How to Store a Cigar

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https://www.wikihow.it/Conservare-un-Sigaro

Whether you are a cigar expert or a simple amateur, knowing how to store a cigar is very important.Proper storage will keep cigars fresh and good.Once you learn the basics of storage you will be able to keep them in excellent condition for long periods of time.Read the following instructions.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Quick Storage

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  1. A good cigar is like something that breathes:it needs to be in a controlled climate or it risks drying out in a few hours.If you've found a good cigar but don't want to smoke it yet, you can make sure to keep it fresh until you decide to.
    • A cigar should be stored at around 21°C with humidity of around 70%.In some climates, such as Miami, it can be kept in its container for a short period of time without the risk of it drying out.However, if you are in Arizona or Alaska, the dry climate could ruin it if you don't plan on smoking the cigar within 24 hours.
    • Good quality cigar tobacco has been grown in a tropical climate, between 65 and 72% humidity.Cigars are made up of layers of whole tobacco leaves, and the structure is based on their ability to stay fat and moist.Cigars not stored at optimal temperatures and humidity can dry out, crack, or become moldy.
    • If you are a true cigar lover and want to store a certain amount of them, you will have to buy a humidor.Read the next step.
  2. If you have a cigar or two but can't smoke them right away, the best way to store them is in an open ziplock bag with a slightly damp cloth over the opening, in a dark space kept around 70°F.
    • Humidor bags are commonly sold in many cigar shops and can keep cigars fresh for several weeks.In good cigar shops, the tobacconist will often ask how long you plan to keep them, and may package the cigar in one of these bags.By asking questions you will have the opportunity to learn many things about it.
    • The towel should be clean and only slightly damp, preferably with distilled water.After a couple of hours, check the bag to make sure too much moisture isn't building up inside.If so, open the bag and move the towel back slightly.Cigars can get moldy.
    • Alternatively, cigars can be stored in a clean plastic tray, covered with a barely damp towel, mostly dry and kept at the appropriate temperature.Whichever storage method you choose, temperature is the most important factor.
  3. If the cigar is wrapped in cellophane wrap or is kept in a cedar sleeve or other type of tube, you can keep it in the package until you plan to smoke it.Cellophane will allow air to get to the cigar, while other types of tubes and sleeves will protect it during transport.
    • Cigar aficionados have different opinions on whether to leave or remove cigars in cases for a long time.For short periods, there is nothing to worry about.All cigar smokers agree, though:after a day or two, you'll have to decide whether to smoke it or put it in a humidor.
  4. It is a common misconception that freezing or refrigerating cigars is an effective way to keep them fresh.Nothing could be further from the truth, unless you want a cigar that tastes like a refrigerator.Even if the cigar is overheated, or the temperature is too humid, or not humid enough, never keep the cigar in the refrigerator.
    • Cigars should not be stored in perfectly sealed environments because they need to breathe.Don't put them in a plastic box with a resealable lid, or keep it in the freezer, unless you want to ruin it.Cigars stored with a damp cloth in a plastic box will likely become too damp, and may even become moldy after a short period of time.
    • If you have absolutely nothing to store your cigar at 70°F-70%, store them in a relatively cool place in your house if you live in a hot climate during the summer, or keep them in the kitchen (the warmest room in your house) if your winter offers a cool climate.Sprays water periodically into the air to simulate a humidifier.It's not ideal, but you can avoid ruining a cigar.Or you can just smoke it.
  5. When you are about to buy, if you know you have nowhere to store it, and you know you don't want to smoke it right away, ask the shop for advice, and ask if they have any old cigar boxes around, preferably cedar ones for purchase or maybe for free .Sometimes they will give it to you.Stored in a cigar box, in a cool room, the cigar will be fine for a while.
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Choosing a Humidor

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  1. Humidifiers come in different sizes, styles, and prices.It doesn't have to be very expensive to store cigars well.Search online or in stores.
    • For around €50 you can find one with a glass lid and the ability to control the temperature.
    • Another cost factor is temperature and humidity control, sensor quality may vary slightly.The ideal is to purchase a small humidor with high-quality elements.
    • While good quality cedar boxes are the best and most reliable way to store cigars, it is possible to build your own with homemade ingredients if you're not a real fanatic.Skip to the next method if you want to make it yourself.
  2. There's no point in investing in a 7-drawer humidor that can hold a couple hundred cigars if you only smoke one every now and then.Try to predict how many cigars you will smoke and buy a suitable one.
    • Tabletop humidors can hold up to 25 cigars, while larger ones can hold up to 150.Those with multiple compartments offer better organization, giving you the ability to divide the various areas by cigar variety with hundreds of holders.This is the most expensive solution, they can cost up to several hundred euros.
    • Travel humidors are small, durable containers with a plastic base that hold 10-15 cigars at a time.If you travel often or want something cheap, a travel humidor can be a great alternative to expensive ones.
  3. This is an important factor as it helps regulate humidity and airflow.Those made of plastic or metal will not maintain an optimal temperature like a cedar humidor.It looks nicer, smells good, and maintains temperature and humidity well.
  4. Most humidors come with a humidifier which can be of various types, and knowing how to choose the right one is another important element.
    • Sponge humidifiers:they are the most common and economical.They are normally placed near the humidor lid and are soaked in propylene and glycol which regulate the humidity in the container.The solution is sold at tobacconists and costs 5-8 euros.The most common brands are Xikar and Cigar Mechanic.
    • Beads:They are made of silicon and are very durable, easy to use and change.A pack of pearls costs around 15-19 euros and you probably won't need to replace it, just recharge it.To use them, soak them in distilled water and spray water on them periodically.Storing them in a woman's stocking is a great way to put them in a humidor.
    • Digital humidifiers:they are quite expensive but very efficient.You can set it as you wish and forget about it.
  5. A hygrometer is used to measure the humidity level of the humidor;it can be digital or analog and can be installed inside or outside the humidor.Some come with a hygrometer on the outer cover.Digital hygrometers do not require calibration unlike analog ones.
    • To calibrate a hygrometer, seal it in a plastic bag with a tablespoon of salt in a cap for 6 to 12 hours.When you remove it it should measure 75% humidity.If not, use a screwdriver to calibrate the back of the meter so that it measures 75%.
  6. Before storing cigars in the humidor you must humidify it for about 7 days, it is a simple but very important process.
    • Install the humidifier in the humidor.
    • Place a cup of distilled water in the humidor and lightly moisten the walls of the container by dabbing them.
    • Close the humidor and leave it to moisten for 7 days, keeping an eye on the temperature and humidity.After a week, remove the glass of water and you can finally store your cigars.
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

