A premium cigar is not simply a product you buy, smoke, and forget about. It is made from natural tobacco leaves that continue to respond to their surrounding environment after production. Humidity, temperature, light, and storage conditions can all affect how a cigar feels, burns, and tastes.
For beginners, cigar storage can seem complicated. Do you need a wooden humidor? What humidity should you use? Should cigars stay in cellophane? Can you keep them in the refrigerator?
The good news is that proper cigar storage does not have to be difficult.
The basic principle is simple: keep cigars in a stable, controlled environment with appropriate humidity and temperature, away from excessive heat, sunlight, and moisture.
This guide explains how to store cigars properly, from a few individual cigars to a growing collection.
1. Why Proper Cigar Storage Matters
Cigars are made primarily from natural tobacco leaves. Tobacco naturally exchanges moisture with the surrounding air.
If the environment becomes too dry, a cigar can lose moisture and become brittle. Its wrapper may crack, the draw can change, and the cigar may burn faster or hotter than expected.
If the environment becomes excessively humid, the cigar can become soft and difficult to smoke. Persistent excessive moisture can also increase the risk of mold.
Temperature matters as well. Higher temperatures can accelerate moisture loss and may create an environment that is unfavorable for long-term cigar storage.
That is why experienced cigar smokers focus less on achieving one “magic number” and more on maintaining stable conditions over time.
2. What Is the Ideal Humidity for Cigars?
Relative humidity, or RH, is one of the most important measurements in cigar storage.
A practical starting point for beginners is approximately:
65–70% relative humidity (RH)
Some cigar-storage guidance allows a wider range, roughly 65–72% RH, while individual smokers may prefer slightly different conditions depending on the cigar, storage system, and smoking preference.
The key is consistency.
You do not need to chase the hygrometer every few hours. Large and repeated swings in humidity are generally more problematic than a small difference between, for example, 65% and 69%.
Too Dry
A cigar stored in excessively dry conditions may:
- Become brittle
- Develop a cracked wrapper
- Lose some aroma and flavor
- Burn faster or hotter
- Develop an altered draw
- Become difficult to smoke comfortably
Too Humid
Excessive humidity may cause:
- A soft or spongy cigar
- Difficult lighting
- A restricted draw
- Uneven burning
- Problems with mold if excessive moisture persists
The goal is therefore not “as humid as possible.”
The goal is stable, appropriate humidity.
3. What Temperature Should Cigars Be Stored At?
For beginners, approximately:
65–70°F (18–21°C)
is a practical target for cigar storage.
Many traditional cigar-storage discussions use the familiar “70/70” rule: around 70°F and 70% RH. However, modern cigar-storage guidance commonly recommends keeping cigars somewhat below 70% RH, particularly when the temperature is well controlled.
The most important lesson is to avoid extremes.
Do not store cigars:
- In direct sunlight
- Next to a radiator or heater
- Inside a hot car
- Near a kitchen heat source
- In an uncontrolled attic
- In a refrigerator or freezer
A stable indoor environment is generally much easier to manage.
4. The Humidor: The Traditional Cigar Storage Solution
A humidor is a container designed to maintain a controlled environment for cigars.
For anyone planning to keep cigars for more than a short period, a properly functioning humidor is one of the most practical storage solutions.
Traditional humidors are often lined with Spanish cedar. Other materials, including acrylic, metal, and other engineered storage systems, can also be used successfully when they provide an appropriate seal and humidity control.
A basic humidor setup normally includes:
- A suitable storage container
- A humidity-control system
- A hygrometer
- A stable location away from heat and sunlight
The size of the humidor should match your collection.
Avoid filling a small humidor beyond its practical capacity. Cigars need enough room for air and humidity to circulate around the collection.
5. Do You Need to Season a Wooden Humidor?
If you purchase a new traditional wooden humidor, preparation may be necessary before placing your cigars inside.
The process is commonly called seasoning.
The purpose is to bring the wood into an appropriate moisture equilibrium before it begins storing your cigars. A dry wooden humidor can otherwise absorb moisture from the cigars themselves.
