Is your cigar collection growing out of control? Want to organize your humidor so you can find the right cigar for any occasion?
Most cigar smokers know a humidor is essential for preserving flavor. Fewer realize that separating cigars by brand and type matters for flavor too.
Quick answer: Separate cigars so their oils and flavors don’t transfer. Keep flavored and non-flavored cigars apart, group cigars by brand or strength, and use dividers or trays while leaving room for air to circulate.
Below, you’ll learn the benefits of separating cigars, the types of humidors available, and the best ways to store different brands and flavors of cigars to get the most from your storage.
Benefits of Separating Cigars in a Humidor
Separating cigars in a humidor offers many benefits, and it takes very little effort once you have the right setup:
- Preserves each cigar’s flavor: Oils from different brands don’t mix and change the taste.
- Keeps strengths apart: Mild and strong cigars stay distinct.
- Isolates flavored cigars: Flavored and non-flavored cigars don’t affect each other.
Dividers and trays make the job easy, and airflow should always be part of the plan.
Preferences vary, too. Some smokers like to stack different brands together, while others keep the same brand inside one humidor.
Types of Humidors
There are many humidors to choose from for cigar storage. Traditional wooden boxes are the most common choice, but they aren’t the only one.
Humidors come in all shapes, sizes and materials, from small desktop models to large walk-in designs.
- Traditional wood: Usually lined with Spanish cedar, which helps maintain the perfect humidity level.
- Acrylic, aluminum and plastic: All offer great humidity control.
- Large multi-shelf or drawer units: The best option if you store a big collection.
Research which type suits your collection before you buy. Some styles may not hold as many cigars as you need.
Keep Different Brands Apart or Store One Brand Together
Some smokers keep different brands apart, while others store the same brand inside one humidor. Here is why each approach works.
Why separate brands
Cigar flavors can “rub off” on one another, mixing flavors from different cigars. That’s why it pays to keep different brands apart in your humidor.
Short on space? Use dividers and trays to separate the brands.
Why keep one brand together
Storing the same brand in one humidor helps if you want a consistent flavor profile. Here’s what it does:
- Lets the oils and flavors mingle and blend into a unique, complex taste.
- Helps ensure all the cigars sit at the same humidity level.
Keep Flavored and Non-Flavored Cigars Apart
Keeping these two apart is important. Flavored cigars are infused with oils that can change the taste and aroma of other cigars in the same humidor.
Your options:
- Best: Keep flavored cigars in a separate humidor.
- Good: Put them on separate shelves within the humidor.
- Also useful: Many humidors have built-in dividers for grouping similar cigars, which can keep flavored and non-flavored cigars apart.
Keeping the two types apart leaves each cigar’s flavor and aroma undisturbed, so both stay fresh and flavorful as long as possible.
How Dividers and Trays Keep Cigars Separate
Dividers and trays keep each cigar’s flavor distinct and prevent unwanted cross-contamination. They are especially handy if you keep several brands or strengths in a single humidor.
- Tray dividers: Common in medium or large humidors. They let you store multiple layers of cigars.
- Spanish cedar dividers: Provide vertical separation between cigars, which helps prevent flavor transfer.
Maintenance tip: Wiping exposed wood surfaces with a damp cloth helps maintain humidity inside the humidor and guards against mold and tobacco beetle infestation.
With trays and dividers in place, your prized cigars stay in top condition and keep their unique flavors.
Consider Airflow
Airflow is easy to overlook, especially as a collection grows and space gets tight. It is an important factor in cigar storage. Air needs to move freely around your cigars, or their flavor can be compromised.
To keep air moving:
- Don’t pack cigars too tightly. Crowding reduces circulation and can lead to flavor transfer.
- Use dividers or trays to separate different brands and flavored and non-flavored cigars.
- Add a humidifying device to put moisture into the environment and keep cigars from drying out.
Done right, each brand keeps its own flavor and aroma. You get the full range of flavors from every cigar without unwanted flavors mingling in the humidor.
Conclusion
Separating cigars in a humidor has clear advantages: the chance to enjoy marrying flavors, better protection for your cigars, and the option to store different brands separately.
Many types of humidors on the market can handle different sizes and needs. To recap:
- Use dividers and trays to separate cigars.
- Keep flavored and non-flavored cigars apart.
- Be mindful of airflow and don’t overpack.
- Stack the same brands together inside one humidor if you want them to marry.
With the right tools and knowledge, you can find the best way to store your collection inside your humidor.
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.