RH is an abbreviation for relative humidity. When it comes to storing cigars, RH is the percentage of moisture that is present in the atmosphere inside a humidor, tupperdor, or wineador. You need to maintain the right RH to preserve the tobacco in cigars so it doesn’t degrade. That goes for wherever you store them.
Store cigars between 65% and 72% RH
Cigars are hygroscopic, which means they naturally absorb and release moisture from the surrounding environment. Without precise humidity control, tobacco degrades. And with it goes the rich flavor and complex blend that you paid good money for.
What RH is Good for Cigars?
The ideal humidity range for cigar storage is between 65% and 72%. In this range, tobacco retains its essential oils, which contribute to full flavor and rich aroma. The wrapper remains intact and flexible. The cigar burns smoothly, so your smoke is relaxing and enjoyable. The key to successfully storing cigars is to reduce humidity fluctuations in and out of the ideal range.
Why is Humidity Fluctuation Bad for Cigars?
Organic material is very sensitive to humidity fluctuations. (Too little, it dries out. Too much, it grows mold.) Cigars are a blend of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco. Because they’re all organic, cigars are highly perishable.
Telltale Signs the Humidity is Too High or Too Low in Your Humidor:
CIGARS & LOW RH (below 65%) can lead to:
- Overly dry tobacco
- Muted flavor
- Quick burns
- Cracked wrappers
CIGARS & HIGH RH (above 72%) can result in:
- Spongy tobacco
- Inconsistent burns that don’t stay lit
- Bloated, split wrappers
- Mold growth
How Do You Get the Humidity Right for Cigars?
You can’t expect a good smoke if you just toss loose cigars into a drawer, shoe box, golf bag, carry-on bag, or car console. If you’re serious about cigars, they need a dedicated storage case.
Buy Once, Buy Right: Invest in a Good Humidor
> If you like the look of traditional wood, expect to pay about $300 for a well-constructed humidor. And don’t buy a humidor with a glass-top, they leak humidity.
Alternatives to a Cigar Humidor
> If you’re just getting started with cigars, you can save some money by storing them in a new plastic container, personal cooler, or humidor bag.
Protect Cigars with Boveda
Whatever cigar storage method you choose, however, is merely a container. You need to control the humidity inside. The easiest and most effective way is with Boveda.
Boveda are humidor packs that preserve a cigar’s flavor and condition. Only Boveda’s 2-way humidity control can achieve and maintain the right RH for cigars for months. Just slip in Boveda packets wherever you store cigars. Boveda works automatically adding or absorbing moisture as needed to maintain ideal humidity for your cigar collection.
What About Sponges, Gels, and Other Chemicals for Cigars?
Sponges, beads, and gels only humidify your cigars. They can’t absorb excess humidity or maintain precise RH for months, like Boveda can. Plus those cigar humidifiers will turn a budding cigar hobby into a part-time job. Manually controlling humidity can be daunting for cigar smokers (newbies, as well as aficionados). If you forget to rewet your sponge, reload your beads, or refill you chemical PG solution, you’ll end up drying out your cigars. Why make more work for yourself and risk damaging your cigars when Boveda automatically manages moisture for you?
Boveda’s patented technology controls humidity using just three all-natural ingredients—purified water, natural salts, and an odorless food-grade thickener, commonly used in salad dressing. (Yes, salad dressing.) Then it’s all sealed in a leakproof membrane.
Not only do I always recommend these to my friends, but I have also personally been using them for years. I strongly urge anyone with a humidor to give Boveda Packs a try. – Cigar Place Blogger
Which RH is right for my cigars?
Boveda B69 packets are the most universal ones for cigars. The B69 maintains 69% RH, which is most preferred for all cigar storage, including 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 and dry environments. And for those who prefer a higher moisture profile and/or have trouble maintaining the desired RH in their humidor
- B75 is only for extremely dry conditions, such as high altitudes and desert environments. It overcompensates in extreme dry conditions to maintain a safe, stable RH for cigars (between 65 and 72%). B75 should not be used in long-term storage and aging of cigars. And never use B75 in airtight cigar storage containers, including tupperdors or humidor bags.
How long do Boveda packets last in a humidor?
Replace Boveda packets every three months. When you Auto-Replenish Boveda, replacements automatically arrive plus the shipping is free.
🤔 How many Boveda Do You Need for Your Cigars?
➡️ Click on this link for the pop-up Boveda Humidor Calculator. It figures out how many Boveda you’ll need based on your container’s dimensions.📏 From there, you can directly add the purchase to your cart. 🛒
