How to Store Cigars Properly: Humidors, Humidity & Storage Tips

You've invested in a beautiful box of Cuban cigars — now what? Proper storage is the single most important factor in preserving the quality, flavour, and longevity of your cigars. Get it wrong and even the finest Cohiba will dry out and become unsmokable. Get it right, and your cigars will actually improve with age.

Why Storage Matters

Cigars are made from natural tobacco leaves that are alive in a very real sense — they continue to ferment and develop after rolling. They need a stable, controlled environment to thrive. Too dry and the wrapper cracks, the oils evaporate, and the flavour becomes harsh and bitter. Too humid and you risk mould, tobacco beetles, and an uneven, plugged smoke.

The sweet spot is a consistent 65–72% relative humidity (RH) at a temperature of around 16–21°C (60–70°F).

The Humidor: Your Cigar's Best Friend

A humidor is a box or room specifically designed to maintain the correct humidity for cigar storage. Most home humidors are made from Spanish cedar — a wood that naturally regulates moisture and repels tobacco beetles while imparting a subtle, complementary aroma to your cigars.

Choosing the Right Humidor

When selecting a humidor, consider:

• Capacity – Buy bigger than you think you need. A 50-cigar humidor fills up faster than you'd expect.
• Seal quality – The lid should close with a satisfying ‘whoosh’ of air. A poor seal means humidity escapes.
• Spanish cedar lining – Essential for proper moisture regulation and pest prevention.
• Hygrometer – A built-in or separate gauge to monitor humidity levels. Digital hygrometers are more accurate than analogue ones.

Seasoning Your Humidor

Before placing any cigars inside, a new humidor must be seasoned. This process hydrates the dry cedar wood so it doesn't absorb moisture from your cigars.

1. Wipe the interior lightly with a clean, damp (not wet) cloth or sponge.
2. Place a small dish of distilled water inside (never tap water — minerals can damage the humidification device).
3. Close the lid and leave for 24–48 hours.
4. Check the humidity — once it stabilises between 65–72%, your humidor is ready.

Humidification Methods

There are several ways to maintain humidity inside your humidor:

• Sponge/foam humidifiers – The most basic option. Fill with distilled water or propylene glycol solution. Inexpensive but requires regular attention.
• Beads – Silica beads that absorb and release moisture to maintain a set RH. Very reliable and low maintenance.
• Electronic humidifiers – The gold standard for larger collections. Automatically maintains your chosen RH level.
• Boveda packs – Two-way humidity control packs that are incredibly convenient. Simply place them in your humidor and they do the rest. Available in 65%, 69%, and 72% RH options.

Temperature Control

In the UK, room temperature is generally fine for cigar storage — our climate rarely gets hot enough to cause problems. However, avoid storing cigars near radiators, in direct sunlight, or in rooms that experience large temperature swings. Consistent is key.

Warning: Temperatures above 24°C (75°F) can trigger tobacco beetle larvae to hatch — a cigar collector's nightmare. If you're storing cigars during a heatwave, consider moving them to a cooler room.

Travelling with Cigars

For short trips, a travel case is essential to protect your cigars from physical damage and humidity loss. Our 3 Cigar Metal Travel Case with Cedar Lining keeps up to three cigars safe and fresh, and comes with a built-in stainless steel cutter. For longer journeys, our Triple Leather Travel Pouch offers a stylish and protective solution.

How Long Can You Store Cigars?

Properly stored Cuban cigars can last for decades — and many actually improve significantly with age. The fermentation process continues slowly in the humidor, mellowing harsh notes and developing complexity. Most aficionados recommend resting new cigars for at least 3–6 months before smoking them.

Aged Cuban cigars from the 1990s and early 2000s are highly sought after and command premium prices — so if you have the patience, laying down a box or two is a genuinely rewarding investment.

Quick Storage Checklist

• ✅ Humidity: 65–72% RH
• ✅ Temperature: 16–21°C
• ✅ Use distilled water only
• ✅ Season new humidors before use
• ✅ Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• ✅ Rotate cigars occasionally for even humidity distribution
• ✅ Use a reliable hygrometer to monitor conditions

Whether you're storing a single box or building a serious collection, getting your storage right is the foundation of the cigar hobby. Browse our range of Cuban cigars and cigar accessories at Bourbon Blackpool, and feel free to reach out for personalised advice.