The exact seasoning method depends on the humidor manufacturer and the humidity system being used.
For this reason, beginners should always check the manufacturer’s instructions before seasoning a new humidor.
Do not assume that every humidor should be prepared in exactly the same way.
6. Use a Hygrometer to Monitor Humidity
A hygrometer measures relative humidity inside the storage environment.
For beginners, a digital hygrometer is often the simplest option.
The important point is not simply buying a hygrometer. You also need to understand whether its reading is reasonably accurate.
An inaccurate hygrometer can create a false sense of security.
If your storage system allows it, calibrate or verify the hygrometer according to the manufacturer’s instructions before relying on its readings.
7. Humidity Packs vs. Traditional Humidifiers
There are several ways to maintain cigar humidity.
Humidity Packs
Two-way humidity-control packs are popular because they are relatively simple to use and can help maintain a target RH inside an appropriately sealed container.
For beginners, this can be an easier solution than manually adding water to a traditional humidification device.
Traditional Humidification Devices
Some humidors use foam, beads, gels, crystals, or electronic humidification systems.
These systems can work, but they require the user to understand how the specific device works and how much moisture it should provide.
More moisture is not automatically better.
Electronic Humidification
Large collections or cabinet humidors may use electronic humidity-control systems.
These can provide more automated environmental management but are usually unnecessary for someone storing only a small number of cigars.
8. Should You Remove the Cellophane?
This is a common beginner question.
There is no universal requirement to remove cellophane.
Cellophane can protect individual cigars from handling and contact with other cigars. Many cigar smokers therefore leave the wrapper on when storing cigars.
Others prefer to remove it to allow the cigar to interact more directly with the humidor environment.
Boveda notes that cellophane is not required to be removed for proper storage and that keeping it on or taking it off can be a matter of personal preference.
For a mixed collection, keeping individual cigars in their original cellophane can also make identification and handling easier.
9. Can You Store Cigars in the Original Box?
A cigar box is excellent for presentation, transportation, and organization.
However, a standard cigar box should not automatically be treated as a fully controlled humidor.
Unless the box is specifically designed and maintained for humidity control, it does not necessarily provide the stable environment required for long-term storage.
If you plan to keep cigars for an extended period, move them into an appropriate controlled storage environment.
10. What If You Only Have a Few Cigars?
You do not necessarily need a large, expensive humidor to start.
If you have only a few cigars, a small airtight container combined with an appropriate humidity-control solution can be a practical temporary storage method.
This type of setup is sometimes called a tupperdor in the cigar community.
It can be useful for beginners who want to start small before investing in a larger humidor.
The principle remains the same:
A suitable container + controlled humidity + a stable temperature.
11. Keep Cigars Away From Strong Odors
Tobacco can interact with its surrounding environment.
For that reason, avoid storing cigars next to:
- Perfume
- Cleaning chemicals
- Strong spices
- Food with powerful aromas
- Paint or solvents
- Strongly scented wood products
This is particularly important when storing premium cigars for an extended period.
If you keep flavored or infused cigars, consider storing them separately from traditional non-infused cigars because aromas can transfer between products.
12. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Light and heat are not friends of cigar storage.
Keep your humidor in a:
- Cool location
- Dark location
- Stable indoor environment
- Area away from windows and direct sunlight
A beautiful glass-topped humidor may look impressive, but the storage environment should still protect the cigars from excessive light and temperature fluctuations.
13. How Should You Arrange Cigars in a Humidor?
Do not simply throw every cigar into one large pile.
A little organization makes your collection easier to manage.
You can arrange cigars by:
- Brand
- Size
- Vitola
- Wrapper
- Strength
- Origin
- Purchase date
- Intended smoking occasion
Avoid packing the humidor so tightly that air and humidity cannot move around the cigars.
If you have a large collection, keeping a simple inventory can also help you remember which cigars you have and how long they have been stored.
14. How Often Should You Check Your Cigars?
You do not need to open your humidor constantly.
In fact, unnecessary opening can introduce changes in the internal environment.
