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Cigar Storage & Aging

Proper storage and aging are essential for preserving the quality and enhancing the flavours of your cigars. A humidor is the key tool for maintaining cigars in optimal condition, allowing them to age and develop their full potential. Here’s a guide to the basics of cigar storage and aging.


Humidor Basics


Choosing a Humidor


  • Size Matters: Select a humidor that fits your collection size. If you're a beginner with a modest collection of 20-50 cigars, a small desktop humidor will suffice. For those with larger collections, consider a cabinet humidor. Make sure the humidor has enough space for airflow between cigars, as overcrowding can affect humidity distribution.

  • Reliable Seal: A good humidor must have a tight seal to maintain consistent humidity. When you close the lid, you should hear a slight "whoosh" sound, indicating an airtight seal. Some humidors come with a built-in hygrometer and humidification system, which can be helpful in monitoring and maintaining the correct environment.


Seasoning Your Humidor

  • Why Seasoning Is Important: The wood inside a new humidor, usually Spanish cedar, must be seasoned to prevent it from absorbing moisture from your cigars. Properly seasoning the humidor ensures that it can maintain the right humidity level once cigars are added.


  • How to Season:


Method 1: Using Distilled Water

  1. Lightly moisten a clean sponge or cloth with distilled water.

  2. Wipe down the interior wood surfaces of the humidor. Be sure not to soak the wood, as too much water can warp it.

  3. Place a small dish of distilled water inside the humidor.

  4. Close the lid and leave it for 24-48 hours.


Method 2: Using a Humidity Pack











  1. Place a 84% humidity seasoning pack inside the humidor.

  2. Close the lid and leave it for 14 days. These packs are convenient and help to season the humidor gradually without the risk of over-wetting the wood.


Method 3: KD Leaf Diaries Style


  1. Place a shallow but wide tray with distilled water or a tray with humidity crystals in the humidor on each level and fill with distilled water.

  2. Add Desktop USB Fans and point them to blow towards the water/humidity crystals and monitor.




Check and Add Cigars: After seasoning, check the hygrometer. If it reads between 65-70% humidity, the humidor is ready for cigars.


Maintaining Humidity

  • Ideal Humidity: The ideal humidity range for storing cigars is between 65-70%. This range keeps cigars moist enough to retain their Flavors and burn qualities without becoming too soft or developing mould.

  • Use a Hygrometer: A hygrometer measures the relative humidity inside the humidor. Digital hygrometers are generally more accurate and easier to read than analogue ones. Check the hygrometer regularly to ensure consistent humidity.


  • Humidification Methods:


    • Humidification Packs: These are pre-calibrated packs that maintain a specific humidity level and require minimal maintenance.

    • Traditional Humidifiers: Use a sponge, crystal gel, or foam to release moisture. Refill them with distilled water or a propylene glycol solution as needed.


  • Monitor and Adjust: If the humidity is too low, add a humidification device or refill it with distilled water. If it's too high, leave the humidor open for a short period to allow some moisture to escape.


Proper humidor care ensures that your cigars are stored in optimal conditions, allowing them to age gracefully and enhance in flavour over time. Whether you're new to cigars or a seasoned aficionado, understanding humidor basics is key to preserving the quality of your collection.


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