Tips for Storing Your Best Cigars – Without a Humidor
Few things are as enjoyable as a great cigar! While using a humidor is the ideal way to store and maintain quality cigars, there may be times when you’ll have to come up with an alternative. The following are a few good tips for properly storing your best cigars without a humidor.
Convert a Cooler
Your basic cooler can be turned into a temporary humidor for your cigars. A 56-quart sized cooler is large enough to store dozens of cigars. You can choose a smaller size if you don’t have that many. Make sure the cooler is new or completely clean. Cigars will absorb any odors that are still lingering. Soak florist foam with water and place it in the cooler. Make sure to choose florist foam that absorbs water and not the kind that repels water.
Put your cigars in a small Spanish cedar box or plastic baggies and then place it inside the cooler. If you have a large cooler with dozens of cigars make sure to occasionally rotate your cigars so the same ones aren’t always right next to the source of humidity. A cooler is your best alternative if you want to keep the cigars in good condition for more than a few weeks without a humidor.
Sponge Method
Using small sponges and plastic containers are simple but effective ways to keep your cigars in top condition. You can use a single small sponge or cut up a larger sponge into several smaller pieces. If you only have a few cigars, one small piece of sponge will likely be enough. You don’t want to over-humidify your cigars.
Soak a clean sponge in water, squeeze out the excess water and place the sponge in whatever container you’ll be using. Always have clean hands before soaking and squeezing the sponge. Make sure to use distilled water so the cigars won’t be exposed to chemicals that may be found in basic tap water. Distilled water can also help prevent mold growth.
Mason Jars
If you have access to a mason jar, this is probably the next best method after using a cooler for storing your cigars. Acrylic jars are often the best choice. Fill approximately 10 percent of the jar with cool water. Drop in the sponge or pieces of small sponge to soak up the water. You can also use a humi-pouch or moisture beads in your jar.
Place the cigars standing on end in the jar. You may want to place the jar in the fridge. This method can keep most types of cigars in good shape for approximately 10 days.
Plastic Bag
If you don’t have any of the above items, even a plastic bag can be used for storing your cigars. Again, use a small sponge or a small portion of a cut sponge. After squeezing the excess water place the sponge in the baggie, making sure it’s sealed.
This method is a good choice if you only have a few cigars to store and you’re in a pinch. This will normally keep your cigars fresh for at least a few days, probably longer if your sponge stays wet and the baggie is completely sealed.
Don’t Keep Them in the Box!
While there are several options for storing your cigars, there are a few things you shouldn’t do if you don’t have a humidor. For starters, don’t keep them in the box. It’s also never a good idea to put cigars in the freezer. Finally, it’s a good idea to get a basic hygrometer to measure the humidity, especially if you’re using a cooler for an extended period of time.
You can temporarily keep a stable level of humidity by using one of these alternative methods. Keeping your cigars fresh and tasting great doesn’t have to be a problem.
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