A premium hand-rolled cigar is a perishable product. Stored correctly, it can improve with age. Stored poorly, it dries out, the wrapper cracks, the burn becomes uneven, and the flavour flattens. Getting storage right isn’t complicated — but it matters.
What Cigars Need
Two things: consistent humidity and consistent temperature.
Humidity: The target is 65–72% relative humidity. Below this, tobacco dries out. Above it, cigars can develop mould and become difficult to draw evenly. Consistency matters almost as much as the exact number — fluctuation between dry and humid is harder on cigars than staying slightly outside the ideal range.
Temperature: 16–21°C (60–70°F) is the generally accepted range. Higher temperatures can activate tobacco beetles — microscopic insects that occasionally hatch from eggs already present in leaf. Cooler temperatures slow the ageing process but won’t damage the cigars if humidity is correct.
The Humidor
A humidor is the traditional and most reliable solution — a box lined with Spanish cedar and fitted with a humidification device. Spanish cedar helps regulate humidity and imparts a pleasant aroma to the cigars it stores. A properly seasoned humidor will maintain ideal conditions indefinitely.
What to look for:
- Solid construction with a tight, clean seal
- Spanish cedar lining — not generic wood
- A reliable hygrometer so you can actually monitor conditions
Season a new humidor before use: wipe the interior cedar with distilled water and leave a small dish of distilled water inside for 24–48 hours. This prevents dry cedar from drawing moisture from your cigars when you first stock it.
Short-Term Storage Without a Humidor
If you’ve bought a small quantity and plan to smoke them within a week or two, a sealed zip-lock bag with a small Boveda humidity pack will keep cigars in good condition. This isn’t a long-term solution, but it works well for short periods.
A portable cool box (sometimes called a “coolidor”) is another popular alternative — the airtight seal and insulation help maintain both humidity and temperature without the cost of a dedicated humidor.
Signs of Improper Storage
If a cigar feels brittle or papery, it’s been stored too dry. If the wrapper crackles when rolled, it’s dried out — you can attempt slow rehydration in a humidor, but the damage is rarely fully reversible.
White spots or fuzzy patches can indicate either mould (too humid, musty smell) or plume — a natural crystallisation of tobacco oils that is harmless and actually indicates a well-aged cigar. When in doubt, trust your nose.
The Simple Rule
Don’t let them dry out, don’t let them get too wet, and smoke them. Cigars are made to be enjoyed, not collected indefinitely.
Browse the full Papasito range and stock up. You’ll want somewhere good to keep them.