Cigar how long keep

If the same cigars are always the closest to your reservoir, or humidification source, it is likely they will absorb a disproportionate amount of moisture over time. Move the cigars from the top row to the bottom and vice versa every month, or every couple of weeks.

Humidors vary greatly in price due to factors such as build quality, aesthetics and size. Regardless of how big, elaborate, or expensive your humidor is, the key in its function is your maintenance. In most cases, you want to use only distilled water to avoid any potential for mold or bacteria. Pay close attention to your cigars. They will tell you what you need to know most of the time. Cigars should express a firmness that offers a bit of give, but does not crack or crackle from the application of just a touch of pressure between your fingers.

Unwanted crackling and cracking of a wrapper leaf indicates dryness. By the same token, your cigars should not be overly spongy, where you can squeeze one like a toothpaste tube without any interruption to the shape. Cigars kept in your humidor should reflect a consistency similar to the state you would expect them to be in from a trusted retail shop. Keep in mind, not all cigars will express the same density, however, an attentive cigar lover is the greatest common denominator to ensure your collection lasts for eons.

Cigars can last for many years in a humidor that is properly maintained. This is especially important with humidors that are filled to the brim. You should be looking out for three important factors: air supply, temperature and humidity levels.

All cigar humidors should be aerated at least once every fortnight, unless they have built-in ventilators. Of course, they must also be air-tight to ensure a constant internal humidity level. It may not have crossed your mind, but the size of your cigar humidor does matter when it comes to the longevity of your cherished cigars. Humidor ads will typically state a capacity based on the number of Corona or Corona Extra cigars it can hold, but if you prefer larger ones, you may be in for a bit of a shock.

The humidor needs to be practical and spacious if you want your cigars to enjoy a carefree life. Moving them about from one compartment to another or from one shelf to the other may not seem like such a big thing now, but if you carry on like this for days on end, you will eventually notice a change in the taste and feel of your cigars.

Remember, though, that it is extremely important to make sure that the cigars you have at the moment can enjoy ample space for the humid air to flow freely between them.

The lift-out trays, dividers, and shelves should create stable, generous compartments that facilitate air-flow and allow the right levels of humidity to reach the tobacco leaves; no more, no less. Cold wine cellars are, therefore, not suitable for extended periods of time. The mold that settles on cigars is usually crusty, blue-green in colour, and extremely harmful.

Hence, humidors should never be exposed to sunlight. Nor would it be wise to buy a humidor that is not able to ensure a stable level of humidity at all times. Ideally, you should be looking for a humidor that is guaranteed to keep your cigars fragrant and lush for years on end, like a thermoelectric unit. Not only is this type of humidor spacious and airtight, but it also comes with digital temperature controls and even LED lights for a more appealing display of your extensive and valuable collection.

If your humidor is the classic mahogany type, make sure that the unit is charged with a solution of propylene glycol before you first use it. Then add distilled water and allow it to reach the humidity levels of your choice. The analog hygrometer, if your humidor has been fitted with this gauge, should indicate the humidity level. If the tobacco is hard to light up, you may need to try lower humidity levels.

In the worst-case scenario, cigars become susceptible to mold and pests, the most dreaded of which is the tobacco beetle.

On the other hand, when your humidity is too low, the cigars dry up, the wrappers crack and the essential oils ooze through and evaporate.

This leaves you with hot, harsh burning cigars, tasteless, bland smoke and a cinder-like aroma rather than a rich bouquet. Cigar Studio humidors are easy to maintain. Displaying the humidor to extremes temperatures such as direct sunlight or placing it on top of an air radiator or conditioner is terrible for the humidor and cigars. As mentioned, Cigars can last for years in a well-maintained humidor. A Cigar like cheese or wine builds up a distinctive and much better flavor profile with age.

Well, the majority of cigar aficionados believe that cigars build up best flavors after about four to five years or even twelve to twenty- four months in a well-regulated humidor. Since there are different types and shapes of the cigar, there are no specific rules to age them.

You can always enquire in your local cigar store for advice on how long to store a particular cigar, depending on the brand, type, etc. To learn more about cigars and humidors, call Cigar Studio on or drop in a mail at jerryh cigarstudio. Cigar Packages Available.

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