Cigars are an acquired taste, but cigar smokers aren’t only interested in the nicotine factor. Some cigar enthusiasts enjoy learning about the complicated way cigars are produced, while others enjoy the variety of tastes and flavors. Suffice it to say smoking cigars is a lot different than smoking cigarettes.
For instance, when it comes to storing cigarettes, there’s not much for smokers to worry about. However, you won’t find it quite as simple to store cigars. A well-made cigar will last years if preserved properly. Although improper care and bad handling can lead to your cigars going bad – fast.
Storing cigars can be effortless if you invest in a top-quality device that maintains the appropriate moisture and temperature cigars require to age well. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is A Humidor And How Can It Help?
Generally, cigars are left to mature for over six months before being turned over to shops for sale, but not all distributors or shops follow this rule. That’s why experts recommend that you store your cigars for 2 to 3 months before you light one up.
Here’s where humidors become necessary. It may sound exotic, but a humidor is a box-like device that keeps your cigars from going bad by sustaining the right balance of humidity and air. Did you know a cigar can dry up in under an hour is left open to the elements in an air-conditioned room?
Conversely, a humidor can make your cigars last for years on end with an internal humidity (around the range of 70%) that mimics the tropical isles where the cigars were made. Furthermore, humidors are available in several sizes, so you can choose one with the capacity that suits you best.
Some humidors even have built-in hygrometers so you can gauge the device’s internal humidity. Others come equipped with thermometers that can give you temperature readings.
Nonetheless, the best way to evaluate whether the conditions of your humidor are ideal is to inspect the condition of your cigars.
If the cigars feel too dry, then you need to add more water to the built-in container. If the cigar skin feels just a little oily – then there’s nothing to worry about because you’re cigars are in prime condition. There’s also a chance of cigars going bad even when stored within humidors, which is why you should educate yourself about how you can tell if your cigar is no longer fit for use.
How Long Will Cigars Last In A Box And How To Tell They’ve Gone Bad?
If you’re wondering how long cigars can last their packaging with the cello cover intact, the answer is around 30 days. At a month and a half, your cigars are drying out, and at the two-month mark, certain death is just around the corner.
It may help is you store your cigars in a Tupperware container with a humidity source. However, it’s best not to take chances with handmade cigars, and investing in a humidor will probably suit you best.
An easy way to tell if your cigars are no longer fit to smoke is to conduct a thorough inspection. If your cigar smells stale or has signs of mold, then it’s time to say goodbye. Similarly, if the cigar smoke has a strange aftertaste (like dirt) then it’s time to throw it away.
