Like old wine, the quality of the cigars gets better and better over time. However, there are many problems and things to be cautious of when storing cigars, such as the environment is too humid or too dry. If an environment is dry, this can be the most damaging, as the cigar will lose its flavor after just two or three months. Each type of cigar also has a certain maturity cycle. When cigars leave the factory, they have just become a “form”. They are considered only a child and therefore have not matured. During this time, cigars are not suitable for smoking. From the cigar factory to the distributor, to the retail store, to the hands of the cigar customer, it has continued to ferment and mature slowly during this process. Cigars need the right temperature and humidity to “grow” perfectly. There are also many factors that affect this maturity cycle and the quality and taste of cigars.
Why is there a need to store cigars?
Prolonged moist tobacco tends to rot; this can cause cigars to leave a white residue powdery mildew matter. The cigar cabinet is designed for the purpose of placing as many cigars, in a completely safe and non-damaging way. If cigars are stored in an environment with suitable temperature and humidity, fresh air is constantly provided, they will be preserved accordingly. Theoretically, there is no time limit for storing cigars when done properly. High-quality handmade cigars can retain their flavor after being stored for many years. Often, before most cigars are delivered to the tobacco shop, they are generally matured in the air conditioning equipment of the factory or distributor for about 6 months. However, those more rare cigars may have a unique fragrance to them after being matured for several years before they are sold. Therefore, the decision of when to stop maturation also depends on personal taste and the intensity of the cigar.
Features Of Storage Humidors Or Cabinets For Cigars: Humidity control
The humidity of a cigar has a lot to do with its ignition, burning process, and flavor when it is tasted. Too dry or too wet is not a good sign. The relative humidity of about 60% to 70% is ideal. However, the definition of the so-called “optimal humidity” also allows some subjective aroma to personal taste and smoking habits. When it is too dry, it is either difficult to keep burning, or it burns so violently that the fire is difficult to control. A professional cigar cabinet can assist the control of the humidity required for appropriate cigar storage.
The temperature control principle of the cigar cabinet
A professional cigar cabinet should have a professional constant humidity system. The constant humidity system can not only humidify but also dehumidify. Humidification is the integration of water from a liquid into gaseous water molecules into the air.
Proper storage environment
Humidity is essential for preserving a cigar. Cigars that are too moist are not easy to ignite, and too dry will spoil the flavor. Since humidity changes with temperature, it is also important to maintain a consistent temperature.
The proper temperature for storing cigars is between 16 ℃ and 18 ℃, and the relative humidity is between 60% and 70%.
A Humidor
Here the temperature and humidity are controlled electronically within the cigar humidor. These can often be purchased from a professional cigar shop. This ensures that all cigars are kept under excellent conditions. The humidors importantly, cannot touch the back of the cabinet liner or the steps at the bottom of the cabinet. Portable humidifiers are also practical and rather convenient.
Storing in a Porcelain jar
The illumination and aroma of cigars can also be preserved in a Porcelain jar. There are porcelain bottles or glass bottles of your own, with sufficient airtightness to achieve this. An approximate number of around 60-70 moisturizing bags or humidifiers can be attached to the inside of the lid, which makes for a good cigar storage container.
Characteristics of well-preserved cigars
A well-preserved cigar will emit light and a little grease. Sometimes a cigar will have a very thin layer of white crystals, which is what people often call a vigorous cigar. To check if a cigar is well preserved, you can gently squeeze the cigar with your fingers without crushing or drying it. Remembering at the same time, it must not have a strong sense of flexibility, let alone a sense of moisture, and it must not be too soft.
Get yourself good quality cigar storage to really enjoy the benefits of having properly stored cigars, for years and years to come.
