Expert: James Yee - 10/26/2011

Question
I live in Costa Rica and received a genrous gift of 2 Cohiba Behike cigars.  I was unaware of how expensive they were. I am a new cigar smoker and would like advice on how to store the cigars. For the moment I have them in a Thermos bottle.

Answer
Hi Mel,

When storing cigars, it's best to keep them in a container that is capable of holding a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of 70%.  (67-73% humidity is acceptable for cigars but 70% is considered ideal.)  The container should not be air-tight as this can cause swelling (from the humidity) and damage to your cigars.  Your cigars should also lay flat rather than rest vertical.

It's best to purchase a Spanish cedar humidor for your cigars.  If you're new to cigar smoking and don't want to invest in an expensive humidor, a decent 25-50 count desktop humidor can cost as low as $50 at most cigar shops/tobacconists.  Your humidor will also need a humidification device to generate humidity and a hygrometer to measure the humidity level.  Your local cigar store will have a wide range of humidifiers (passive and electronic) and hygrometers (digital and analog) so when purchasing a humidor, choose a humidifier and hygrometer best suited for your humidor.  (If you need help deciding what humidifier and hygrometer are best for your needs, just let me know and I will be happy to help.)  You can also keep your cigars in a smaller, travel humidor.  These are also available at most cigar stores.

As an alternative, you can store your cigars in a "humi-pouch".  These are plastic Ziploc-style bags designed for short-term cigar storage and travel.  Humi-pouches have a humidified sponge built into the plastic to properly humidify your cigars.  One humi-pouch will keep your cigars properly humidified for 3 months with very little supervision and maintenance.  After 3 months, you will need to replace the bag.  Humi-pouches are available in a variety of sizes and depending on the size, will cost anywhere between $5-$15 per bag.  You can buy humi-pouches at most cigar stores.

An inexpensive alternative is to store your cigars in a plastic Tupperware container.  Be sure to line the container with Spanish cedar as this will help absorb and regulate the humidity.  To generate humidity, you can purchase a humidifier or use a passive element such as humidor crystals, beads or gel pillows.  Your humidifier should only use 100% distilled water.  Any other type of water will contain mineral particles that can change the flavour of your cigars and clog your humidifier.

It's also important that you do not seal the Tupperware lid shut.  Let the lid rest closed but loose and this will help your cigars breathe.  Do not seal the lid shut as this will cause swelling and damage to your cigars.

Again, 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% humidity is very important for your cigars.  If the humidor temperature is greater than 75 degrees, tobacco beetle eggs (potentially hidden inside your cigars), will begin to incubate and the tobacco beetle will hatch and ruin your cigars.  For humidity, your cigars may become too soft/mushy and mold may develop if the humidity is greater than 74%.  A hygrometer to measure humidity will prevent this.

I hope this helps.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James