You can buy the best cigars in the world, but if your storage setup is off, you’re not aging them—you’re ruining them. Truth be told, preserving cigars is less about wood finishes and fancy hardware, and all about humidity control and consistency. That’s where cigar storage either works or falls apart.
In this guide, we’re unpacking the truth about storing cigars. What works, what’s outdated, and how to upgrade your setup without losing your mind (or your cigar collection).
Why Humidity Isn’t Optional
Cigars are like wine: for their flavor to mature, they need stable conditions to age well. The sweet spot for cigars is between 65 and 72% relative humidity (RH). Too low, and cigars dry out, leading to cracked wrappers and a fast, harsh burn. Too high, and you risk mold or cigars that won’t stay lit.
Humidity control isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s the whole game for cigar enthusiasts.
The Classic Humidor Isn’t Dead—But It’s Not Enough
There’s something undeniably cool about a Spanish cedar humidor. It’s hard to know if a wood humidor you found is well-made. It could have a faulty seal and leak humidity, so maintaining it becomes your full-time job. There are good affordable humidors out there, find out how to spot one here.
Acrylic humidors and airtight tupperdors are also popular. If you pair them with the right humidity control, they often outperform inexpensive wood humidors. Tip: If you’re ready to upgrade your setup, explore cigar storage solutions that are built to perform.
How to Know When Your Storage Is Failing
If your cigars feel crunchy, burn unevenly, or ignite like a Roman Candle, your cigars are dry and their RH is too low. If they smell musty or develop white fuzz, you’re battling excess moisture.
In short: the signs are there. Mold and dryness aren’t mysteries—they’re proof your humidity control needs help. Want a deeper breakdown? Here’s how cigar mold happens (and how to prevent it).
Why Boveda’s 2-Way Humidity Control Changes Everything
Past humidification methods, like gels, beads, and wet sponges, only do half the job. They add moisture but cannot take it away. Nor can they maintain stable humidity. Many frequently dry out and require constant rewetting or refilling. Boveda is 2-way humidity control, meaning it both adds and absorbs moisture to maintain a precise RH level. Just slip Boveda into your desktop humidor, container, or bag. Boveda automatically provides ongoing cigar protection for three months. And it does all the work so there’s no wetting, filling, or monitoring.
> Watch: What is Boveda and Why Does it Work?
Which RH Is Right for You?
Boveda B69 is recommended for most cigar storage: The B69 packets maintain 69% RH in wood and acrylic humidors, tupperdors, coolerdors, and humidor bags. It’s also a good RH for long-term aging of special cigars.
Boveda also developed specialty solutions to solve humidity challenges in humidors.
B65 maintains 65% RH: For those who prefer a drier cigar profile and/or easier burn; good for long-term aging.
B72 maintains 72% RH: For drafty humidors, glass-top humidors, and dry environments. And for those who prefer a higher moisture profile and/or have trouble maintaining the desired RH in their humidor. Bonus: if you’re not sure where to start, this guide on how long to store cigars can help you make that first call.
The Myth of “Good Enough” Cigar Storage
Let’s kill the myth that cigars can survive anything if you just “keep the lid closed.” That old wooden box your cousin gave you? The one with the analog dial that’s been stuck at 60% for six months? It’s not doing what you think it is. Here’s the truth: A premium cigar will not stay premium if the cigar humidifier you’re using can’t maintain a consistent RH that’s ideal for cigars.
- Expensive cigars can still lose flavor.
- “Close enough” RH in a humidor can still dry out premium cigars.
- A humidor alone can’t control a spike and crash in humidity.
If your solution to preserve cigars involves guesswork or distilled water, it’s time to upgrade. Period.
You don’t need to go over the top—you just need a system that’s precise, long-lasting, and effortless. One that expertly works in the background to preserve your assets. Like a silent partner, but for cigars. That’s Boveda. Try this: swap your old setup for a better way to store cigars and see how effortless cigar storage can actually be.
Cigar Storage Setups That Actually Work
There’s no one right answer for where to store cigars. But if your cigars are cracking or tasting bitter, it’s time to switch. Some cigar storage ideas for you:
The Minimalist: A portable humidor bag that comes preloaded with Boveda.
The Collector: A well-made wood humidor that maximizes Boveda’s 2-way humidity control.
The Weekender: A travel case with travel-size Boveda provides extra security for cigars on the move.
The DIY’er: A tupperdor or cooler with Boveda inside and a calibrated digital hygrometer.
What You’re Really Storing
Yes, cigars are rolled leaves. But they’re also moments: quiet ones, celebratory ones, the kind you remember.
When you protect your cigars from drying out or molding over, you’re not just preserving tobacco. You’re preserving the pause before a big decision, the Friday night on the deck, the shared reflections among friends.
Good cigar storage doesn’t just maintain flavor. It safeguards the rituals that made you fall in love with cigars in the first place. It also safeguards your investment.
Whether you’ve got five sticks or fifty, treat them like they matter…because they do. Want a shortcut? Here’s how to bring dried-out cigars back to life.
Final Thought: If It Feels Like Work, It’s Not Working
Storage should preserve the ritual, not become the ritual. It makes no difference if you’re holding onto a $10 stick or a Cuban you’re aging for a milestone moment, your cigars deserve better than “close enough.” Choose a trusted humidity control solution that meets your standard and your schedule.
