Enjoyment Guarantee: The Right Humidor Humidity

Whether given as a gift, purchased for a special occasion, or simply because it needs more aging, cigars are typically not enjoyed immediately but stored. Just as wine is kept in a cellar and some foods in the refrigerator, cigars also need the right conditions for storage and aging. Proper humidor accessories are essential for achieving optimal aging and long-term storage by regulating humidor humidity. Like pipe tobacco, cigars need moisture, but the details matter.

Ways to Regulate Humidor Humidity

There are many ways to regulate humidor humidity, and the best method varies by preference. The goal is to keep the desired humidity level – typically between 69% and 72% – as stable as possible. Various methods range from labor-intensive to hands-off options. While some may prefer minimal effort, for many aficionados, caring for cigars is a pleasure.

What Is Relative Humidity?

The term relative means the value is not absolute; fluctuations can occur. Relative humidity refers to the actual amount of water per cubic meter of air in relation to the maximum possible amount. As air temperature rises, more water can be absorbed, and vice versa, meaning relative humidity levels will also rise or fall accordingly.

How Moist Should Cigars Be?

In relation to humidity, the moisture level of the cigar must also be considered. Too dry, and the cigar burns quickly, getting hot and compromising flavor. While slightly higher moisture improves aroma, it also affects the burn. Overly moist cigars can develop an unpleasant taste.

Experience shows that 13% moisture (13% water content by weight) is optimal for cigars, though a few percentage points above or below can be a matter of personal taste. Cigars are initially made with about 20% water content, which naturally decreases as the tobacco dries over time.

To maintain 13% moisture in the cigar and avoid over-drying or excessive moisture, a relative humidity level of around 69–72% is generally recommended, particularly at 20°C room temperature. However, temperature fluctuations based on location, season, or other conditions can impact humidor humidity, so adjustments may be necessary:

From Classic to High-Tech Electric Humidifiers

Humidifiers Using Sponge-Based Systems

For a long time, classic sponge humidifiers were the go-to for maintaining humidity in humidors. Credo, a French brand, became the market leader with their sponge systems, where a water-saturated sponge gradually releases moisture into the humidor. It’s essential to use distilled water to prevent bacteria and mold growth. Propylene glycol is also recommended for preventing mold without impacting cigar flavor. To reduce the upkeep, special sponges with higher water retention are also available.

Acrylic Polymer Humidifiers

Acrylic polymer-based humidifiers have become popular as an alternative to sponge humidifiers. These systems, when properly sized, maintain around 70–72% humidity. They require less upkeep, can hold up to 300 times their weight in water, and last about two years.

• Quicker humidity stabilization after humidor opening, reducing fluctuations.
• Lower overall maintenance and reduced risk of over-humidification.
• Lower risk of mold and bacterial growth than with sponges.
• Acrylic polymer systems come in various forms, from crystals to fleece sponges.

Boveda Packs

Boveda packs regulate humidity through reverse osmosis, releasing or absorbing moisture as needed without causing fluctuations. A salt solution in the packs handles moisture exchange, making them ideal for travel humidors. The packs last about two months, with options to select the desired humidity level (e.g., 65%, 69%, 72%, or 75%).

Electronic Humidifiers

For large cigar collections, electronic humidifiers offer top-tier humidity control. A microprocessor controls a fan and a sponge system, stabilizing humidity and countering any drop from humidor openings. These systems are pricier but provide customizable humidity levels, ideal for adapting to environmental temperature changes.

What to Do with Excess Humidity?

Humidity can sometimes exceed the desired range, especially in summer. Short-term increases aren’t harmful, but longer periods require adjustment.

Handling Low Humidity Levels

Just as the humidity can be too high, it can also be too low, which over time affects cigar quality.

Additional Tools for Humidity Regulation

Humidity fluctuations underscore the usefulness of electronic humidification, although they don’t eliminate variations. Several tools are valuable for both traditional and electronic systems:

Hygrometer

A hygrometer is essential for monitoring humidity and complements electronic sensors.

Distilled Water

Distilled water, necessary for sponges and other humidifying systems, can also be placed in a glass within the humidor to add moisture. Clean the interior periodically with a cloth and distilled water.

Shelves, Dividers & Separators

Humidor dividers and separators, useful for storing cigars with varying humidity needs, help organize and prevent aroma transfer. Humidor dividers are especially beneficial for maintaining aroma purity among different cigars.

Travel Humidor Humidity

Humidity stability is easier in larger humidors, so travel humidors may require more attention. Testing a travel humidor as a storage space beforehand is recommended. Boveda packs are an excellent choice for humidifying travel models of up to 20 cigars, offering simple use and adaptability to climate.