As a cigar enthusiast, you know the importance of proper cigar storage. You’ve invested time and money into curating your collection, and the last thing you want is for your prized cigars to go bad due to incorrect storage conditions. Just like a fine wine, premium cigars require specific care and attention to maintain their quality and flavor.

Unfortunately, many cigar aficionados struggle with preserving their cigars properly, leading to disappointment when they reach for that special smoke only to find it dry, flavorless, or worse – riddled with mold. We understand the frustration and heartbreak that comes with ruining a cherished cigar due to storage mistakes.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of cigar storage, addressing your concerns and providing expert guidance on how to keep your cigars in optimal condition. We’ll explore the factors that cause cigars to go bad, the telltale signs of a ruined cigar, and the best practices for storing your cigars in a humidor.
Can cigars really go bad?
The short answer is yes, cigars can absolutely go bad if not stored correctly. Unlike a pack of cigarettes that can be left out for extended periods without significant consequences, premium cigars are delicate and require specific humidity and temperature controls to maintain their integrity.
Mold and dryness are the two primary culprits when it comes to ruining cigars. If you’ve ever excitedly reached for a cigar only to find it covered in fuzzy white or blue spots, you know the heartbreak of mold infestation. On the other hand, if your cigar crumbles in your fingers or burns hot and fast with no flavor, it’s a sign that it has dried out due to improper humidity levels.
As a cigar lover, you’re paying top dollar for a premium product, just like a fine wine or gourmet meal. You wouldn’t store your vintage Bordeaux in a warm, damp basement or leave a prime cut of steak out on the counter for days. The same principle applies to your cigars – incorrect storage can completely ruin the experience you’ve been looking forward to.
How long can cigars stay fresh?
With proper storage, premium, handcrafted cigars can stay fresh and smokable for years, sometimes even decades. Like a fine wine, cigars can even improve with age under the right conditions.
Most cigar experts agree that the sweet spot for aging cigars is around 5-10 years, at which point the flavors have melded and intensified and the cigar has reached its peak potential. However, it’s not uncommon for well-preserved cigars to be smoked and enjoyed 20, 30, or even 50 years down the line.
The key to long-term cigar storage is maintaining a consistent environment with the ideal humidity and temperature levels. The magic numbers most often cited are 70/70 – that’s 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% relative humidity.
However, any range between 65-75% humidity can be acceptable. The important thing is consistency – you don’t want your cigars subjected to frequent fluctuations that can cause the tobacco to expand and contract, cracking the wrapper and causing the cigar to dry out or become over-humidified.
Most wooden desktop humidors, when properly seasoned and maintained, can hold steady at the 65-70% humidity range. If you’re serious about long-term aging of your cigar collection, you may want to invest in a higher-end humidor equipped with electronic humidity and temperature controls to ensure the optimal environment.
So what causes cigars to go bad?
There are several factors that can contribute to a cigar going south, even in a humidor. The biggest offenders are:
- Mold – As mentioned earlier, mold is a cigar collector’s worst nightmare. Mold thrives in humid environments, and if a humidor is too wet or doesn’t have sufficient air circulation, those dreaded fuzzy spots can start to appear. Some argue that a little bit of white “plume” is a sign of a well-aged cigar, but the risk of letting actual mold take hold is not worth it in our opinion. Prevention is key here – keep your humidor properly maintained and don’t let humidity levels creep too high.
- Dryness – On the other end of the spectrum, a cigar that has dried out will smoke hot and harsh, losing all the nuanced flavors and aromas that make the experience worthwhile. Dry cigars will often crumble when handled and may have cracked or flaking wrappers. As a general rule of thumb, if your cigar feels light in the hand or makes a hollow “clicking” sound when rolled between your fingers, it’s probably past the point of no return.
- Pests – Tobacco beetles are tiny insects that lay their eggs in cigars, and when they hatch, the larvae burrow through the tobacco, ruining the cigar and possibly infecting others. While freezing cigars can kill beetle eggs, it’s really a last resort. The best approach is preventing infestation in the first place by inspecting cigars before purchase and never mixing different brands or vintages until they’ve been quarantined.
