Do you enjoy a good smoke every once in a while? If so, you may be wondering how long you can hold onto a cigar without a humidor. The answer to that question depends a lot on the climate you live in and where you’re placing it.
It should be noted that the best way to store any cigar is in a good humidor. If you don’t have a humidor to store it in, that cigar will dry out and become “unsmokable” in less than a day depending on the weather.. Whatever you do, please don’t put it in the freezer or refrigerator; this will damage it.
Fortunately, there is a number of simple methods to keep cigars fresh without an expensive humidor.
In the following blog post, our cigar aficionados and experts will discuss the factors that affect cigar longevity and how long cigars can last without a humidor. We will also provide some tips for keeping your cigars fresh!
Table of Contents
Ideal Storage Conditions For Cigars
Humidity and temperature changes can harm your cigars’ ability to burn correctly and taste good.
The optimum storage temperature for cigars is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s never a good idea to keep your cigars below RH 70. Some people even keep them at 62 percent to 70 percent humidity. However, it is always preferable to maintain the temperature consistent in order to avoid the cigars from getting too dry.
The 70/70 rule has long been regarded as the ideal humidity for cigars. The unwritten yet most observed guideline is to keep your cigars at a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 70%. This is considered to be the optimal cigar humidity.
Is it true that softer, or “spongier”, cigars are superior because they must be fresher? Wrong again. Cigars that are too wet or soft will burn improperly and develop a slew of other problems. In an ideal world, your cigars should have a soft firmness that yields with a little squeeze between your fingers but not so much that the wrapper leaf cracks. Additionally, bear in mind that not all cigars are created equal. Some mixtures are rolled tighter than others, resulting in more firm consistency.
Consider the condition of a cigar when you buy it. When buying from a trustworthy vendor, your cigars should be in great shape and that’s how you’ll want to keep them.
The Role Of A Humidor
A humidor is a chamber or box that is used to store cigars. The primary function of a humidor is to maintain the cigars at an ideal relative humidity level so that they can be preserved for a longer period of time [2].
Humidors help to keep your cigars fresh, extend their shelf life, and promote aging. Cigars, in some ways, are comparable to wine. They mature and improve with age. Humidors come in a variety of prices and quality levels. Starter humidors can cost as little as $30, while top-of-the-line brands may cost thousands of dollars.
Purchasing a humidor is a big investment in establishing a cigar collection, but it isn’t everyone’s top priority. Fortunately, there are several simple and handy techniques for keeping your cigars without a humidor.
While it is possible to store cigars without a humidor, it is not recommended as it will significantly reduce the shelf life of the cigar. Without proper care, cigars can dry out and become brittle, which will cause them to lose their flavor and aroma.
Plastic Wrapper: On Or Off?
If you’re going to be storing your cigars without a humidor, it’s important to know how to properly prepare them. One question that often comes up is whether or not to remove the plastic wrapper before storage.
There isn’t a definitive answer to this question, as it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people find that removing the plastic allows the cigar to breathe better and results in a more enjoyable smoking experience. Others prefer to leave the wrapper on, as they feel it helps keep the cigar fresh for longer.
If you decide to remove the wrapper, be sure to do so carefully so as not to damage the cigar. Once the plastic wrapper is off, you can store your cigars in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
Be sure to check on your cigars regularly, regardless of whether or not the wrapper is still on. Cigars that are stored without a humidor will dry out more quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them and re-humidify as needed.
The Maximum Period To Store Cigars Without A Humidor
On average, cigars can survive for up to 3 days without a humidor. So, if you only have one cigar or a few that you intend to smoke in three days, you don’t need a humidor or any maintenance [3].
A dry cigar will not taste as good as a fresh one and can even be harsh to smoke. Moreover, the wrappers of dry cigars are prone to cracking.
However, if you want to store your cigars for any longer than that-say, a week or more-you’re going to need to get yourself a humidor.
Methods To Store Cigars Without A Humidor
The Ziploc Bag And Sponge Method
- Take a Ziploc bag with cigars and place a damp sponge inside of it;
- Seal it shut, making sure to squeeze out as much air as possible;
- Check on the cigars every few days to see if the sponge needs to be remoistened;
When you put your cigars in a Ziploc bag, make sure they’re on top. Then, using a damp (not soaking wet) sponge, pack the bag with your sticks. Wet the sponge and squeeze out any extra moisture. Use a little sponge as well [4].
