The Cigar Cellar: Everything you need to know before buying one.

If you're a cigar lover, you may have heard of a cigar humidor . This specialized wooden box is designed to store cigars and keep them in optimal conditions. But what should you know before buying one? In this article, we'll examine the different types of humidors, their pros and cons, key factors to consider when purchasing one, and tips for caring for and maintaining your humidor.

What is a cigar humidor?

A cigar humidor is a wooden box designed to store cigars and keep them in optimal conditions. Cigars must be kept at a certain temperature and humidity to retain their aroma and flavor. A cigar humidor helps create this controlled environment for optimal cigar preservation.

Why store cigars?

Most cigars are sold wrapped in cedar leaves and stored in a cardboard box. However, these boxes are not designed for long-term storage. If you're a cigar aficionado, you probably know that a well-preserved cigar can provide an exceptional tasting experience. By storing your cigars in a humidor, you can extend their lifespan and enhance their taste.

How does a cigar humidor work?

A humidor creates a controlled environment by regulating humidity and temperature. Cigars should be stored in a humid, but not overly humid, environment. A relative humidity of 70% is ideal for storing cigars. The temperature should also be regulated and maintained between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. To create this controlled environment, the humidor is equipped with a humidifier and a thermometer. Some models also feature a ventilation system to help regulate humidity and temperature.

The different types of cigar humidors

There are several types of cigar humidors, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. Tabletop humidors: Tabletop humidors are designed to sit on a flat surface, such as a table or desk. They are typically quite small and can hold up to 50 cigars. These humidors are ideal for cigar enthusiasts who want to store a small collection at home.
2. Travel humidors: Travel humidors are designed for easy transport. They are usually equipped with a humidifier and thermometer to maintain optimal storage conditions during transport. These humidors are ideal for cigar smokers on the go or for those who wish to take their cigar collection with them when traveling.
3. Drawer humidors: Drawer humidors are wooden boxes with sliding drawers that allow for the storage of multiple layers of cigars. They are often used by experienced smokers or cigar collectors who need space to store a large number of cigars. Drawer humidors are available in various sizes and can hold several hundred cigars.
4. Cigar cabinets: Cigar cabinets are larger wooden boxes that resemble furniture. They are often used for larger cigar collections and can store several thousand cigars. Cigar cabinets are equipped with humidifiers and thermometers to regulate humidity and temperature, as well as several shelves and drawers for storing cigars.

Criteria to consider when purchasing a cigar humidor

When purchasing a cigar humidor, it is important to consider several key criteria to ensure optimal preservation of your cigars.

1. Size: The size of your humidor will depend on the number of cigars you want to store. Occasional smokers may be fine with a small tabletop humidor, while cigar collectors will need a larger cabinet.
2. Material: The material used for the humidor will impact its quality and appearance. Cedar wood humidors are the most popular due to their ability to maintain humidity and their pleasant aroma. Metal humidors are also available and are often more durable.
3. Humidity: Humidity is an important factor to consider when purchasing a humidor. Most humidors come with a humidifier, but it's important to choose a model with a quality humidifier to ensure optimal preservation of your cigars.
4. Ventilation System: The ventilation system is another important factor to consider when purchasing a humidor. A good ventilation system helps maintain constant air circulation inside the humidor, which helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
5. Design: The design of the humidor can also play an important role in your choice. Cedar wood humidors are often very elegant, while metal humidors can have a more modern look.

How to use a cigar humidor?

Once you've purchased your humidor, it's important to know how to use it properly to ensure optimal preservation of your cigars.

1. Humidification: Humidification is the key process for maintaining the quality of your cigars. It is important to fill the humidifier with distilled water and regularly check the humidity level using the built-in thermometer.
2. Storage: When placing your cigars in the humidor, it is important to organize them so that they are not too tightly packed. Leave space between the cigars to allow for good air circulation.
3. Maintenance: Regular maintenance of your humidor is important to ensure optimal preservation of your cigars. Clean the inside of the humidor with a soft cloth and distilled water, and replace the humidifier regularly.

Conclusion

Cigar humidors are an excellent way to store and preserve your cigars in the best conditions. By considering the key criteria when purchasing a humidor and following the instructions for use, you can enjoy high-quality cigars for a long time.