- Poor quality or construction – Sometimes a cigar can be “bad” right off the rolling table due to poor quality control or construction. If a cigar is rolled too tightly or has a stem in the filler tobacco, it may be difficult or impossible to draw smoke through it. Other times the wrapper leaf may be too delicate and prone to tearing or flaking. While there’s not much you can do to prevent the occasional “dud,” purchasing from a reputable retailer and inspecting your cigars closely can help weed out the lemons.
- Improper storage prior to purchase – Even if you’re doing everything right on your end, the way your cigars were stored before they got to you can impact their longevity and quality. Make sure you’re buying from a shop with good turnover and a knowledgeable staff to ensure your cigars were in good hands before they came to you.
How to tell if a cigar has gone bad
Now that you know some of the main culprits behind a ruined cigar, let’s talk about how to spot one before you invest your time and taste buds. Here are some telltale signs that a cigar has exceeded its shelf life:
- Dry, crumbly appearance – If your cigar looks more like a twig than a tightly rolled bundle of tobacco, it’s probably too far gone. You may also notice cracks in the wrapper leaf or a general brittleness to the cigar. A healthy, well-maintained cigar should feel slightly springy when gently squeezed between your fingers.
- Mold or discoloration – Most of us can spot mold from a mile away – if your cigar has fuzzy white, blue, or green spots, it’s time to toss it. However, mold can also appear as darker discolored spots or even splotchy areas on the wrapper leaf. Unless you want your cigar tasting like a musty basement, it’s not worth the risk.
- Tight draw – If you gently blow through a cigar before lighting it and find that very little air is coming through, that’s a sign of a cigar that’s either too humid or was rolled too tightly. Neither makes for a pleasant smoking experience, so it’s best to move on.
- Decayed or rancid smell – A good cigar will have an enticing aroma of aged tobacco, occasionally with notes of cedar, spice, or even cocoa. If your cigar smells more like rotting leaves or has a sour, acrid aroma, it’s a sign that it’s past its prime and may have been stored in improper conditions.
- Poor taste upon lighting – This one’s a bit tricky to avoid, since you won’t know until you actually light the cigar and take a few puffs. But if you’re met with a harsh, flavorless, or otherwise “off” taste right from the start, it’s a good indication that the cigar has gone bad. A cigar past its prime may also burn unevenly or extinguish itself frequently, since the tobacco has degraded and lost its oils.
Choosing the right humidor
So now that you know the dangers of improperly stored cigars, let’s talk about solutions. A good quality humidor is an essential tool for any serious cigar enthusiast.
Think of your humidor as a safe haven for your cigars, providing a consistent environment to help them maintain their freshness, flavor, and overall integrity. A humidor uses a combination of humidity control and air circulation to create an airtight seal, trapping moisture inside and protecting your cigars from the outside elements.
When shopping for a humidor, you’ll want to consider the following factors:
- Size – Consider how many cigars you typically keep on hand and how much you anticipate your collection will grow. Humidors come in all sizes, from small desktop models that hold 20-50 cigars to large cabinet styles that can accommodate hundreds of cigars. You can always start small and graduate to a larger humidor as needed.
- Seal – A good humidor will have an airtight seal to lock in humidity. Look for a model with a tight-fitting lid and high quality hardware. Some humidors have a built-in hygrometer on the front of the unit to let you check the humidity level at a glance without having to open the lid.
- Spanish cedar lining – The interior of a well-crafted humidor will be lined with Spanish cedar, as this wood is known for its moisture-retention properties and its ability to repel tobacco beetles. The aroma of the cedar can also enhance the flavors of your cigars. Be wary of humidors that use cheaper woods or veneers.
- Humidification system – Your humidor will either have a passive or active humidification system to maintain the proper humidity levels. Passive systems rely on a simple humidification device like a sponge or gel-based unit that you periodically refill with distilled water or humidor solution. Active systems use an electronic humidifier to more precisely control and monitor humidity levels. Choose the system that best fits your needs and budget.
- Aesthetics – A humidor can be a handsome piece of furniture and a conversation starter in your home or office. Many humidors come in finishes like glossy lacquer, matte, or rich wood veneers to suit your personal style. Some even come personalized with your initials or logo. Just remember that the beauty of a humidor is secondary to its ability to function well and protect your cigars.
