When it comes to storing cigars, humidity isn’t just important; it’s everything. Whether you’re aging rare Cuban cigars or keeping a few everyday favorites ready to go, dialing in your humidor’s RH (relative humidity) is essential for preserving the flavor, structure, and overall experience of each smoke.
If you’ve ever lit up a cigar that cracked, burned weird, or just didn’t taste right, there’s a good chance your humidity level was off. So what’s the ideal humidity range, and how do you keep it there? Let’s break it down.
Cigars are made from natural tobacco leaves packed with flavorful oils and moisture. When exposed to too much moisture, they swell up, burn unevenly, and risk growing mold. Too little, and they dry out, crack, or lose their complexity. Learning how to light a cigar properly can even further enhance your experience and enjoyment.
The sweet spot for cigar storage? A relative humidity level between 65% and 70%, with a temperature range of 64–70°F (18–21°C). That’s the environment where cigars stay supple, flavorful, and burn just the way the blender intended. This combination of temperature and humidity creates the ideal conditions to keep your cigars fresh.
Want to dive deeper into the science of cigar storage? Check out our full Cigar Storage 101 guide. If you're new to cigars and want to learn the basics of choosing, cutting, lighting, and enjoying them, read our Beginner's Guide to Premium Cigars.
Cigars rely on a precise balance of oils and moisture to maintain their flavor and smokability. If there’s too much moisture, especially in conditions of higher humidity above 75% RH, cigars can become spongy, develop mold, and burn unevenly. Cigars stored at higher humidity may also have trouble staying lit, especially if their moisture content becomes too high.
On the flip side, storing cigars in lower relative humidity can cause them to dry out. This often leads to cracking, harsh taste, and diminished complexity. The wrapper can become brittle, and the burn line suffers.
The goal is to find that Goldilocks zone, not just based on personal preference, but where relative humidity stays steady enough for cigars to burn slowly and evenly, without absorbing excess moisture. This balance is what helps the tobacco leaves and oils shine through in every puff, just the way the blender intended.
For most humidors, the ideal range is 65% to 70% RH. Not surprisingly, most humidors are designed to maintain this balance. Within this zone, cigars stay moist enough to burn properly without becoming over-humidified.
Some prefer the lower end of that range for a firmer draw and sharper burn, while others enjoy the softer feel and richer smoke of cigars stored at 70% RH.
Your local environment matters too. If you live in a humid climate, lower humidity settings like 65% may be ideal. In dry regions, slightly higher humidity helps prevent cigars from drying out. For some, this will boil down to the time of year it is if you live in a climate with varying conditions.
Larger humidors with cigars stored in boxes or multiple trays may benefit from the higher end of the RH range to keep humidity consistent across several cigars. Regardless of setup, maintaining a stable RH level is absolutely essential for quality control.
Lastly, don’t forget about temperature. Aim for a consistent temperature of 64–70°F. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can alter the moisture content inside the cigars and affect taste, combustion, and overall burn.
Yes, different types of cigars benefit from different storage conditions depending on the cigar wrapper. Maduro wrappers, which are thicker and oilier, naturally retain more moisture. For these cigars, a slightly lower humidity, around 65% RH, can prevent issues like spongy texture or uneven burning.
When choosing the right humidity level for different cigars, here are some things to consider. Connecticut shade wrappers are thinner and more delicate. They tend to dry out faster and may benefit from a slightly higher humidity level, closer to 68–70% RH.
When aging cigars, especially vintage blends or Cuban cigars, some aficionados drop the RH level to 62–65% to allow for slower aging while avoiding excess moisture and mold. This method of storing cigars can bring out more nuanced flavor profiles over time.
Want to keep things organized? Use different humidors or compartments for storing cigars by wrapper type, age, or flavor profile. The positive thing about using multiple humidors is that you can tailor each humidor for the specific cigars you'll be storing. Once can be set up at a higher RH, while the other at a lower humidity.
Humidity plays a major role in shaping a cigar’s flavor profile. At optimal humidity levels, the oils in tobacco leaves are preserved, allowing their full complexity to come through when smoking cigars. Too much moisture, however, can mute flavors, create a tight draw, and cause uneven combustion.
