Humidor: What it is and what it's for

If you have ever smoked a cigar and did not detect the usual flavor, or perhaps a sour or wispy aroma, in all likelihood this was not stored properly.

The humidor is absolutely essential for storing cigars and enjoying them at their best.

Cigars cannot be stored in just any room; they require a space that is not too hot, nor cold, nor dry or damp.

Otherwise, incorrect and prolonged exposure can impair smoking, damage the tobacco, or even develop mold.

Let's find out together what a humidor is, what it looks like, and how it works!

What is a humidor?

A humidor is generally a wooden box for storing cigars, but it also exists as a box and cabinet, in a variety of types, shapes and sizes.

In addition to wood, it can be made of glass, plexiglass, or ceramic.

Its purpose is to ensure the optimal humidity of cigars, considering that this should be neither excessive nor low.

It arose from the need to protect cigars from weather conditions: while in summer, cigars tended to keep optimally, in winter, tobacco deteriorated very quickly, losing quality.

The first to try to solve this problem was Zino Davidoff, devising a box suitable for optimal cigar storage.

Nevertheless, it was not until 1968 that production of these artifacts began.

What a humidor looks like

Let's learn about the various parts of the humidor with their functions.

The container 

The container is a wooden box equipped with an airtight seal to prevent outside air from entering the interior, but also to prevent moisture from escaping from inside.

The humidifier

The humidor makes use of a humidification system, so as to keep it at the optimal level. The humidifier can be active, so an electronic device, or passive, in the form of a sponge or gel.

The thermometer

The humidor is equipped with a thermometer and hygrometer. While the former is used to monitor the temperature inside (18-21°C), the hygrometer is used to control the humidity level.

The hygrometer is available in both analog and digital formats.

Care should be taken with the analog ones, which are sometimes inaccurate, while the digital ones, although accurate, must be supported by a perfect seal.

How a humidor works

The humidor generally maintains a constant humidity level between 68% and 75%, which is ideal for storing cigars.

The walls of the humidor are made of a special wood, such as Spanish cedar, capable of absorbing and storing moisture.

This also allows the humidor to balance out the small changes in the humidity level, due to the humidor being opened.

But now let's see how to start using it.

If you have just purchased a new one, I recommend that you bang it with a sponge and let it dry, and then insert the cigars later.

Alternatively, humidifiers such as Boveda humidifiers can be used, which are very useful for achieving the level of humidity you most desire.

The benefits of using a humidor

Using a humidor is not an option for the smoker, but a necessity, otherwise, you risk irreparably ruining the cigars!

Let's see what are the benefits associated with using a humidor.

Benefit 1: Cigars that are always fresh

A cigar that is not fresh is a low-quality cigar, which will certainly fail to offer you its typical aroma, but rather an unpleasant taste.

Then, there is to consider that tobacco, if stored poorly, can develop mold.

The only way to keep cigars fresh at all times is to place them inside the humidor.

Benefit 2: Long-term storage

If you plan to store your cigars for a long time, perhaps for a few years, my advice is to choose a lower humidity level than the usual standard.

This way, you can protect the quality of your cigars in the long term.

Benefit 3: Aroma preservation

Clearly, the freshness of the cigar is the main determinant in maintaining the aroma of the cigar.

To properly preserve the aroma of the cigar, you cannot do without placing it in the humidor.