Why You Should Never Store Cigars Without a Humidor

Cigars are not merely rolled up tobacco leaves rather, they are finely crafted pieces of art, designed to deliver a rich smoking experience filled with flavor, fragrance, and smoothness. Every step involved in the process of making cigars, from seed planting to rolling, is done carefully. But all that careful craftsmanship is wasted if cigars are stored badly.

One of the most heinous mistakes that cigar smokers make is storing their cigars in a place other than a humidor. You might think that your drawer, box, or even the fridge would be fine, but the truth of the matter is that cigars are very sensitive to a change in environment. They will dry up, lose flavor, or even develop an infestation of insects if not stored in a proper humidor.

In this article, we'll discuss why you should never store cigars without a humidor, why things can go wrong if you do, and how investing in a humidor will do your cigars and your investment good.

Why Cigars Need Proper Humidity

Tobacco is hygroscopic, meaning that it has a tendency to absorb and lose moisture from the environment. It is for this reason that keeping cigars in storage is such an issue. Cigars must be stored in 65–72% relative humidity in order to be of good flavor and enjoyment.

• Too Dry (<65% RH): Cigars lose essential oils, crack easily, and severely taste.

• Too Damp (>75% RH): Cigars become wet, difficult to light, and mold.

The problem is that wherever you are, your indoor air will not stay within that ideal range all year long. That is where a humidor will be useful. It creates a stable micro-climate, and your cigars will be in perfect smoking condition.

What Happens If You Don’t Use a Humidor

Cutting corners with a humidor saves money in the short term, but the consequence is costly. Listed below are the most common problems that arise when cigars are not stored correctly:

1. Dry and Cracked Cigars

Low humidity is the cigar's greatest enemy. Cigars dry out when exposed to low humidity, and the wrapper becomes weak and brittle. They are hard to light, the smoke is hot, bitter, and unpleasant, and the burn tips are uneven. Even revitalizing dried cigars can never taste the same.

2. Mold and Mildew Growth

On the opposite end, high humidity encourages mold and mildew. If you’ve ever seen white or green fuzzy patches on a cigar, that’s mold taking hold. Once it spreads, the cigar is unsmokable and can even contaminate others stored nearby.

3. Loss of Flavor and Aroma

The rich taste of the cigar is attributed to the oils contained within the tobacco leaf. When cigars are kept in the wrong environment, such oils evaporate or decompose. The result? Flat, tasteless smoke that tastes like a money-down-the-drain.

4. Uneven Burning (Canoeing and Tunneling)

In stored cigars, an uneven burn is also standard. Canoeing results from one side of the cigar burning faster than the other, and tunneling results from the center burning but the wrapper lagging behind. Both ruin the smoking experience and waste your cigar.

5. Tobacco Beetle Infestation

Most cigar smokers do not know this, but cigars may have microscopic beetle eggs. These eggs hatch and the beetles dig holes in your cigars under 75°F temperatures, high humidity above 70%, and warm conditions. All of your collection is destroyed once infestation begins.

6. Wasted Money

Premium cigars are an investment. Your cigars will not survive more than a few days or weeks without a humidor before degrading. That's money quite literally going up in smoke.

Our Most Popular Humidors

Cannabis Cachet Humidor	Santiano End Table Humidor	Imperial Glasstop Humidor w/ Storage

Common Myths About Storing Cigars

Beginners try to cut corners instead of buying a humidor. Sadly, these options don't work:

• "The box they came in is good enough." – False. Cigar boxes aren't sealed and don't have humidity control.

• "The refrigerator functions just like a humidor." – Not True. Fridges are cold and dry, and they desiccate cigars quickly.

• "Short-term storage doesn't matter." – Not True. A few days in the wrong environment can ruin your cigars irreparably.

The truth is simple: if you want your cigars to last a long time, there is only one sure bet, and that is a humidor.

Why a Humidor Is Worth the Investment

A humidor is not just a storage box—it's a controlled environment designed to keep cigars fresh. Good humidors normally feature:

• Spanish Cedar Lining: Helps regulate moisture and enhances aging.

• Humidification System: Keeps relative humidity stable.

• Hygrometer: Allows you to monitor conditions at a glance.

By maintaining the ideal environment, a humidor:

• Saves natural flavors and oils

• Defends against mold and beetles

• Ensures even smoking quality

• Extends the life of your collection

Whether you smoke occasionally or have a big stock, a humidor keeps your cigars fresh, tasty, and at hand when you want them.

Final Thoughts

Cigars are delicate, quality products that require appropriate care. Storing them without a humidor exposes them to dryness, cracking, mold, loss of taste, and even insects. Negligence for a matter of minutes can destroy cigars for good.

If you care about the quality of your smoking experience and the investment you've made in establishing your collection, a humidor is no option, it's a requirement.