel with water and insert it into the container. When you do that, make sure that the cigar is not in direct contact with the damp paper.
Get Started with Your Cigar Journey
Now that you know more about proper storage, you can begin collecting your premium cigars. Head to our shop with more confidence, and purchase a cigar that speaks to you. Visit us online if you wish to browse over some of the best collections of cigars!
