Achieving Perfect Cigar Humidity

Achieving perfect cigar humidity can be tricky. For many new and casual cigar fans, humidification presents a stumbling block. But not to worry. Today, we’ll explain how you can ensure your cigars are always kept in good smoking condition without too much stress or hassle. 

What is “perfect” cigar humidity?

Generally speaking, it’s recommended to store your cigars at or near 70 percent humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is called the 70/70 rule. HOWEVER, exceptions abound. 

Some cigar fans prefer to keep their cigars at higher temperatures or humidity levels, depending on the weather conditions in their home. On the other hand, some prefer to keep their cigars at slightly lower temperatures or humidity to store them for longer periods. 

We’re not going to weigh in on whether you should keep your cigars at 65%, 70%, or 75% humidity, but rather take the position that you should aim to be somewhere in this “Goldilocks” zone. 

What happens if cigar humidity is too low?

When cigars are stored at too low humidity levels, they’re susceptible to drying out and cracking. Not only will this affect flavor, but it can render cigars unsmokable in some situations. You can (sometimes) bring dried-out cigars back to life, but it’s best to avoid that problem in the first place.

What happens if cigar humidity is too high?

Cigars stored in over-humidified environments are more likely to develop mold or tobacco beetles. Bad news: both of these problems can ruin individual cigars, AND they can spread to other cigars and destroy them, too.

How to achieve perfect cigar humidity

Achieving perfect cigar humidity is important, but thankfully, it’s not that difficult. Here are the steps to making it happen. 

Step #1: Invest in a Solid Humidor

No, you don’t have to break the bank and buy a $10,000 humidor to store and age cigars at home. However, if you’re going to spend money on quality cigars, the least you can do is pick up a good humidor that provides a tight seal to protect the cigars inside. While travel humidors or Tupperware containers might work in a pinch, a genuine wooden humidor is your best bet for maintaining consistent humidity. We also like acrylic humidors for beginners.

Step #2: Season Your Humidor

Before a humidor is ready to hold cigars, it must be “seasoned,” that is, the interior must be brought up to the ideal humidity level.  

There are two ways to do this.

The “old-school” method involves using a sponge to dab the entire interior with distilled water. (Never use tap water in a humidor for any reason. It will cause issues like mold and destroy your cigars.) Once you’ve thoroughly coated the humidor with distilled water, close it shut and wait 24-48 hours. Then add your cigars.

The “new-age” way to season a humidor is more time-consuming but much more effective and long-lasting (and easier). All you have to do is buy a specially-made seasoning humidification pack from a company like Boveda, set the pack inside your new humidor, close it, wait 14 days, and presto, perfect humidification.

Once your humidor is ready, add your cigars and make sure to include a regular 65-75% humidification pack to maintain those humidity levels.

Step #3: Maintenance and General Upkeep

Once you have your humidor ready, the hard work is done. From here, all you’ll want to do is monitor your cigars and the humidity levels of your humidor with a hygrometer. As long as the humidity levels remain consistent (around 70%), your cigars will be in good shape. 

If you notice a fluctuation in humidity levels (usually dropping), then you’ll want to purchase a new humidification pack or two to add to your humidor. Humidification packs are the simplest way to keep your cigars in good smoking condition. 

Other good practices include taking your cigars out and inspecting them from time to time. Look for signs of over- or under-humidification, and inspect for mold occasionally. We also recommend shuffling your cigars in your humidor every once in a while to ensure uniform humidification.

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