Seasoning and maintaining your humidor
Once you’ve chosen the perfect humidor, your job is not done. Think of your humidor like a cast iron skillet – it needs to be properly “seasoned” before its first use and then maintained over time to keep it functioning at its best.
When you first unbox your humidor, resist the urge to just throw your cigars in and call it a day. The raw wood interior needs time to absorb moisture so it doesn’t leech humidity away from your cigars. Here’s a simple step-by-step process for seasoning your new humidor:
- Start with a clean sponge or cloth and dampen it with distilled water (never tap water, which can contain minerals that can damage your humidor or affect the taste of your cigars). Avoid over-saturating the sponge.
- Gently wipe down all the interior surfaces of your humidor, including the lid, bottom, and any trays or dividers. Don’t forget the corners!
- Place the sponge inside the humidor on a plastic bag to avoid direct contact with the wood. Close the lid.
- Wait 24-48 hours, then repeat the process if the sponge has dried out.
- Once the interior feels cool to the touch and the hygrometer is reading in the 65-75% range, your humidor is ready for cigars.
In terms of ongoing maintenance, you’ll want to check your humidor at least once a month to ensure the humidity level is staying consistent. If you live in a particularly dry or humid climate or experience extreme temperature fluctuations in your home, you may need to monitor it more frequently.
If you notice the humidity level dropping, simply recharge your humidification system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to add more distilled water or humidor solution to the sponge or humidifier unit.
It’s also a good idea to rotate your cigars every few weeks so the same ones aren’t always right next to the humidification source. This will ensure even humidity distribution and prevent any potential mold growth.
Troubleshooting common humidor problems
Even with the best of intentions and a well-maintained humidor, issues can arise. Here are some common problems cigar collectors face and how to address them:
- Humidity level too low – If you notice your cigars starting to dry out or your hygrometer reading below 65%, first try recharging your humidification system. If the humidity level is still too low after a day or so, you may need to add a secondary humidification source like a gel jar or Boveda pack. In extreme cases, you may need to re-season your humidor.
- Humidity level too high – If your humidor is reading above 75% humidity, first try leaving the lid open for an hour or so to let some of the moisture escape. If the level is still too high, remove your humidification device for a day or two until the reading stabilizes. In some cases, adding more cigars to your humidor can actually help absorb excess moisture.
- Mold growth – As mentioned earlier, mold is a serious issue that can quickly spread to your entire collection. If you notice any signs of mold on your cigars, immediately remove the affected ones and dispose of them. Gently wipe down the interior of your humidor with a clean cloth dampened with distilled water and let it air out completely before adding any new cigars. You may need to toss your humidification device and start fresh to avoid reintroducing mold spores.
- Tobacco beetles – Even though you’re being proactive by inspecting your cigars prior to adding them to your collection, pests like tobacco beetles can occasionally hitch a ride into your humidor. These tiny holes appear as if the cigar has been punctured by a pin. The larvae tunnel through the cigar, leaving dust and potentially infecting other cigars. If you suspect a beetle infestation, immediately quarantine the affected cigars in a ziplock bag and place in the freezer for at least 48 hours to kill any remaining eggs. Carefully inspect the other cigars in your humidor for signs of damage.
- Strange smells in humidor – If you open your humidor expecting the sweet, earthy aroma of a cigar shop but instead get a whiff of something musty or rancid, don’t panic. First, check for any signs of mold or beetle infestation and address as needed. If your cigars appear unaffected but the humidor itself has absorbed a foul odor, you may need to air it out and re-season it. Avoid using cleaning products or air fresheners, as these can further permeate the wood and affect the taste of your cigars.
Maintaining a collection of premium cigars is an ongoing labor of love. There may be some trial and error involved as you navigate the world of humidors and figure out what works best for your particular environment and smoking habits.
The important thing is to stay vigilant and proactive about monitoring your humidor and addressing any potential issues before they can ruin your precious smokes. With proper care and attention, you can ensure that your cigars will be ready to provide you with an exceptional smoking experience whenever the mood strikes.

jay
Self proclaimed cigar expert. I've been smoking since 2010. I've practically lived at a cigar lounge from 10am to 10pm and trying every new cigar that came out for years.