Instead:
- Check the hygrometer periodically.
- Inspect cigars when you open the humidor.
- Look for unusual softness, excessive dryness, wrapper damage, or visible mold.
- Check your humidity-control system according to its instructions.
- Keep the humidor away from changing temperatures.
The goal is stable storage, not constant adjustment.
15. What Does a Well-Stored Cigar Feel Like?
A properly stored cigar should generally feel firm but not completely dry or brittle.
The wrapper should remain intact, without obvious cracking caused by excessive dryness.
However, avoid squeezing cigars repeatedly to judge their condition.
Frequent handling can damage delicate wrappers.
Instead, combine physical inspection with the hygrometer reading and the overall condition of the storage environment.
16. What About Aging Cigars?
Proper storage and aging are related, but they are not exactly the same thing.
Aging means keeping cigars under controlled conditions for an extended period and allowing the tobacco to develop over time.
Not every cigar needs years of aging.
Some cigars are designed to be enjoyed relatively soon after purchase, while others may develop interesting characteristics with additional time.
The important foundation is always proper storage.
If the environment is unstable, aging becomes much more difficult to control.
17. Common Cigar Storage Mistakes
Beginners often make a few predictable mistakes.
Mistake 1: Storing Cigars in an Ordinary Drawer
A drawer does not provide humidity control.
It may be acceptable for very short-term storage, but it is not a reliable long-term solution.
Mistake 2: Putting Cigars in the Refrigerator
A refrigerator is not a humidor.
Temperature, humidity, and airflow inside a refrigerator are not designed for cigar storage. Professional cigar-storage guidance specifically advises against storing cigars in a refrigerator or freezer.
Mistake 3: Adding Too Much Water
More humidity does not mean better cigar storage.
Excess moisture can create its own problems.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the Hygrometer
If you do not know the humidity inside your humidor, you are essentially guessing.
Mistake 5: Opening the Humidor Too Frequently
Every opening changes the internal environment.
Check your cigars, but avoid unnecessary opening.
Mistake 6: Storing Cigars Near Heat
A cabinet next to a radiator may be convenient, but it is a poor location for long-term cigar storage.
Mistake 7: Mixing Strongly Infused Cigars With Traditional Cigars
Strong aromas can transfer.
When possible, keep infused cigars in a separate storage environment.
18. A Simple Beginner Cigar Storage Setup
If you are just starting your cigar collection, you can keep the system simple.
Basic Setup
1. Storage container
Choose a properly sealed humidor or another suitable airtight container.
2. Humidity control
Use a reliable humidity-control solution appropriate for the container size.
3. Hygrometer
Use a reliable digital hygrometer to monitor RH.
4. Temperature
Keep the cigars in a stable environment around 65–70°F / 18–21°C.
5. Location
Choose a dark indoor location away from sunlight, heaters, and large temperature changes.
That is enough to build a solid foundation.
You do not need an elaborate cigar cabinet on day one.
19. Quick Cigar Storage Checklist
Before storing your cigars, ask:
- Is the storage container properly sealed?
- Is the humidity controlled?
- Can I monitor the RH?
- Is the temperature stable?
- Are the cigars away from direct sunlight?
- Are they away from heat sources?
- Are strongly flavored cigars stored separately?
- Am I avoiding excessive humidity?
- Am I avoiding excessive opening of the container?
If the answer to these questions is yes, you are already doing the most important things correctly.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to store cigars properly is one of the most important skills for anyone building a premium cigar collection.
You do not need an expensive cabinet or a complicated system to get started.
Focus on the fundamentals:
Stable humidity. Stable temperature. Limited exposure to light and heat. Reliable monitoring.
For most beginners, a properly prepared humidor, an appropriate humidity-control solution, and a reliable hygrometer are enough to create a dependable storage environment.
At BB Cigars, we believe enjoying a premium cigar begins long before the moment it is lit. Proper storage helps protect the craftsmanship, aroma, and character that make each cigar worth experiencing.
Store carefully. Smoke patiently. Enjoy the journey.