Cigar Blog

Happiness is a good cigar

Homemade Humidors

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Cigars have to be stored properly for them to retain their flavor.  The traditional storage boxes of cigars are called humidors.  A quality humidor is not exactly cheap so those who think they are up to the task may consider making their own homemade humidor.

The easiest homemade humidor is made up of an airtight plastic container. Take note that the emphasis here is the word airtight.  Anything less is unacceptable.  The ideal size is one that will comfortably fit at least two wooden boxes of cigars with space to spare.  A digital thermometer must be attached inside the container through the use of Velcro and it must be positioned in such a way that it can be seen from outside the container even when it is closed.  It is necessary to consistently check that the right temperature is maintained inside.  A slightly damp sponge has to be placed on one side away from the boxes of cigars.  A plastic humidor is not recommended for long-term use since plastic tends to retain more moisture than the ideal humidor environment.

A homemade wooden humidor is a better option but will require some woodwork skills.  There area actually many do-it-yourself humidor kits available in the market.  Aside from woodwork skills, completing this project would require specific equipment.  Dimensions can be adjusted depending on personal preference.  In lieu of cedar linings which may not be readily available, linings from Spanish cigar boxes can be used.  To complete the humidor, a digital hygrometer and humidifier are also needed.

About the Author:

Teresa is a researcher-writer who covers a wide range of topics in search of useful information.

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Cigar Accessories

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The cigar smoking experience can be made more pleasurable by having the proper cigar accessories.   These accessories ensure that the quality and flavor of cigars are properly preserved and that they are used correctly without resulting to wastage and deterioration of physical condition,  Cigar smokers can readily find these accessories in cigar shops whether online or in brick-and-mortar stores.

One of the most basic accessories is the cigar cutter.  Cigar cutters come in many different sizes and styles since cigars do not come in uniform sizes either.  The use of the right cigar cutter will ensure an accurate and quick cut that will not result to the inconvenient unraveling of the cigar wrapper which can happen when some other crude methods of cutting such as biting is used.  It should be noted that a single premium cigar is more expensive than a cutter so it wouldn’t make sense to waste the cigar by not having an appropriate cigar cutter.

Another basic accessory required in cigar smoking is the cigar lighter.  A torch lighter is recommended over a typical soft flame lighter since cigars have thicker gauges than cigarette.  Wind-resistance is another advantage of the torch lighter especially when the cigar smoker likes to smoke outdoors.  A special note to cigar lighting is never to use any lighting implements that will cause the cigar to be infused by any aroma or taste such as a scented candle or a lighter that contains liquid naphtha.  The interaction of an outside scent and flavor can totally destroy the cigar smoking experience because of the resulting nasty flavor.

Cigars should be stored in humidors.  A humidor is a box provided with constant humidity to preserve the excellent condition of cigars.  The humidor’s interior is usually made of Spanish-cedar.  Humidors must be maintained in appropriate temperatures to prevent cigar rotting and even worm infestation.

 

How to Store Cigars

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Storing cigars properly is important because it may compromise its taste and quality. Once it is left in the open, it will dry up just like a flower. Mishandled cigars may burn unevenly or faster than usual. They can have a strong bitter taste and even broken wrappers. Molds and insects also pose a problem. Prevent these by keeping cigars below the maximum temperature of 73F (23C) and within 68%-74% humidity. The ideal environment would be 70F (21C) and 70% humidity. Cigars that are not stored in a humidor must be kept in a sealed plastic bag with a damp towel. ?They often last a week or two, depending on the weather. Do not store them in the refrigerator, because they will lose their moisture. Although in some cases, it is acceptable to freeze them to avoid insect infestations.

Preferably cigars should be placed in a humidor, a sealed container which has a humidifying device that maintains its internal humidity and temperature by controlling the amount of air that flows in. They simulate the conditions of the tropics where the tobacco was cultivated, fermented and rolled. There are many types of humidors to choose from. It is best to invest in one with a lock or heavy lid that keeps it sealed. The size will depend on how much cigars you plan to keep and where you will place it. If you have a collection of cigars or are planning to collect then it is wise to purchase a large box. Small humidors and travel sizes are also available. Image from Brandt Kurowski

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