How to Humidify your Cigars like a Pro

Humidifying cigars is a crucial step in ensuring the perfect smoking experience. Proper humidity levels help maintain the flavor, aroma, and consistency of the cigar. However, many cigar enthusiasts struggle with this aspect of cigar care. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to properly humidify your cigars to ensure the best smoking experience possible.

Choose the Right Humidor

The first step in proper cigar humidification is choosing the right humidor. A humidor is a container designed to maintain a consistent level of humidity and temperature. It’s important to choose a humidor that is appropriately sized for your cigar collection. A humidor that is too small can lead to over-humidification, while a humidor that is too large can result in uneven humidity levels.

Season Your Humidor

Before placing your cigars in the humidor, it’s essential to season it properly. Seasoning is the process of preparing the humidor by adding moisture to the wood. To do this, wipe the inside of the humidor with a damp cloth, then place a small dish of distilled water inside the humidor and close the lid. Leave the humidor for at least 24 hours to allow the wood to absorb the moisture.

Use Distilled Water

When humidifying your cigars, it’s crucial to use distilled water. Tap water can contain minerals and chemicals that can affect the taste and aroma of the cigar. Distilled water has had these impurities removed, making it the best option for cigar humidification.

Calibrate Your Hygrometer

A hygrometer is a tool used to measure the humidity levels in the humidor. It’s essential to calibrate your hygrometer before placing it in the humidor to ensure accurate readings. To calibrate your hygrometer, place it in a plastic bag with a damp sponge for at least four hours. The hygrometer should read 75% humidity when placed in the bag.

Monitor Humidity Levels

Once your humidor is seasoned and the hygrometer is calibrated, it’s time to monitor the humidity levels. The ideal humidity level for cigars is between 65% and 72%. If the humidity levels drop below 65%, the cigars can become dry and brittle, affecting the taste and aroma. If the humidity levels exceed 72%, the cigars can become over-humidified, leading to a bitter taste and uneven burn.

Rotate Your Cigars

To ensure even humidity levels, it’s essential to rotate your cigars regularly. This means moving the cigars from the top of the humidor to the bottom and vice versa. This will help prevent the cigars at the bottom of the humidor from becoming over-humidified while ensuring the cigars at the top receive enough humidity.

Add Boveda Packs

Boveda packs are small packets containing a gel that helps regulate humidity levels. They are an excellent addition to your humidor and can help maintain consistent humidity levels. Boveda packs come in different humidity levels, so it’s important to choose the appropriate one for your cigar collection.

In conclusion, proper humidification is crucial for maintaining the flavor, aroma, and consistency of your cigars. By following these steps, you can ensure the best smoking experience possible. Remember to choose the right humidor, season it properly, use distilled water, calibrate your hygrometer, monitor humidity levels, rotate your cigars, and consider adding Boveda packs. Happy smoking!