A good cigar is a thing of beauty: handcrafted, carefully cured, and meant to be savored. But what happens when you’re not ready to light it just yet?
In this edition of Cigar 101, we’re diving into the art of cigar storage. This process is crucial to preserving the flavor, aroma, and integrity of your cigar. This doesn’t just happen on its own, it takes a little care, the right environment, and a few timeless tricks.
Whether you’re saving a cigar for a special occasion or building your collection, here’s how to keep your smokes fresh and flavorful.
Use a Humidor: Your Cigar’s Best Friend
The humidor is the most reliable and elegant way to store your cigars, as a properly seasoned humidor creates the ideal environment. However, the great thing about Avanti cigars is that they’re packaged to reduce the need to invest in humidors! Still, the ideal storage temperature is about 72 degrees fahrenheit and at 65% of relative humidity, which humidors reliably achieve.
If you do decide to invest in a humidor, it’s important to remember that the lower the humidity, the quicker the smoke. Higher humidity results in a slower burn, creating a richer smoke as far as taste and aroma are concerned. A humidor helps by hitting that sweet spot in the middle, protecting the cigar’s structure while allowing its complex flavors to age gracefully.
DIY Humidity Control
Even if you don’t have a humidor on hand, that doesn’t mean your cigar’s fate is sealed. If you’re looking for a short-term solution, a simple airtight container can work wonders.
Here’s a quick DIY method:
- Grab a clean sealable plastic container with a lid
- Add a small damp sponge or a humidity pack (never place it directly on the cigars)
- Store the container in a cool, dark place
It won’t match the precision of a humidor, but it’ll buy you up to a few weeks, keeping your cigar in solid smoking shape until you’re ready to light up.
Know Your Environment
Cigars deserve proper storage for optimal smoking, so having an ideal storing space is as important as your storage method. Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, and damp areas like basements or bathrooms. A cigar should never feel dry to the touch or overly soft and spongy. Ideally, it should retain a slight spring when gently squeezed (a sign that the oils and moisture are right where they should be).
And remember: consistency is key. A stable environment will preserve the cigar’s flavor profile and construction far better than one that fluctuates from day to day. There are many myths that go against this philosophy of a stable environment. The most infamous example being storing your cigars in a freezer or refrigerator. This dramatic shift in temperature won’t bode well for your cigar, as they will dry out, and even once they thaw they will turn to mush. Even when the temperature drops (or rises), it’s crucial for the humidity to increase to keep your cigar intact. So keeping your cigars in your car is not an ideal storage environment either, let alone a freezer.
From the moment it’s rolled to the moment it’s lit, a cigar deserves a little intention. Storing it properly means you’re respecting the craft, the flavor, and the experience that’s still waiting to unfold. And when the time comes to strike a match, you’ll be glad you took it.
Looking to restock your stash? Explore our online shop for cigars worth saving and savoring.