Cigars are a luxury item that requires proper care to maintain their flavor and aroma. Do you know how to preserve your cigars so that they remain fresh and flavorful for a long time?
Cigars have been enjoyed for centuries, and their popularity is still going strong. However, many cigar enthusiasts struggle with the proper storage and preservation of their prized possessions. Improper storage can lead to dried out or moldy cigars, which can ruin the smoking experience.
If you are a cigar aficionado, it is essential to know the proper techniques for preserving your cigars. Whether you are a casual smoker or a serious collector, these tips will help you keep your cigars fresh and flavorful for years to come. In this article, we will discuss the best practices for preserving your cigars, including humidity control, temperature regulation, and storage methods.
What Are Cigars?
Cigars are a type of tobacco product, made up of high-quality tobacco leaves that are carefully rolled into a cylinder shape. In their most common form, cigars consist of three components: the wrapper leaf, the binder leaf, and the filler leaves. The wrapper is what gives each cigar its unique flavor and color. The binder holds the filler leaves together, while the filler gives the cigar its shape and flavor. Cigars are usually sold in boxes of 20 or 25 but can also be purchased individually.
Why Should You Preserve Cigars?
Cigar enthusiasts should take the time to properly preserve their cigars, as this helps maintain their flavor and aroma for longer. Improperly stored cigars can become dry, brittle, or even moldy, which all negatively affect the smoking experience.
Properly preserving your cigars is also important if you are a collector who wants to ensure that they last through the years without losing any of their original characteristics. With proper care , a box of cigars can last for several years.
How Do You Preserve Cigars?
The best way to preserve cigars is to store them in a humidor. A humidor is an airtight container that is designed to maintain the optimal humidity and temperature levels for preserving cigars.
Typically, a humidity level between 68-72% and a temperature of between 65-70°F are ideal for storing cigars. It is important to make sure that the humidor is regularly monitored to ensure that the humidity and temperature levels remain in the optimal range.
In addition to a humidor, you should also avoid exposing your cigars to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Cigars should be stored away from windows and other sources of direct light and away from areas where they may be exposed to drastic temperature changes.
To further protect your cigars, it is important to keep them away from food products and any areas with high levels of humidity. Cigars should also be stored in an airtight container, to prevent any air from entering and drying out the tobacco.
Preparing Your Humidification Device
Choosing a Humidification Device
When selecting a humidification device for preserving cigars, it is important to choose one that meets your needs. The most common type of humidification device is a humidor, which comes in many sizes and styles. Humidors are typically lined with Spanish Cedar, Mahogany, or Walnut wood on the inside and feature an adjustable hygrometer to monitor the humidity level.
Setting Up Your Humidification Device
Once you have selected the right humidification device for your needs, it is important to properly set it up. To do this, begin by lightly dampening the included humidifier before placing it inside of the humidor. Once the humidifier is in place, you can fill it with distilled water or a 50/50 solution of distilled water and propylene glycol. The solution will help to maintain the humidity level in the humidor, while also preventing any mold or mildew from forming.
Calibrating the Digital Hygrometer
It is important to calibrate the digital hygrometer to ensure that your humidor is functioning properly and maintaining the optimal humidity level. You will need a calibration kit or special salt solution to do this. Begin by placing the hygrometer in the calibration kit or by dampening with the special salt solution. From there, place the hygrometer in the humidor and adjust the calibration until it matches the desired humidity level.
Maintaining the Humidity Level
It is important to regularly maintain the humidity level in your humidor, as this will ensure that your cigars are always in the best condition. To do this, use a digital hygrometer to measure the relative humidity inside of the humidor and make adjustments as necessary. If the humidity level isn’t where you want it to be , you can use a humidification device to add moisture to the air inside of the humidor.
Storing Your Cigars Properly
Choosing an Appropriate Storage Container
When storing your cigars, choosing an appropriate storage container is important. The most popular option for cigar collectors is a humidor, which helps to maintain the optimal humidity and temperature levels for preserving cigars. However, if you cannot access a humidor, you can also use other airtight containers such as Tupperware or Z iploc bags.
Organizing Your Cigars
When storing your cigars, it is important to keep them organized so that you can easily find the one you are looking for. To do this, try to group cigars by similar characteristics such as size and wrapper type. This will help make sure that all of your cigars remain in a safe and secure environment .
Monitoring the Humidity Level
Once your cigars are stored properly, it is important to routinely monitor the humidity level in order to ensure that they remain in good condition. To do this, use a digital hygrometer or other humidity measuring device to check the relative humidity inside of your storage container. If the humidity level is too low , use a humidification device to add moisture to the air.
Conclusion
Preserving cigars can be a challenging endeavor, but with the right equipment and knowledge it is possible to maintain the optimal conditions for storing your cigars.
By selecting the right humidification device, calibrating your hygrometer, maintaining the humidity level, using an appropriate storage container, and organizing your cigars properly, you can ensure that your cigars remain in the best condition.