CIGAR HUMIDORS
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Calling a good humidor just a box is like calling a cigar a pile of leaves.
A well-maintained humidor will enhance your cigar experience, while a shoddily crafted
and poorly maintained box is nothing more than "death row" for your cigars.
A well-maintained humidor will enhance your cigar experience, while a shoddily crafted
and poorly maintained box is nothing more than "death row" for your cigars.
Cigars are a natural agricultural product, and the quality of the smoke depends largely
upon their care by the user. The best made cigars in the world - constructed of the finest
leaves by the most experienced rollers - will mean nothing
if they are not maintained properly.
upon their care by the user. The best made cigars in the world - constructed of the finest
leaves by the most experienced rollers - will mean nothing
if they are not maintained properly.
Consistency is the key
A cigar consists of multiple layers of tobacco leaves. In an inconsistently humid environment, the outside
of the cigar will dry once the humidity lessens, but the inside of the cigar will still be damp; therefore, the
inside "bunch" of tobacco will swell but the wrapper will contract and split open, destroying your
precious goodies.
Tropical environments
The most crucial characteristic of a fine humidor is that it can provide a consistently tropical environment
(70°F and 70% humidity). A constant humidity level will also increase your smoking pleasure; beyond
providing proper burning speed, with less heat and therefore more flavor.
What should a humidor have?
A humidor should always be measured against its ability to provide constant humidity to its contents over
a long period of time. And remember, this does not only mean how often you add water to the humidification system; it also means that 20 years from now the box lid hasn't warped and the hinges still open easily and quietly.
Look for perfectly squared and fitted seams. You shouldn't see any glue or signs of construction, and a gap
in any joint spells trouble: it provides an exit for moisture, and eventually warping will result.
Cedar is the best wood for the inside of a humidor, because of its ability to enhance the aging process
(allowing the various tobaccos in a cigar the chance to "marry" so that the cigar is not composed of
distinct pieces of tobacco, but of subtle nuances of taste). The wood inside a humidor should be unvarnished,
otherwise your cigars might very well taste like linseed oil. The lid should be solid and balanced with the
weight of the rest of the box.
A humidor lid should not be airtight, to allow the necessary circulation of air. Musty smells destroy cigars.
(allowing the various tobaccos in a cigar the chance to "marry" so that the cigar is not composed of
distinct pieces of tobacco, but of subtle nuances of taste). The wood inside a humidor should be unvarnished,
otherwise your cigars might very well taste like linseed oil. The lid should be solid and balanced with the
weight of the rest of the box.
A humidor lid should not be airtight, to allow the necessary circulation of air. Musty smells destroy cigars.
Don't forget about humidity: most humidifiers rely on some variety of sponge or chemical compound.
Whatever the medium, remember that prime cigar aging demands constant humidity levels.
Other practical features: a tray, which provides the owner with the option of storing cigars at more than one
level, so that they are exposed to varying degrees of humidity (always place dry cigars on the bottom of the
box first, where they will regain humidity slowly, then move them to the top shelf).
Whatever the medium, remember that prime cigar aging demands constant humidity levels.
Other practical features: a tray, which provides the owner with the option of storing cigars at more than one
level, so that they are exposed to varying degrees of humidity (always place dry cigars on the bottom of the
box first, where they will regain humidity slowly, then move them to the top shelf).
Analog hygrometers, while fancy looking, are seldom accurate even in the most expensive desktop models,
a digital hygrometer is better but even that needs to be calibrated. Use a towel or salt test to help you with
your humidity at least twice a year.
