Humidor Divider – Prevent Aroma Transfer
Cigars should ideally be stored in a humidor at a temperature between 18 and 22°C with a constant humidity level of 68 to 75%. Humidors lined with Spanish cedar are especially popular, as cedar wood not only absorbs moisture effectively but also complements the aroma of the tobacco beautifully.
Unfortunately, cigars in the humidor not only absorb the aroma of the wood; they also transfer their aroma to one another. For those who want to avoid this and enjoy each of their cigars with its unique, unaltered aroma, cedar wood dividers—called “dividers”—can help reduce aroma transfer. Another benefit is that they divide the humidor into separate sections, adding an extra layer of protection for your cigars.
Dividers or Cellophane?
Many cigars come individually wrapped in cellophane sleeves, which are effective in preventing aroma transfer and discoloration. Opinions vary on whether cigars should be kept in cellophane or unwrapped. Since cigars are not fully vacuum-sealed, we believe they should be left in cellophane. This helps preserve the aroma and offers additional protection against damage. This is also one of the reasons why the majority of cigars are now cellophane-wrapped. The cellophane material is air-permeable, allowing moisture to reach the tobacco. However, purists, especially those in Cuba, tend to resist cellophane. In the past, only inexpensive, machine-made cigars were wrapped, so in Cuba, cellophane-wrapped cigars are still often associated with lower-quality products.
Our conclusion: Cellophane or tubes can remain in the humidor without issue. However, for long-term storage, we recommend removing paper packaging or sliding boxes, as these odors could negatively impact the cigars.
No Flavored Cigars or Cigarillos in the Humidor!
If you prefer to open your humidor and see cedar wood and natural cigars rather than plastic sleeves, feel free to unpack them. Even when using humidor dividers, it’s essential to follow a few basic rules to prevent aroma transfer. Along with thorough preparation, it’s especially important to fit the dividers snugly in the humidor. The looser a divider fits, the less effective it is at separating aromas. Many quality humidors now come with dividers that fit perfectly. Some manufacturers even offer innovative solutions that allow flexible, customizable organization within these prized boxes, such as the models from Adorini.
Complete prevention of aroma transfer isn’t possible, even with the most sophisticated system. For aficionados who want to ensure absolutely no aroma exchange between their cigars, using multiple humidors is the only way. Of course, some cigar lovers prefer the blend of different aromas. However, when storing cigars with very different strengths, it’s best to avoid aroma transfer. After all, you select each cigar for its unique flavor and aroma.
Proper Preparation of Dividers and Humidor
Since humidor dividers, like the interior of humidors, are made of cedar wood, they also require thorough preparation before use. The process is similar and takes a few days—but with the goal of achieving optimal results. First, the dividers should be cleaned and moistened. As with the humidor itself, distilled water is a must. If cedar wood is too dry, it can absorb moisture from the cigars, negating its beneficial qualities.
It’s best to moisten and prepare the humidor and dividers together: wipe all wood surfaces that will contact the cigars with a scent-free, soap-free cloth or sponge lightly dampened with distilled water. Be careful to avoid leaving any fabric or paper residue. After cleaning, place a glass of distilled water in the humidor and wait three days. Now, the humidor’s interior and dividers have absorbed enough moisture and are ready for your cigars.
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