This is a great temporary storage method for those who are just getting into cigars or don’t have the budget for a humidor yet. It’s also great for taking cigars on the go with you. Just make sure not to leave them in the car or in direct sunlight, as this can damage them.
Cigars can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks without a humidor using this method.
A DIY Tupperware Humidor
Another popular method is the use of a “tupperdor”, which is simply a Tupperware container that has been modified to function as a humidor. This can be done by drilling holes in the lid and lining it with cedar wood or Spanish cedar. You’ll also need to add a humidifier and hygrometer to this setup [5].
Tupperdors work well for short-term storage, but because they’re not airtight, they will need to be replenished with moisture more often than a traditional humidor. They’re also not great for long-term storage, as the cigars can dry out quickly if not monitored closely.
Small Cooler
If you have a small cooler or fridge, you can use that to store your cigars without a humidor.
A cooler can supply the space necessary for any number of cigars, as long as you have enough ice. A cooler will do an excellent job of keeping the relative humidity at the appropriate level for a long time. While a damp sponge will suffice, why not purchase a gallon of distilled water, a suitable humidification device, and a hydrometer?
Cigars stored in this way will last for several months, as long as they’re checked on regularly and the humidity levels are kept consistent. However, if the temperature fluctuates too much, it can damage the cigars.
Refrigerator
If you have a larger fridge, you can store your cigars in there without a humidor. Refrigerators are great for long-term cigar storage because they’re airtight and keep the humidity levels stable.
But usually, this method is not recommended by experts for storing expensive cigars since it is impossible to predict the consequences.
Plastic Bag & Humidification Pack
You may use these pouches to keep your cigars in ideal conditions. So, this is one of the greatest ways to keep your cigars while traveling [6].
You should put the cigars and the humidification pouch inside the plastic bag.
After that, you need to close the bag tightly. You may use a rubber band or a hair tie to make sure that the bag is closed properly. Then, put the bag inside your luggage.
This is a great temporary storage method for those who are just getting into cigars or don’t have the budget for a humidor yet. It’s also great for taking cigars on the go with you.
What Not To Do: Wooden Box Method
The majority of premium cigars are put in beautiful wooden boxes, some of which may be quite elaborate and ornate, yet most of them will not serve as humidors. Although a few cigar boxes are aesthetically appealing, the majority are not sealed.
Humidity quickly dissipates as a result of this. A cigar box (or bundle) that is wrapped in cellophane on the outside will help to keep your cigars fresher and safer for a short time. However, keeping your cigars in their original boxes won’t preserve them long or humidify them adequately.
Additional Tips For Storage:
- Store them in a cool, dry place away from any heat sources or direct sunlight;
- Avoid storing them near any strong-smelling foods or beverages as the cigar will absorb those smells over time;
- Rotate your cigars. Basically, you want to turn your cigars on a regular basis in order to make certain that the same
- smokes aren’t always the closest to your humidification device;
- If possible, try to store them in an airtight container with some sort of humidification device inside. This will help to keep the cigars from drying out too quickly;
With proper storage, your cigars should be able to stay fresh for a few months without a humidor. However, if you are looking to store them for longer periods of time, it is best to invest in a good-quality humidor. Cigars are a delicate product and need to be cared for properly in order to enjoy their full flavor and aroma.
FAQ
How long do unopened cigars last?
If the box is still sealed, it can keep its quality for approximately 6 weeks. Premium cigars are well-known among cigar aficionados to maintain almost indefinitely if stored in specific temperature and humidity conditions.
How long do cigars last in a humidor?
A good rule of thumb is that cigars will stay fresh for about 2 months in a humidor. After that, they will start to dry out and lose their flavor. However, if you keep your humidor well-stocked, you can usually get away with stretching it to three months.
Can cigars go bad if not kept in a humidor?
Cigars that are not kept in a humidor will eventually go bad. The tobacco will dry out and the flavors will become muted. Cigars should be stored in a humidity-controlled environment to maintain their quality and flavor.
If you’re new to the world of cigars, it’s important to know how to store them properly. Cigars are delicate and need to be kept in a certain environment in order to stay fresh. Otherwise, they will dry out and lose their flavor.
