What is a humidor and why is it necessary?

One could call the entire Caribbean, where most hand-rolled cigars are made, a naturally occurring humidor. The term humidor is derived from the Latin humidus, i.e. moist. Humidors, from the handy travel humidor to the cigar cabinet which can store several thousand cigars, provide a suitably humid micro-climate for your cigars.

The vast majority of premium cigars are what is referred to as long fillers (tripa larga). The innards of these cigars are made from whole tobacco leaves that are rolled while still moist. They have to retain a certain amount of that moisture if they are to maintain their original flavour. For the proper storage of long filler cigars, a relative humidity level of 68 to 75% is recommended.

In the Caribbean where humidity levels are constantly high, cigars can be stored in the open or loose in crates, without the need for artificial humidification. Unfortunately in northern latitudes, the humidity level can sometimes drop below 30%, especially in winter. In light of this difference in humidity between the point of origin and potential final destination of these cigars, they might easily dry out if they aren't stored properly. This can happen even in just a few days.

The moisture contained within the tobacco binds the various aromas and essential oils within the cigars. Cigars that are persistently exposed to ambient dryness could be permanently altered.

A humidor is a closed container, usually made of wood, which is equipped with a humidification system. When an adequate humidity level is maintained therein, cigars can be stored almost indefinitely. The humidity level is measured and displayed by a hygrometer. Most humidors come already equipped with a hygrometer.

In our online shop you will find well over a hundred different humidors - something for every sized pocketbook and from the most respected manufacturers - plus a fine selection of different hygrometers.

How does a humidor work?