Expert: James Yee - 11/24/2011

Question
Hi,

During a visit to Cuba I bought a Cohiba Esplendido to bring back home. Also bought a cedar wood case for one cigar. I wow´under for how long I can store my cigar in this way.

Answer
Hi Marcus,

On average, cigars stored in an un-humidified container such as a cigar box, plastic bag or cigar case can last about 7 days before it becomes dry.  During colder, winter months, improperly stored cigars can dry up in as quickly as 2 days due to the dry heat in our homes.  If you live in a very humid home, it will take longer for your cigars to dry out.  Dry cigars will burn too hot, burn too fast, taste stale, bitter and/or harsh and possibly crack and split at the outer wrapper leaf due to it being too brittle.

The ideal humidor environment for storing cigars is 70% humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 Celcius).  If you are not in a rush to smoke your cigar, I would suggest that you store it in a humidor.  This will allow your cigar to be properly humidified and remain in excellent smoking condition.  If you do not own a humidor, your next best option is to store your cigar in a humi-pouch.  Humi-pouches are plastic Ziploc-style bags that has a humidified lining built into the bag's plastic membrane.  They're designed for short-term cigar storage and travel and can properly humidify your cigar(s) for up to 3 months.  After 3 months, you will need to replace the bag or move your cigars to a humidor.  Humi-pouches are available in a variety of sizes and can accomodate everything from a few single cigars, to whole boxes.  Depending on the size, they can cost anywhere between $5-$15 and you can purchase them at most cigar stores and tobacconist shops.

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

Regards,
James