If you are planning on keeping your cigars for longer than 1-2 weeks, you will need a humidor. Cigars must be kept below the maximum temperature of 73°F (23°C) and between 65-72% humidity. Ideal conditions are 70°F (21°C) and 70% humidity.
Proper cigar storage is crucial. If you do not store your cigars properly you may encounter some of the following problems: uneven or too rapid burn, harsh or bitter taste, broken wrapper, difficulty lighting or keeping the cigar lit, mold, and tiny holes in your cigars, a sign of tobacco beetle infestation.
When you first set up a humidor, you must check the humidity level at least every two weeks to ensure that the humidity does not vary. Once a month (more often in arid weather conditions) add a propylene glycol solution (recommended) or distilled water to the humidifier. Once your humidor is stable and you have been taking care of it for a while, you will learn how long you can go without adding water or activation solution.
You should never use tap water as it contains minerals and chlorine that can clog the humidifier’s pores and inhibit operation.
Store your humidor in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth. Avoid placing your cigars in direct sunlight. If the temperature and humidity get too high, cigars can develop a potentially damaging fungus or mold. Another hazard of cigars stored in too hot or humid an environment is an infestation of worms called lacioderma. The worms lay eggs inside cigars and burrow out, forming tiny holes in the wrapper and metamorphosing into tiny, brown beetles. If you discover the presence of worm holes in your cigars, remove and destroy the affected cigars immediately, and then carefully inspect all the cigars in your humidor for signs of infestation.
