Storing cigars can be a difficult (and costly) proposition if you follow the wrong advice. Remember, the key to successful cigar storage lies in maintaining 4 areas: Relative humidity (RH), temperature, UV light, and friction. If you manage these four areas with a properly functioning humidor and some care, you’ll get the best possible quality out of your cigars.
Temperature and Relative Humidity for Cigar Storage:
Temperature and relative humidity are probably the two most important aspects of cigar storage so you need to keep the relative humidity below 80% and the temperature below 75° in your humidor. If you don’t, you make conditions right for tobacco beetles eggs to hatch (if they are buried inside your cigars). This can ruin your entire cigar collection. You can let the rh get up to 75% if your cigars get a little dry, but usually keep the rh between 65% and 70% and the temperature around 70° for ideal storage conditions. If you do, properly stored cigars can last up to 10 years.
Lighting for Cigar Storage:
Keep your cigars out of direct UV sunlight. Light can fade the cigars wrappers and two other very negative things. Lower the relative humidity and raise the temperature in your humidor. This can dry out the cigars and make them more susceptible to damage or tears.
Friction for Cigar Storage:
Friction is final area of concern when it comes to storing cigars. Moving and rotating your cigars can cause scuffs and tears if you’re not careful. Scuffs are not repairable but tears can be fixed with special vegetable based adhesives if not too severe.
There are many more areas that can be covered when it comes to cigar storage, but these are the big four. These are the foundation you build all other knowledge on top of. If you know these areas (and follow them) your cigars will be well stored, and kept at their best for the longest period of time.
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