Do I Need A Humidor?

In short, yes, but here’s why.

Proper storage is crucial for preserving the quality and flavor of cigars or cannabis. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a beginner, understanding the importance of a humidor and what they offer is essential. If you’re curious about what humidors are and or the different kinds, read our article “What is a Humidor?”. Here, we will explore the necessity of a humidor and why you should consider one.

The Importance of Proper Storage

Proper storage is of utmost importance to maintain the quality and flavors of your stash. Both tobacco and cannabis are complex with delicate compositions that can be easily affected by external factors. Temperature, humidity, and exposure to light are key elements that significantly impact aging and flavor development.

Maintaining a consistent humidity level is crucial. Dry conditions can cause tobacco and cannabis to dry out, resulting in a harsh and unpleasant smoking experience. On the other hand, excessive humidity can lead to mold growth and spoilage. By maintaining a controlled environment, you can preserve the moisture content, allowing your cigars to age gracefully and develop complex flavors over time. Cannabis does not age like tobacco so its flavors do not necessarily get better over time however, by maintaining a proper moisture level, you can preserve the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids of your flower and allow it to last longer.

Temperature also plays a vital role in storage. Extreme heat or fluctuations in temperature can damage tobacco and cannabis and alter their flavor profiles. It is recommended to store your stash in a cool and stable environment to prevent any adverse effects.

Light is essentially a non-issue for most humidors as they are completely covered when closed and do not allow any light to penetrate.

How Do Humidors Work?

Humidors are specifically designed containers that provide the ideal conditions for storing cigars and cannabis. They consist of various components that work together to maintain a controlled environment.

Humidifiers are essential devices within a humidor that regulate and release moisture into the air. They can be in the form of humidification packs, gel jars, beads, or electronic systems. Humidifiers ensure that the humidity level inside the humidor remains stable and within the desired range, typically around 60-70% for cigars and 55-65% for cannabis.

Hygrometers, on the other hand, are instruments that measure and display the humidity levels inside the humidor. They allow enthusiasts to monitor and adjust the humidity as needed.

Some humidors also feature built-in thermostats or thermoelectric systems that help control the temperature within the humidor. These systems ensure that the cigars are stored at a consistent and appropriate temperature, typically between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Moreover, Spanish Cedar, a popular wood used in humidor construction, plays a significant role in enhancing the aging and flavoring process. Spanish Cedar absorbs and retains moisture, while its natural oils impart a pleasant aroma to cigars. Cannabis humidors utilize Mahogany for the same moisture retention qualities as Cedar except without the oils - they are undesirable in this case.

By combining these components, humidors create a microclimate that mimics the natural conditions of tobacco and cannabis-growing regions.

Why do I Need One?

The need for a humidor depends on your level of cigar and cannabis appreciation and the frequency of your smoking habits. While it's not a strict requirement for every enthusiast, owning a humidor offers numerous benefits and ensures a superior smoking experience.

One of the primary advantages of a humidor is the ability to control and maintain consistent humidity levels. Cigars and cannabis are both hygroscopic, meaning they readily absorb and release moisture from their environment. By storing them in a humidor, you can prevent them from drying out or becoming overly moist. This, in turn, preserves their flavors, aromas, and overall quality.

If you frequently indulge in smoking or have a sizable collection, a humidor becomes even more essential. It provides a dedicated space to organize and protect your stash, allowing you to enjoy it at your leisure without worrying about its condition. A humidor ensures that your investment in cigars or cannabis is protected. 

Furthermore, a humidor offers the opportunity for the long-term aging of cigars. Many cigar enthusiasts appreciate the flavors that develop over time through proper aging. A humidor creates optimal aging conditions, allowing the cigars to mature and develop complexity, resulting in a richer and more enjoyable smoking experience. Even if you have a smaller cigar collection or enjoy cigars infrequently, a humidor is still beneficial. It ensures that whenever you decide to indulge, your cigars are ready, well-preserved, and provide the best possible smoking experience.

Best Practices

When it comes to cigar and cannabis storage, following best practices ensures that your stash remains in the best possible condition, retaining its flavors and qualities over time. Here are some essential tips:

Maintain Proper Humidity: The ideal humidity level for cigars is typically between 65-75% relative humidity while cannabis is 55-65%. Use a calibrated hygrometer to monitor and adjust the humidity inside your humidor accordingly. Be mindful of seasonal changes, as humidity requirements may vary. 

Monitor Temperature: Aim to store your stash at a consistent temperature between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius). Avoid extreme heat or cold, as they can damage your stash. Fluctuations in temperature can also impact the aging process and affect the flavors of your cigars.

Avoid Exposure to Light: Direct sunlight or excessive artificial light can harm cigars and cannabis and cause them to fade or develop off flavors. If your humidor has a glass lid or any viewing panel, store your humidor in a dark or dimly lit area to protect your stash from excessive light exposure.

Rotate and Organize: Rotate the cigars in your humidor periodically to ensure even aging and prevent any potential moisture or flavor imbalances. This is especially important if you have a larger collection. Additionally, organize your cigars based on their strength or origin to make it easier to locate and select cigars for smoking. Cannabis doesn't benefit from rotation as it is typically stored in jars or similar containers, unlike cigars which are stacked.

Inspect for Freshness: Regularly inspect your stash for any signs of mold, tobacco beetles, or other damage. Mold appears as a fuzzy white or green substance and should be immediately addressed. Tobacco beetles are small, reddish-brown insects that can bore through cigars. If you notice any issues, isolate the affected cigars and take appropriate measures to prevent further damage.

Limit Air Exchange: While it's important to periodically "air out" your humidor to prevent any stale odors, avoid excessive air exchange, as it can lead to fluctuations in humidity. Opening the humidor for a short duration once every few weeks is usually sufficient. During regular use, we recommend being as brief as possible when opening the lid - “Get your stuff and get out”. 

Avoid Strong Odors: Keep your cigars or cannabis away from strong-smelling substances or materials, as they are porous and can absorb odors easily. Strong odors can affect the flavors and aromas of your stash, detracting from the overall smoking experience.

Use Distilled Water: When adding moisture to your humidor, always use distilled water or a solution specifically designed for humidification. Tap water or other liquids may contain impurities that can affect the humidity control or even damage your stash.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your stash is stored under optimal conditions, providing an exceptional smoking experience whenever you choose to enjoy it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a humidor is an essential tool for any cigar or cannabis enthusiast looking to preserve the quality and flavors of their stash. Proper storage is crucial to maintain optimal humidity and temperature levels, which are key factors in the aging process and flavor development of cigars as well as the preservation of cannabis buds.

Owning a humidor offers numerous benefits, regardless of the size of your collection or your smoking habits. It provides consistent humidity control, ensuring that your stash remains in pristine condition and preserving its flavors and aromas. A humidor is particularly important for regular smokers and those interested in aging their cigars for special occasions.

While there are alternative storage options available, such as plastic bags with humidification packs or makeshift coolerdors, they are not as effective or reliable as a dedicated humidor. These alternatives may be suitable for short-term storage or when a humidor is not accessible, but they may not offer the same level of humidity and temperature control needed for long-term preservation and aging potential. Plus, an added bonus of buying a humidor like the ones we offer, is that you can be absolutely confident your humidor will last you for the rest of your life, and some.