How to Keep Cigars Fresh Without a Humidor

A cigar is most enjoyable when it is fresh, with the oils, aroma and flavor intact. Leaving a cigar out in the open can cause it to prematurely dry out, depleting it of its much-needed moisture and causing the tobacco to become brittle. When this happens, the smoking experience becomes less pleasant and satisfying. In most cases, your cigar will burn unevenly, and the flavor will be anything but balanced. 

Whether you enjoy smoking cigars on special occasions or as part of your daily unwinding ritual, a humidor helps to keep your cigars fresh and humidified. But what happens if you don't have one around for immediate use? The good news is that there are alternative options you can explore for the short term. Learn how to keep cigars fresh without a humidor below. 

The Importance of Proper Cigar Storage

A cigar's enjoyability depends on many factors, and proper storage is at the top of the list. Keeping your stash safe in an ideal environment is essential for:

• Preserving flavor and aroma: Cigars contain volatile oils that require precise humidity levels for preservation. If the cigar dries out, those oils evaporate, leaving behind a bitter and unpleasant taste. If conditions are too moist, the flavors can get musty and muted. Either way, improper storage negatively influences the flavor and aroma while you smoke. 
• Getting a reliable burn and draw: When cigars are too dry, they will burn especially hot and fast. The inhale experience can be harsh, and the cigar may ash excessively. A wet cigar tends to burn unevenly, which can cause tunneling, canoeing and the need for frequently relighting. Moisture can also cause a tight draw, where there is resistance when pulling smoke through the cigar, which makes smoking difficult. 
• Protecting the wrapper: Your cigar's wrapper can be sensitive to the environment. If stored in a space that's too dry, it may crack or split. In spaces that are too damp, the wrapper may swell, unravel or develop water spots. These issues can negatively impact your smoking experience and — in severe cases — prevent you from enjoying your cigar. 
• Supporting graceful aging: A cigar can last for decades with proper storage. Stable conditions are essential for allowing slow fermentation to support the development of the cigar's flavors and complexities over time. 
• Preventing mold: High relative humidity and warmth can create the ideal conditions for mold growth. If you leave your cigars in a space that gets too moist or hot, you may render your stash completely unsmokable. 

Some telltale signs your cigar is too moist include a spongy feel, tight draw, uneven burn and musty scent. Conversely, a papery feel, cracking caps and a hot and fast burn are indications that your cigar is too dry.

Understanding the 70/70 Rule 

In the cigar world, many aficionados stick with the 70/70 rule for keeping their stash in peak smoking condition. The best environment for storing your cigar collection is 70% relative humidity (RH) and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

These conditions help cigars retain their delicious flavor and burn evenly when it's time to smoke. 

What You Need for Cigar Storage Without a Humidor 

The following are the basic items you will need to master short-term cigar storage without a humidor. 

Airtight Storage 

An airtight storage solution is key to keeping your cigars protected from the surrounding environment. There are various options here — just make sure you use one that provides a good seal to create the ideal conditions for your cigar stash. 

Your storage solution will directly impact which type of moisture source you choose to keep that in mind. 

Moisture Source

Cigars need a controlled moisture source that will provide adequate humidity without making the storage space too wet. 

For especially short-term storage, you can use a damp sponge or paper towel. Just ensure they do not make direct contact with your cigars. Use only distilled water for this process.

Humidification products specially designed for cigar storage are the best option when working without a humidor. These include humidity packs and humidification crystals. Natural cedar wood sheets can also help regulate moisture for your cigar collection. 

Hygrometer

If you are in a pinch and do not have a hygrometer, that is okay. You'll need to check on your cigars regularly and adjust your storage conditions if they seem too dry or wet. That said, investing in one of these devices is the easiest way to ensure your DIY storage containers are keeping your cigars in the ideal conditions. 

Hygrometers can go in your airtight storage solution and share the relative humidity and temperature for precise monitoring. 

4 Ways to Keep Your Cigars Fresh Without a Humidor

If you haven't invested in a humidor yet, or you do not have yours with you, you are in luck. There are some other ways to store your stash to maintain freshness in the short term. Learn how to store cigars without a humidor below.

1. Zip-Close Bags

If you are traveling or need a quick storage solution for your cigars, grab a heavy-duty, freezer-grade zip-close bag. If you have thinner options, consider double-bagging your stash for a better seal. 

With a small humidity pack, you can keep cigars in a zip-close bag for a few days or even weeks. Find a pack that provides at least 65% relative humidity. Avoid packing too many cigars into one bag, and ensure your moisture source is suited to the number of cigars you are storing. 

Zip-close bags are inexpensive, and you likely already have some in your kitchen or closet. If you have some especially strong-smelling cigars, consider storing them in their own bags to avoid their flavors from blending with others in your stash. 

Remember that a zip-close bag should only be used as a short-term storage solution. Their seals can degrade over time, and it is really easy for them to trap too much moisture inside, compromising your cigars' integrity.

2. Plastic Containers

Another great option if you do not have a humidor is to keep your cigars in a food-storage container. Ensure you pick an option that is airtight with a snap or gasketed lid. This is a popular option for anyone saving up for a humidor or looking to keep their cigar stash in good shape while traveling. 

