For cigar enthusiasts, a humidor is an essential piece of equipment in which to store the cigars. Cigar humidors are basically containers that are airtight and keep a level temperature and humidity level; they range in size from small enough to hold to commercial-grade, room-sized walk-ins.
To start, a level temperature is essential to preserving cigars. Cigar humidors keep a temperature that is as close as possible to the natural climate of tropical areas where the tobacco leaves grow and are harvested. The tobacco must be kept stable lest it become too dry from too much cold. A perfect temperature is around seventy degrees Fahrenheit.
Likewise, the humidity levels where cigars are made are typically in the seventy to eighty percent range, meaning that cigar humidors should strive to stay in that range. With too little humidity, cigars will fall prey to the same fate as would occur with low temperatures: dry and flavorless.
Of course, there is such a thing as too much heat and too much humidity. Very hot, moist air creates conditions that allow beetles to hatch and destroy all cigars within their reach. Many people are unaware that tobacco leaves contain the beetle larvae; the only way to prevent them from coming to life and eating through your collection is to keep the humidity and temperature down to levels in which they cannot thrive.
So, knowing what cigar humidors are used for and why, it is time to learn about the actual structures themselves. These pieces can range in size from one extreme to the other, so it really depends on how many cigars you have to store and how much space you have for another piece of furniture. Also, they are not all the same... you actually need to make certain that yours comes with the humidification system and understand how that system operates.
Also, the inside of cigar humidors needs to be considered. They are made out of wood, but the type of wood is what is important. Just like too much cold can take away the natural depth of flavor, so too can the wrong wood choice. And there is always the chance that the wood's smell may overpower and seep within the cigars, too. For this reason, Spanish cedar is typically chosen because it does not interfere with the tobacco.
Obviously, there is quite a bit more to cigar humidors than just being a place to keep your cigars... they serve a real purpose. To maintain freshness, taste, and quality, and to keep tobacco beetles at bay, choose carefully and wisely when shopping for cigar humidors.
