How to Store Cigars: Keep Them Fresh and Flavorful

If you’re serious about cigars, you already know that proper storage isn’t optional—it’s essential. A well-kept cigar delivers the deep, complex flavors the blender intended, while a neglected one dries out, burns too fast, or worse, turns bitter. You wouldn’t leave a fine bottle of whiskey uncorked, and the same care should be given to your cigars.

Keeping your cigars in peak condition isn’t complicated. Whether you’re aging a prized collection or just keeping your go-to smokes ready for the weekend, the right storage setup makes all the difference.

Here’s how to do it the right way.

The Non-Negotiables: Temperature and Humidity

Cigars are like living, breathing things. The tobacco inside them continues to age over time, developing deeper flavors and a smoother smoke—but only if they’re kept in the right environment.

• Humidity sweet spot: 65–72% RH (Relative Humidity)
• Temperature range: 68–70°F

Stray too far from this range, and you’re in trouble. Too dry? Your cigars will crack, burn hot, and lose their character. Too moist? Expect tight draws, uneven burns, and possibly mold.

Keeping conditions steady is the key. Fluctuations wreak havoc on your smokes, so investing in a proper storage setup isn’t just a luxury—it’s a must.

The Humidor: Your Best Investment

If you don’t already own a humidor, now’s the time. A quality humidor does more than just store cigars—it preserves their integrity. Want the best of the best? Try the Byron Epique Poemas Humidor. Want something more affordable? This 25 CT humidor is a solid choice. 

Choosing the Right Humidor

1. Size Matters – Buy bigger than you think you need. Cigar collections tend to grow, and a humidor that’s too packed restricts airflow.
2. Spanish Cedar is King – The best humidors are lined with Spanish cedar. It regulates humidity, repels tobacco beetles, and enhances aging.
3. Airtight Seal – If your humidor doesn’t seal properly, it’s useless. The “dollar bill test” (closing a bill halfway in and seeing if it pulls out easily) is a good way to check.

Setting Up Your Humidor (Don’t Skip This)

Before you even think about putting cigars inside, season your humidor. This is crucial—if you skip it, your cigars will dry out almost immediately.

• Wipe down the interior with distilled water (never tap water) using a clean sponge.
• Place a small dish of distilled water inside and let it sit for 24–48 hours.
• Once the humidity stabilizes around 70%, it’s ready for your cigars.

From there, maintenance is easy—just check your humidity levels weekly and refill your humidification device as needed.

Tupperdor & Coolidor: Budget-Friendly Alternatives

If you’re not ready to commit to a humidor, or you need extra storage, a tupperdor (airtight plastic container) or a coolidor (converted cooler) can work just as well. The key is controlling humidity.

• Use Boveda packs to maintain consistent RH levels.
• Add Spanish cedar sheets to regulate moisture and enhance flavor.
• Keep it sealed—no need to constantly open it and check.

A well-made tupperdor or coolidor can store cigars for years without issue. Some aficionados even prefer them over traditional humidors for long-term aging.

How to Tell if Your Cigars Are in Trouble

Even with proper storage, cigars can sometimes go south. Here’s how to tell if something’s off:

Signs Your Cigars Are Too Dry

• Wrapper cracks when you pick it up.
• Burns too fast and too hot.
• Flavors taste harsh and sharp.

Fix it: Reintroduce moisture gradually in a well-regulated humidor. Never rush the process—it can cause cigars to split.

Signs Your Cigars Are Over-Humidified

• Feels spongy when squeezed.
• Hard to draw, won’t stay lit.
• Uneven or canoeing burn.

Fix it: Remove them from the humidor and let them dry in a stable environment for a few hours before returning them.

Tips for Aging Cigars From a Pro

For those who truly appreciate the craft, aging cigars is where things get interesting. With time, strong flavors mellow, complexities deepen, and the overall smoke becomes smoother.

• Separate strong and mild cigars – Cigars absorb each other’s flavors over time. Store bold blends apart from milder ones.
• Lower humidity for aging – Aim for 62-65% RH instead of 70%. This slows the process and enhances flavor.
• Give them time – Some cigars hit their peak at 6 months, others at 5 years. The only way to find out is by experimenting.

A well-aged cigar is an entirely different smoking experience. If you’ve never tried aging cigars, you’re missing out.

Common Cigar Storage Mistakes to Avoid

• Fridge or Freezer? NEVER.
  Storing cigars in a fridge or freezer dries them out completely, ruining them.
• Tap Water in Humidifiers? Nope.
  It introduces minerals and contaminants that can cause mold. Use distilled water or Boveda packs.
• Opening Your Humidor Too Often?
  Every time you open it, you introduce outside air, causing humidity fluctuations. Keep it closed as much as possible.

Long Story Short…

A great cigar deserves to be stored properly. Whether you use a humidor, tupperdor, or coolidor, the goal is the same—keeping your smokes fresh, flavorful, and ready to be enjoyed.

Take care of your cigars, and they’ll take care of you. Nothing beats lighting up a perfectly aged cigar, knowing that every draw delivers the richness, smoothness, and complexity that made you fall in love with cigars in the first place.

Now, go check on your humidor. Your cigars will thank you.