Why You Need a Humidor For Christmas

On Christmas morning, cigars are always welcome under the tree or poking out of a red stocking. Of course, cigar accessories make very appreciated gifts too. The king of them all has to be a new humidor. Here's why you want one:

As the name implies, a humidor will keep your cigars at the proper humidity level. Although personal preferences vary, cigars should never be stored at higher than 75% humidity. The ideal is usually considered between 68% to 72%. To monitor humidity levels, many humidors come with a hygrometer.

Aside from affecting the flavor, the main scourge of damp cigars is the tobacco beetle. They live on the tobacco plants, and deposit eggs ready to hatch when humidity and temperature are right.

Another reason a good Humidor is invaluable is that it maintains the proper temperature. To prevent beetles and cigar rot, the temperature should not exceed 77 °F (25 °C). But, temperatures below 54 °F (12 °C) prevent proper aging.

To work their magic, humidors use one of three different methods to maintain the right balance. Passive models use distilled water and propylene glycol. Electronic humidors adjust their inside conditions through sensors and ventilators. Lastly, certain humidors use specially calibrated silica beads.

Humidor materials now include plastics or even carbon fiber. But traditionally the best models are made of Spanish Cedar. Not only is this wood capable of maintaining the proper conditions, but it also infuses a desirable aroma to the tobacco.

So now you know how to preserve your cigars. You just have to start dropping the right Christmas hints! For humidor advice or any other cigar smoking needs, please don't hesitate to Contact Us today.