The Golden Rule: 70/70
For decades, the standard advice for storing cigars has been the "70/70 Rule" — 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% relative humidity (RH). While modern preferences have shifted slightly, this remains an excellent baseline for understanding cigar storage.
Temperature (65°F – 70°F)
Cigars should be kept in a cool environment. If the temperature rises above 73°F, you risk hatching tobacco beetles — microscopic pests that can damage a collection quickly. Conversely, if the temperature drops too low, the aging process halts and the wrapper leaves can become brittle. Aim for a stable room temperature.
Relative Humidity (65% – 69%)
Humidity is the most critical factor in cigar storage. If the air is too dry, the essential oils in the tobacco will evaporate, leaving you with a harsh, hot-burning, and flavorless cigar. If the air is too wet, the cigar will swell, burn unevenly, and potentially develop mold. Many modern collectors prefer a slightly lower humidity — around 65% to 67% — as it tends to provide a cleaner burn.
Choosing Your Storage Method
The Traditional Wooden Humidor
A traditional humidor is a box lined with unvarnished Spanish cedar. Spanish cedar is highly absorbent, helping to regulate humidity, and its natural aroma complements the tobacco. Wooden humidors are beautiful and traditional, but they require maintenance. You must season the wood before use, and you must monitor the seal to ensure humidity is not escaping.
The Tupperdor
A tupperdor is simply a food-grade, airtight plastic container used to store cigars. While they lack the aesthetic appeal of a wooden humidor, tupperdors are incredibly efficient. Because the plastic does not absorb moisture and the rubber gasket creates a perfect seal, a tupperdor requires almost zero maintenance. Simply drop in a two-way humidity control pack like Boveda, and your cigars will stay perfectly humidified for months.
Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Trusting the Analog Hygrometer
Most wooden humidors come with a cheap, analog hygrometer mounted on the front. These are notoriously inaccurate. Always invest in a calibrated digital hygrometer to ensure your readings are correct.
Mixing Flavored and Non-Flavored Cigars
Cigars absorb the aromas around them. If you store a coffee-infused cigar next to a traditional Nicaraguan puro, the traditional cigar will eventually taste like coffee. Always store flavored or infused cigars in a completely separate container.
Losing Track of Your Inventory
When you store cigars properly, they can last for decades. The problem is that as your collection grows across multiple humidors or tupperdors, it becomes easy to forget what you actually own. You might let a great cigar age past its prime simply because it was buried at the bottom of a box.
This is where a digital tracking system becomes as important as your physical humidor. Using a platform like My Digital Humidor allows you to log every stick you own, track its purchase date, and see your entire inventory at a glance without constantly opening your humidor and letting the humidity escape.