How long will a cigar last in a ziplock bag?
A cigar will keep fresh in a ziplock bag for only two to three days. If you can’t access your cigar within the timeframe, put it in a ziplock bag or other container and add a Boveda [7].
Is a cigar ruined if it dries out?
If a cigar dries out, it will not taste as good as it would if it were properly humidified. However, a dried-out cigar is not necessarily ruined. If you rehydrate a dried-out cigar and allow it to rest for a day or two, it will likely smoke just fine.
That said, if you allow a cigar to dry out too much, it can become brittle and break when you try to smoke it. Additionally, extended exposure to low humidity can cause the tobacco in cigars to deteriorate and lose its flavor. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid letting your cigars get too dry in the first place.
How do you tell if a cigar has gone bad?
A cigar that has gone bad may have a stale, rancid, or sour taste. If the cigar tastes like dirt or soil, it is most certainly not fresh. Because a cigar that smells off or unusual will generally taste far worse when lit, avoid smoking one that has gone bad. Improper storage is the reason why cigars get old [8].
How long before a cigar dries out?
If you take a cigar out of your humidor and leave it in a room that is especially warm (and dry), or air-conditioned, it could dry out in as little as an hour. But normally it will stay fresh for the better part of the day or even up to 24 hours, depending also on whether you removed the cello wrapper from the cigar.
How long do cigars last in a wrapper?
For 30 days, the cellophane will keep the cigar fresh. Because of the wrappers’ porous qualities, air can flow through them after 30 days, causing the cigar to dry out. If you store the cigar in its cellophane wrapper and then put it in a humidor, it will last indefinitely [9].
Can you cut a cigar and smoke it later?
If you cut a cigar and it’s too dry, it will be difficult to smoke. If it’s too moist, it won’t light properly or taste good. cigars should be smoked within a day or two of being cut.
Storing cigars without a humidor is not ideal, but it can be done if necessary. The key is to keep the cigars from drying out by adding moisture as needed. Be sure to check on your cigars every few days to make sure they are not getting too moist.
Can you put cigars in the refrigerator?
No, you should not put cigars in the refrigerator unless it is the last resort. The humidity in the fridge will dry out the cigars and the temperature changes can damage them. If you need to store cigars for a long period of time, it’s best to do so in a humidor.
How long do cigars last at room temperature?
Cigars can last for up to 2 weeks at room temperature if they are stored in an airtight container with a damp sponge or paper towel. The key is to keep the cigars from drying out by adding moisture as needed. Be sure to check on your cigars every few days to make sure they are not getting too moist.
Can you rehydrate a cigar without a humidor?
Rehydrating cigars in ziplock bags is a method that can be used to restore dryness. The humidity inside the ziplock bags will gradually increase as a moist sponge is inserted.
Can you microwave a cigar?
No, you can’t microwave a cigar. Doing so will dry out the cigar and ruin its flavor. If you want to re- humidify a dried-out cigar, you can do so by placing it in a zip-lock bag with a damp sponge for 24 hours.
Should you take cigars out of the wrapper?
It is best to keep cigars in their original wrapper, as this helps to preserve the cigar’s moisture. However, if you plan on smoking the cigar within a day or two, it is okay to take it out of the wrapper.
If you’re wondering how long cigars last without a humidor, the answer depends on several factors. For example, if the cigars are properly stored in a cool, dark place, they can last for up to two years. However, if they’re not stored properly, they may only last for a few months.
Useful Video: How long will your cigars last outside of a humidor?
References:
- https://www.holts.com/clubhouse/cigar-101/how-to-store-cigars-without-humidor
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidor
- https://www.gothamcigars.com/blog/learn-how-to-store-cigars-without-a-humidor-
- https://www.cigarzine.com/how-long-do-cigars-last-without-a-humidor/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-store-a-cigar-if-you-dont-have-a-humidor-2015-10
- https://storables.com/storage-ideas/how-to-store-cigars/
- https://www.coronacigar.com/How-Long-Will-Cigars-Keep-in-a-Ziplock-Bag%3F/4090/
- https://el-septimo.ch/en/4-ways-to-identify-a-cigar-that-has-gone-bad
- https://www.havanahouse.co.uk/remove-cellophane-wrapper-cigar-blog/
