Storing cigars - a controversial topic with many opinions
The storage of cigars is a topic that always leads to controversial discussions among aficionados. Some swear by precise hygrometer calibrations and specialized humidification systems, while others are satisfied with simpler methods such as Tupperdor and Boveda packs.
- Cigar storage theme week part 1: Storing cigars - a controversial topic with many opinions
- Cigar storage theme week part 2: Storing cigars - controversy and practice easily explained
- Cigar storage theme week part 3: Storing cigars - long-term storage and ageing
- All theme weeks
Davidoff Year Of The Tiger Masterpiece Humidor.
One thing is clear: you can turn cigar storage into a science - but you don't have to.
Cigars originate from tropical and subtropical regions, where a warm, humid climate provides ideal conditions for growing tobacco and storing the finished cigars. This natural climate is lacking in our latitudes, which is why we have to simulate it artificially. Cigars require a constantly humid environment and temperature in order to retain their aromas and quality. A relative humidity of around 65-70 % is crucial to avoid drying out or over-humidification.
Humidity in the humidor: precision vs. reality
"Excuse me? Only up to 70 %?" some readers may now ask indignantly and perhaps add: "It has to be a constant 72 %!" But that's not true. There are no constant conditions in an apartment that allow such accuracy. In addition, you need high-quality hygrometers that cost several hundred euros to precisely measure the humidity in the humidor. Commercially available hygrometers, on the other hand, are often inaccurate and deviate by several percentage points up or down - regardless of what the manufacturer claims or what certificate may be enclosed. This is my personal experience.
Boveda pads: efficient moisture regulation or overrated accessory?
And what about the Boveda pads? If it says 69 %, then the humidor also contains 69 %, right? No, not necessarily. The humidity in the humidor depends on many factors, such as the sealing of the humidor, the ambient temperature and the number of cigars in it. Nevertheless, Boveda packs are a great tool for efficiently humidifying tabletop humidors. They are particularly suitable for smaller setups or for collectors who store their Cuban cigars in large plastic or aluminum boxes. Several Boveda pads are often evenly distributed there, and this works extremely well. It is a practical and uncomplicated solution for humidity regulation.
Fluctuating temperatures? How to find the perfect method for your cigars
And the temperature? 18-21 degrees Celsius is pretty good. But who can guarantee this temperature in our homes? Very few people store their cigars in the cellar, where conditions are constant.
In summer, it gets above 21 degrees in the apartment, the humidity in the humidor rises rapidly and can easily reach almost 80%. What to do? Just leave the lid open a little; I often do the same with my cabinet humidors in summer.
But apart from these basics, the most important thing is to find a method that suits you and your enjoyment. Every cigar lover has their own preferences, and that's what makes the subject so exciting. Whether you are a simple connoisseur or a technophile who measures every little fluctuation: the important thing is that your cigars mature and taste perfect for you in the end.
Some people prefer cigars that are stored in a slightly more humid environment, while others prefer a slightly lower humidity. Cuban cigars in particular have their own requirements: they mature better if they are stored separately in a humidor in which the humidity is kept slightly lower. This allows them to develop their characteristic flavor optimally.
What do you think? Do you prefer to keep things simple or are you a perfectionist when it comes to storage? Share your opinion in the comments! 😊 Without registration, following this post.
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I still swear by my Plexiboxes with perforated side walls and double bottom (space for expanded clay pellets for the moisture).
Mr. Menzi (LCDH ZH) recommended them to me years ago. They are not the eye-catcher now, they don't have to be, I only visit them in the cellar to lighten them up a little ...
For aging, I pack my cigar boxes, preferably of one brand, in Noaks Bags, which have particularly tight foil and double zippers. I then add a generous 65% Boveda and put it in a large box or an empty cupboard compartment of the former nursery furniture.
I can only recommend these Noaks Bags. They are available in many sizes and are also suitable for cabinet boxes.
After 2 years at the earliest, I take out a box (preferably Habanos) and am rewarded with a wonderfully intense tobacco aroma when I open the virgin box. After a few days of regeneration at 69-72% (swap the Boveda or put it in the humidor cabinet), I test whether these cigars are ready to be enjoyed in their entirety in the near future or whether they should be left for another year before being tested again.