On the other hand, cigars stored in lower humidity may burn too hot, causing bitterness and washing out subtle tasting notes. Improper storage often leads to a harsh or flat flavor that’s a far cry from what the cigar maker intended.
If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite stick didn’t taste quite the same the second time around, it might not be the cigar; it could be the way it was stored. Maintaining the proper humidity level enhances the depth, aroma, and character of every puff.
While relative humidity gets most of the attention, temperature is just as critical. Temperatures above 75°F can lead to accelerated aging and, worse, tobacco beetle infestations. These pests thrive in warm, humid environments and can devastate an entire humidor if left unchecked.
Cool temperatures (below 64°F) may seem safer, but they can also stiffen the oils and reduce the complexity of flavor development. A balanced environment prevents these issues and promotes long-term cigar health.
Keep your humidor in a room with minimal sunlight and temperature swings. Direct sunlight and cold air can both impact humidity inside the humidor and throw off your cigars’ burn and flavor.
Monitoring your humidity level means investing in the right tools. A digital or analog hygrometer, calibrated correctly, is your first line of defense. It tracks RH and alerts you to changes before your cigars suffer.
For humidification, several humidification devices are available, depending on your storage container size. Boveda packs are a convenient option for maintaining steady humidity. Traditional humidifiers using only distilled water also work well, as do water vapor beads or gels that stabilize moisture content.
Avoid tap water, as it contains minerals and impurities that can alter the taste and potentially lead to mold. Only distilled water should be used to maintain a clean environment.
Spanish cedar lining is another pro move. This wood helps regulate RH levels naturally, adds aroma, and even repels tobacco beetles. Most premium humidors will be lined with Spanish cedar for this exact reason.
Adding too much moisture too quickly is a common mistake. Cigars can become oversaturated, leading to mold or flavor degradation. Rehydrating slowly helps avoid wrapper cracking and structural issues.
Another misstep is ignoring temperature. Even if your RH looks spot-on, high or low temperatures can change the way cigars stored inside your humidor age or burn. Consistent temperature and humidity levels go hand in hand; neither should be ignored.
Where you store your humidor also matters. You'll want to avoid placing your humidor in a spot exposed to direct sunlight, near radiators, or in rooms where different temperatures fluctuate with the seasons.
If humidity drops below 62%, cigars may begin to dry out. Use a Boveda pack or a damp cloth (again, only distilled water) placed inside the humidor. Allow humidity to rise gradually over several days. In a pinch, even a plastic bag with a Boveda pack can work as a temporary fix until you get your humidor humidity regulated and in check.
If your humidity level climbs above 72%, you risk mold and soggy cigars. Open your humidor for a few minutes daily or move the cigars to a dry box until RH stabilizes. Cigars that feel too wet should be handled with care; rushing the process can cause wrapper damage or flat flavor.
As always, gradual adjustments are key. Dramatic shifts in RH levels can lead to cracked wrappers, uneven burns, and off flavors.
Consistency is king. Whether you’re storing cigars in a cabinet humidor, travel case, or even a makeshift Tupperdor, your mission is the same: create and maintain stable humidity inside. That’s what protects your investment and delivers a satisfying smoking experience.
Monitor RH and temperature regularly. Don’t overcrowd your storage container. Give each cigar the space it needs for proper air circulation and flavor preservation.
Humidity isn’t just a detail; it’s the foundation of proper cigar storage. When you control cigar humidity levels and keep your RH in check, you’re setting yourself up for success; you’re preserving flavor, aroma, and burn quality.
Storing cigars with care means more than tossing them in a box. It means managing relative humidity, controlling temperature, and making sure your cigars are always ready to smoke. Whether you’re aging Cuban cigars or keeping everyday sticks fresh, getting humidity right is the secret to unlocking their full potential.
Keep your humidor dialed in, and every cigar you light will reward you with the flavor and satisfaction it was made to deliver. It doesn't have to be complicated. If you've got questions or are unsure what accessories you need, After Action Cigars is here to help.
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