Expert: James Yee - 9/19/2007

Question
I am just a beginner cigar lover. I just today, bought a tin of some sugar-tipped hand-rolled cigar minis. I dont have a humidor, and I would like to not do that, since I don't have much money at all. Is there any way that I can make them last for a long time without a humidor? I.E., placing them in a plastic bag or something of the sort. Sorry for the most likely foolish question.

Answer
Hi James,

Not wanting to invest in a humidor is perfectly understandable so there are inexpensive cigar storage methods for people who have an interest in cigars but are not sure if they are ready to invest in a humidor yet.  One of the more popular methods is to store your cigars in a clean Tupperware container.  Simply line the container with natural Spanish cedar and place either a humidor humidification device (a simple one can cost between $2-$5 at a reputable cigar store) or a small clean dish with a clean sponge soaked in a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and Propylene Glycol.  In a humidor environment, your cigars will need 70% humidity to be properly maintained (70% is ideal but 67-73% is the safe zone) so the Propylene Glycol will stabilize the humidity at the correct level.  You only need to add Propylene Glycol just once and all you would need to do afterwards is add distilled water whenever the humidification element becomes dry.  Be sure to leave a portable hygrometer inside the container so it can give you a proper reading at all times.  (A small analog hygrometer will probably cost $5-$15.  Digital hygrometers will cost more.)  Your cigars need to be in an environment of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit and approximately 70% humidity.

Because Tupperware containers are almost air-tight, it’s best to seal only 3 of the 4 corners and allow the 4th corner of the lid to rest “loose”.  Let the 4th corner of the lid to be down but not tightly sealed.  This will allow proper air and humidity ventilation so your cigars will not be at risk.

Another method is to store your cigars in a “humi-pouch”.  Humi-pouches are basically Ziploc-style bags with a moist humidified lining built right into the bag.  These bags provide proper humidity for cigars and are intended for travel and short-term cigar storage.  However, it should be noted that once the seal on a humi-pouch is broken, the humi-pouch will keep your cigars fresh for up to 3 months (90 days).  After 90 days, you will have to replace the bag.  Humi-pouches are available in a variety of sizes and can hold everything from a few single cigars, to whole boxes.  Depending on the size, these bags can cost anywhere from $5-$15 per bag.  They’re available at most cigar shops/tobacconists.

Hope this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I’ll be happy to help.

Regards,
James