I store individual cigars in a 200 table humidor from Daniel Marschall. In the meantime, the overfill there is transferred in normal Freshpacks stacked in a matching wine box.
I still have my Habanos cabinet for standard boxes and jars, but I'm not satisfied with it. This will soon be replaced by a custom-built cabinet from Marc André, which, with the dimensions (WxHxD) 100x232x60cm, will push the limit far beyond the previous one and open up new possibilities for box storage.
Very interesting, thanks for that! Click here for the Google search on Noaks Bags: https://www.google.com/search?q=noaks+bags
Does anyone know the manufacturer or importer of these noaks? I would like to offer them on Fumar.ch.
Such products are mass-produced and are sold in Switzerland by Galaxus, among others, and are supplied by bergzeit.de or bergzeit.ch. The manufacturer is called https://www.noaks.de/
I already pay attention to that. In my humidor I have the Huminator BIG from Marc André. It works very well. However, I don't go crazy if there is a slight deviation. The Tuppdior and Bovedas also worked quite well before the humidor era.
"Don't go crazy" - exactly!
That is the essence of it. 💯
and always a new and interesting topic!
I got my first humidor from my sweetheart, small and compact!
Then there were more and at some point a humidor cabinet was added
My everyday cigars from Villiger, mostly Dominico Robusto are very easy to care for - they are also smoked quickly!
For my birthday and Christmas I get the good ones!!! presents - Davidoff year of!!!
I'll make sure it's right in the humidor!
Wow, Year Of The Snake by Davidoff? Fantastic cigar.
...after Century and Imperator, I have now also landed on the Cabinet from MA and I have to say, I can't imagine it any better. This humidor cabinet offers the perfect conditions for storing and maturing my Habanos, among other things. And honestly, how crazy would it be to buy the expensive vitolas and then lose all the enjoyment because of poor storage...clearly, if you want to store and mature, you need a sophisticated humidor/humidor cabinet, even if you realize how difficult it will be to procure Habanos in the future (at least in 🇩🇪) and how expensive...
Best regards and good smoke
Patrick
Very cool. Which humidification system do you use for this?
...the Huminator Big by Marc André
Top. The part is definitely worth the money.
Like most people, I started with a table humidor that filled up very quickly. Then I bought a slightly larger one which, oh wonder, also filled up relatively quickly. I then decided on a "Germanus" cabinet humidor for about three hundred cigars. Perfect value for money.
As Vasilij mentioned, various factors such as room temperature, humidity, the seasons etc. always play a role. I sometimes had three hygrometers running... My initial paranoia about the humidity display has given way... if it goes up, I open the door... if it goes down, I fill up with water. I've been able to enjoy all my cigars so far without hesitation 😎
Greetings to all!
Gianni
Wonderful, that's exactly what happened to me.
Sleepless nights, got up every hour in the night, opened the humidor - GRRRAAAUUUUUSSSS - the hygrometer now shows 73% instead of 72%, immediately looked up on the Internet what I have to do now, beads of sweat on my forehead and upper lip, sweating all over my body, immediately took a shower - OOO SCREEECCCKKK - forgot to close the lid of the humidor again, humidity only 48%, SHITSSSEEEE!!! - Are all the cigars broken now?
😂 You understand me, I'm exaggerating a bit again... 🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
As a cigar novice umpteen years ago, I, like probably many, started with the simplest means, such as:
* Cigar box equals permanent storage place for different vitolas
After that...
* Table humidor with humidification rods
Continue with...
* Mini cabinet humidor with humidification set
One more to go....
* Cabinet humidor with humidification system from Marc André
And finally, the...
* Humidor Century Cabinet with lighting in my lounge.
I'm very happy with my decision to buy the Century Cabinet; I should have done it a few years earlier.
😅 The classic cigar aficionado career 😅 All that's missing now is a purpose-built bunker with a lounge and walk-in humidor, surrounded by the actual house.