Cigar smokers will know how annoying it is to store cigars. You manage to obtain some primo cigars, but they lose their sweet, fragrant flavor and become dried out after being stored at home for some time. I know; I’ve been there as well. I used to just throw my cigars in glass jars or plastic containers, and presto—soon—the smoke’s original flavor and aroma altered, which was really annoying. After extensive trials with storage, I discovered the ideal solution: investing in a high-end humidor cabinet. Now, my cigars are nestled inside this Spanish cedar chamber, wonderfully preserved at a humidity level of 65-70%.
This is why a quality cigar humidor cabinet is essential for any serious cigar enthusiast like us! So I’m really excited to provide everything you need to know about cigar humidor cabinets on this blog. Simply store your stogies in a cigar humidor cabinet and you may smoke perfectly conditioned cigars every night of the week!
what is a cigar humidor cabinet?
But exactly are cigar humidor cabinets, and why do aficionados like us consider them to be a must-have? Simply said, it’s a customized cabinet designed to keep the ideal temperature and humidity range to retain the tobacco leaves’ vital oils. Premium cigars have distinct flavor profiles because different tobacco varieties and their natural oils are blended. Those oils would rapidly dry out without appropriate moisture control, leaving cigars bitter, strong, and unsmokable. Nuck!
From little travel cases to large walk-in humidors in cigar stores, cigar humidor cabinets come in various forms and sizes. Still, they all have certain things in common: a dependable humidification system and Spanish cedar wood lining.
How long do you keep cigars in a humidor?
New-bought cigars must rest in the humidor for at least two weeks so they may gradually adjust to the temperature and humidity levels and achieve the best condition. Good storage allows premium cigars to be kept for 2-5 years in the humidor without losing flavor. Of course, some collectible Cuban cigars may keep really well for 50 years!
Still, it would be a waste to ignore them for too long! I advise you to determine your own ideal aging time. Personally, I usually start smoking new arrivals six months to one year after making a purchase. The tastes combine and become more balanced throughout this time.
What materials are cigar humidor cabinets typically made from?
But gentlemen, do you know what typically these cigar humidor cabinets are composed of? Right, Spanish cedar! Its just-right density and smooth fine texture capture the ideal humidity for cigars. Amazingly, the distinctive scent it adds gives the cigar even more taste. Sure, all-cedar boxes might be somewhat pricey.
For the outside, some companies use American red cedar or Honduran mahogany, lined with some Spanish cedar panels. This mix maintains good quality while keeping costs down. As long as they are lined with Spanish cedar sheets inside, non-wood humidors like glass tops or cooler doors maintain A-okay humidity.
Some cigar humidor cabinets also feature a bit of metal, either brass or chrome brass. These metals not only emit crazy style points but also have a more strong construction.
For my part, though, I like to work with Spanish cedar wood! Spanish cedar humidors are quite perfect since this wood naturally contains cedar chemicals that absorb more moisture. The first time I used a humidor, I vividly recall the fresh scent reminding me of my hometown Cuba. For a long while, this familiar scent has occupied my thoughts.
What is the difference between a cigar humidor box and a cigar humidor?
But aside from the cigar cabinet., there are plenty of cigar humidor boxes available on the market, which begs many questions among friends about their differences.
Usually, Spanish cedar wood lines the inside of a humidor. This wood has special qualities that aid in moisture absorption and retention, so enabling the cigar to remain at optimal humidity. The cedar also let the cigars “breathe” and over time develops more sophisticated tastes. But relax; it also stops mold from growing!
Usually, built-in hygrometers and basic humidors track humidity. The more advanced ones with active humidification systems using solutions or gels to control moisture appeal to me, though. Just make sure you lock in the moisture by carefully closing the box. Most desktop humidors contain 25 to 50 cigars. Excellent for personal usage but not for large collections.
I would advise major connoisseurs with hundreds or thousands of stogies to indulge in a cigar cabinet. These beauties are meant to precisely maintain large cigar collections with well-calibrated temperature and humidity controls. Particularly enjoy the sophisticated glass cabinet displays and Spanish cedar. It truly allows you to flaunt your valued smokes in fashion!