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Relative humidity (RH) is an important concept for cigar aficionados to understand. Humidity is the amount of water vapor suspended in the air. Another important factor is temperature, and this is where RH comes in. At a higher temperature, the air can hold more moisture, which is why it gets humid in the summer. At a lower temperature, it can hold less, which is why people are more prone to dry skin in the winter. RH is a measure of humidity within the context of temperature, and let’s explore three ways in which suboptimal RH can affect your cigars.
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1. Low RH
The air in your environment seeks an equilibrium. When the air is dry, as it often is during the colder months, it will actively absorb moisture from its environment. That includes your skin, the wood furniture in your home, and your cigars. A cigar that loses too much moisture becomes dry and brittle. It will lose much of its flavor and aroma along with the moisture. The cigar will also burn at a faster rate and perhaps not as evenly.
2. High RH
While low RH is the biggest concern for cigars, too much moisture is a consideration as well. Too much moisture can make a cigar soggy. A soggy cigar can be difficult to light. It can be difficult to draw smoke through it, and it can burn unevenly as well. Another concern is that too much moisture can promote mold growth, which will render a cigar useless.
3. Fluctuating RH
Fluctuating RH is not ideal for cigars either. Maintaining a stable RH is important because cigars are hygroscopic. That means that they absorb or release moisture based on the RH of the environment. The best cigars have nuanced flavor and aroma profiles due to the natural oils in the tobacco leaves. Even subtle fluctuations can change the cigar chemically. It may not make the cigar useless, but it could downgrade a fine cigar to a rather mediocre experience.
Keeping Cigars in Optimal Condition
Cigar experts warn that the biggest mistake novices make is storing their cigars in a freezer or refrigerator. Even a refrigerator at its lowest setting is far too cold and dry for all cigars.
The best way to protect your cigars is with a humidor. Before acquiring a humidor, purchase your cigars in small quantities, and keep them in a sealable plastic bag with a humidity pack. Most retailers that sell loose cigars will package them in this manner for you. Temperature is important too. Optimal conditions are 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% RH, but anywhere between 65-72 degrees and 65-72% RH is all right.
Be mindful that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get a highly effective humidor. Mind where you store it, as a dim, room-temperature location is best. Make sure to refill the humidor as needed, and only use distilled water. Tap water has impurities that will affect the cigars. Also, rotate your cigars at least every several months to ensure humidity evenness.
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