Carefully choose your container. You'll want one that is odor-free and clean. Wash the container before use — avoid scented soaps if possible. Allow it to air out if needed. Ensure the inside and the lid are completely dry before placing your cigars inside. Use a humidity pack to regulate the moisture. Consider adding cedar sheets, too, to help optimize conditions. 

If you plan on using your plastic container as storage for a while, consider letting the inside conditions stabilize for a day or two before adding your cigars. It is also a little easier to keep a digital hygrometer inside a plastic container than a zip-close bag to monitor the RH and temperatures. 

Since plastic containers don't have great insulating properties, they tend to fluctuate with the temperatures of a room, so choose your storage spot very carefully. 

3. Coolers

A small cooler can be an excellent storage solution if you lack a humidor for your stash, especially if you're working with a bigger collection. A quality cooler is airtight, well-insulated and inherently steady, making it great for slightly longer-term storage. 

Begin by washing your cooler out and letting it dry. Add your moisture source, whether that's a humidity crystal or a pack. Trays and dividers can be especially helpful for ensuring your cigars have plenty of space around them and are not overcrowded. 

Coolers are effective in retaining their moisture levels and temperatures, thanks to their robust insulation. They also provide more space than zip-close bags or most plastic food-storage containers. A potential downside of using a cooler is that they tend to be bulky, which may make finding the perfect spot in a dark, temperature-controlled room a little tricky.  

If you are looking to keep a large collection of cigars in great condition for a longer period without a humidifier, a cooler is likely your best option!

4. Glass Mason Jars

Another common option for cigar storage without a humidor is a mason jar. If you have a lid that provides an airtight fit, these glass jars can be handy for keeping your cigar stash safe. 

Much like a plastic container, ensure the inside of your jar is clean and completely dry. If there is an existing odor, do not use the jar for cigar storage. 

Choose options that provide your cigars plenty of headspace and have room for a humidity pack without overcrowding. 

Regularly check on your cigars if storing them in a mason jar. If you see any condensation on the inside of the jar or if it becomes foggy with moisture, crack it open. These are signs that the humidity levels are too high or temperatures are fluctuating quickly. Check your RH and temperature with a hygrometer if you have one. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Cigars

If you're new to cigar collecting and unfamiliar with storage best practices, no worries. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

• Using a refrigerator: Someone may advise you to keep cigars in the fridge if you live in a particularly hot and humid environment. Don't listen to them! Fridges are too dry and full of odors. They can also strip oils and mute cigar flavors. 
• Exposing the cigars to too much air and sunlight: Frequently opening your DIY storage solution or setting your cigars somewhere with direct sunlight or fluctuating heat can cause RH swings and degrade oils. Keep cigars in airtight solutions, in a cool, dark place. Always avoid windowsills or hot rooms.
• Neglecting humidity packs: If you are using humidity packs, do not forget to check on them periodically. Replace them when they are stiff. Letting packs dry out means your storage solution is likely to dry out, too. Using the wrong RH and creating an environment that's too moist will lead to tight draws and mold risk.
• Using an uncalibrated hygrometer: Ensure your hygrometer is properly calibrated. You can do this with a simple salt test. Make a thick paste with table salt and a few drops of water. Place the salt paste in your airtight container or freezer bag. Put the hygrometer inside without touching the paste. Seal the container or bag and leave it at room temperature for about 24 hours. In most environments, the RH should read around 75%. If your hygrometer is not reading 75%, determine the offset and keep that in mind when taking measurements. 
• Rehydrating dry cigars too quickly: If you notice your cigars are showing signs of drying out, you may be able to rehydrate them with proper storage. However, introducing too much moisture too quickly will invite more problems. Instead, slowly increase the RH in your storage system over one to two weeks.

Do You Need a Humidor for Cigars? 

A humidor is the best way to maintain the quality of your cigars. Investing in a humidor will make all the difference in your smoking experience and the longevity of your cigars. If you are growing your collection, consider getting one as soon as possible.

These boxes allow you to adjust the humidity inside, creating the ideal storage environment for your stash. You can enjoy enhanced flavors, preserved oils and streamlined organization with a great humidor. 

Plus, you don't have to overspend. You can get a high-quality humidor that's also cost-effective from Corona Cigar Co. On our website, you can easily check out our inventory of humidors by price point. 

If you're looking for an unbeatable price, explore our selection of humidors for $50 and under online right now. There are various brands, sizes and designs to choose from. We also make it easy to explore options in the following price ranges:

• $50 to $150
• $150 to $250
• $250 to $500
• $500 and up

Get High-Quality Humidors From Corona Cigar Co.

While you can use DIY options for short-term storage, nothing beats having a quality humidor for your cigar collection.

At Corona Cigar Co., we offer various humidors in different sizes and at every price point. We're your one-stop shop for all things cigar, from cutters to humidity packs and premium smokes. 

Whether you're looking for a large humidor for keeping your growing collection secure or you want a travel-size option for your next trip, we've got you covered. Explore the different humidor brands we have available on our website today, and enjoy free shipping on orders over $125.