DIY Humidor

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  1. A homemade humidor can be made from plastic baskets, old ammo containers or cigar boxes.While these options don't perform as well as a real humidor, they can be fine for an average amount of time.If you plan to store your cigar for more than a week, but don't want to buy a humidor, it's a good idea to make your own:
    • After choosing your container, wash it thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water.Let it dry completely.The container should be large enough to hold your cigars.
    • Make sure the container closes properly and allows some air circulation.This helps keep the flavor of the cigar intact.If the container is sealed, make sure to at least open it every 2 weeks.
  2. Just as you would with a store-bought humidor, you need to find a way to keep the air at 70% humidity.Add a jar of Xicar beads/gel to the container, soaked in distilled water, then drained.
    • Place at least a small damp sponge at the bottom of the container.This will ensure that moisture is available inside the container once closed.Close the lid tightly on the container with the cigars inside.
    • At a local cigar shop, ask if they have any cedar dividers from cigar boxes lying around that they can give you.You can use the latter to create both tubes for storing cigars, or to line the walls of your homemade humidor.This will help regulate humidity.
  3. Keep an eye on the temperature in the area and make sure it stays at around 21°C.Keep a thermometer nearby to monitor the temperature and smoke cigars as soon as you get the chance.
    • Check your cigars periodically to make sure they are not affected by too much moisture or are wet.Look for any signs of mold, or drops of moisture in the humidor.Remove the humidifier, or leave it to air, if this happens.
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Store cigars in a humidor for a long time

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  1. Humidors can only control humidity and not temperature.You need to keep it in an environment around 20°C.
  2. A common point of confusion and interest for enthusiasts with a large collection is where to store different cigars.If you have 15 Maduros and a variety of other cigars, of various strengths and flavors, can they all fit next to each other?Yes and no.Keep natural cigars with natural cigars and flavored cigars with flavored ones.
    • It is possible for some flavors to mix between cigars, but not all.A good rule of thumb is to separate (remember the cedar dividers at the cigar store?) any flavored cigars from any natural tobacco cigars.A cognac-flavored cigar, for example, can mix with the flavor of the natural tobacco with which it shares space.In general, though, natural cigars should go together regardless of strength or flavor profile.
    • If necessary, store a variety of cigars in the same box in a humidor, or the same humidor next to each other;consider storing them in cedar sleeves, or make your own with old cedar from the cigar shop.
  3. Another topic that is discussed in the cigar world is whether to store them in cellophane packaging or "naked".If you have a low-quality humidor and want to age a high-quality cigar for a long period of time, it is recommended to remove the cellophane (some say), although it still depends a lot on your preferences.
    • If you intend to smoke a cigar in the short term, in less than a month, it is best to leave it in a cellophane wrapper for that period of time, and even longer if desired.It is equally common to leave cigars in the original tubes and wrappers, especially if they are cedar wrappers.
  4. To ensure the air doesn't get stale in your humidor, it's good practice to move your cigars around every month or so.If you are a heavy smoker and move cigars often to smoke them or replace them with others, there is probably no need to plan the rotation, but if you are a collector and aim to age them for a long time, it is better to move them.
    • In general, cigars should be stored flat, to promote air circulation.Don't stack them on top of each other.Keep them in a humidor with plenty of space.
  5. It's a good idea to check your hygrometer at least once a week to make sure humidity levels are correct, and to change the fluid in your humidifier every couple of months, depending on the climate where you live.
    • In particularly cold and dry climates, it is a good idea to change the humidifier fluid, or refill the beads more or less every 3 months, and certainly whenever you see the level of immersion.In more tropical climates, it's fine to change it every 9-12 months.
    • It's a good idea to recalibrate your hygrometer once every six months by removing it from the humidor, placing it back in the bag with salt, and making sure it gives an accurate reading.Defective hygrometers are responsible for most storage errors.

Advice

  • If you decide to get a humidor, be sure to try it before purchasing.Lift the lid 3 inches and let it drop.Listen for the "whooshing" sound of air being pushed out.This prevents the lid from rattling and means the humidor is sealed tightly, which is a sign of quality.

Things you will need

  • Waterfall
  • Humidor
  • Sponge or napkin
  • Humidifier
  • Hygrometer
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