Caring For Your Cigars

By Author: David Andrews
Total Articles: 197
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Once you finish buying just the right cigar it is of utmost importance that you store them in a proper place. What this place is may vary based on your circumstances. But if you want to properly store and age cigars over a long period of time you will need a humidor. Humidors come in various shapes and sizes and the quality of your cigars depend on you choosing the right type. Below you'll find a brief guide discussing humidors but first we should cover the ailments your cigars could suffer if not properly stored.

The dangers facing your cigars

The most prominent danger to improperly stored cigars is mold. While humidity is important to prevent your cigars from drying out, too much is a bad thing. This excess moisture causes mold--which is not to be mistaken for bloom which is the result of the solidification of the cigars essential oils. Mold on cigars will be fuzzy and blotchy, while bloom will appear as a small white dusting spread over the length of the cigar. And since bloom (also known as plume) is a result of aging it will only occur in cigars which are several years old.

Another threat to your cigars ...
... are cigar beetles. If there are any eggs present in a cigar there is a chance that they will hatch in overly humid and warm environments. Proper storage is the best way to prevent mold and nasty bug infestations. In the cigar world proper storage comes in the form of a humidor which adheres to the 70/70 rule--which states that cigars are best stored at 70% humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keeping Cigars Safe

In a pinch or for short periods of time it's possible to use a ziploc bag or Tupperware container to store cigars. You can even construct a functioning humidor out of a plastic container. But for the best results, professionally manufactured humidors are your best bet. They can come in several different forms, metal, plastic or wood as well as a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide range of different needs. Classically, humidors are lined with a Spanish cedar interior. Spanish cedar is the ideal wood for a number of reasons. First of all, it holds more moisture than most woods--which aids in maintaining the right amount of humidity for your cigars. Spanish cedar is also resistant to warping despite the high humidity environment that it is placed in. It also helps to repel tobacco beetles, who hate the taste of the wood.

To many people cigars are more than just a hobby but a way of life. Hopefully this article helped shed some light on this beloved past time.

David Andrews enjoys writing about cigar humidors and smoking discount cigars.