Cigars, like fine wine, are a class of items enjoyed by individuals of discerning taste the world over. And like a fine vintage wine, cigars demand a certain level of care before they yield their most nuanced and fullest flavors. Cigar connoisseurs and tobacconists have long studied the subtle art of properly aging and maintaining cigars so as to result in the release of these delicate notes. This article aims to share with you that information about the proper moisture levels for cigar storage so that you too may get the most out of your cigars.
Cigars are sensitive to numerous factors, moisture being one of the most crucial. Humidity, specifically, is a factor that determines a large part of the proper health and preservation of cigars. Because humidity is relative to temperature, temperature is also one of the key factors that you should keep an eye on when considering the care of your cigars.
As a function of the sensitivity of all the factors that affect the health, longevity, and proper aging of a cigar, it is wise--if you do not already own one--to consider investing into a well-constructed humidor for the storage of your cigars. The following instructions will assume that you possess a humidor, as it is the easiest and most efficient way to regulate your cigar storage environment. If you do not possess one, you must find ways to adapt these instructions to whatever setup you currently do have.
Striking this balance between perfect temperature and humidity is considered to be so essential because it has noticeable and dramatic effects on how the cigars transform when exposed to these elements. The entirety of the cigar experience can change depending on how it has been preserved and aged.
A cigar that has been stored in an environment that is excessively moist or with too much humidity can become swollen and split its wrapper. It will also be difficult to light, keep lit, and draw smoke from. Worse than that, the smoke that overly moist cigars release is generally considered sour and unpleasant.
A cigar which has been stored in an environment which is too dry falls to a different though no less tragic fate. These cigars exude a smoke which is considered by many smokers to be acrid and severely harsh to the palate, making it an unpleasant and overbearing smoking experience. Further, storing cigars in an excessively dry or hot environment can lead to the premature evaporation of certain essential oils within both the cigar tobacco and the careful wrapping that swaddles it; this too leads to the destruction of the flavor profile that the cigar was originally crafted with.
There are some very serious tobacconists and connoisseurs who swear by 70% relative humidity all the time no matter what, but general consensus from much of the tobacco community seems to be that it does not have to be quite so rigid as that. 70/70, a ratio common to those who run in social circles that appreciate tobacco, is considered a very good standard nevertheless. This ratio signifies a combination of 70% RH and 70 degrees Fahrenheit within the environment the cigars are being maintained.
The proper maintenance of these balances is essential in preserving and even enhancing the enjoyability of your smoking experience. This article previously described what befalls a cigar which has been stored in an overly moist environment. In contrast, a cigar that has been maintained in an environment which is too dry will be a harsh smoke. Taking draws from too-dry cigars leads to the release of smoke that most smokers describe as acrid and offensively harsh. This too results in the loss of flavors that cigars should properly possess when maintained with care and consideration.
Proper moisture levels for cigar storage are an aspect of your cigar-owning experience that should not be neglected or ignored. The proper maintenance of cigars is essential in unlocking the full value and experience of smoking a well-crafted cigar; make sure that you get the best experience out of yours.
Cigars are sensitive to numerous factors, moisture being one of the most crucial. Humidity, specifically, is a factor that determines a large part of the proper health and preservation of cigars. Because humidity is relative to temperature, temperature is also one of the key factors that you should keep an eye on when considering the care of your cigars.
As a function of the sensitivity of all the factors that affect the health, longevity, and proper aging of a cigar, it is wise--if you do not already own one--to consider investing into a well-constructed humidor for the storage of your cigars. The following instructions will assume that you possess a humidor, as it is the easiest and most efficient way to regulate your cigar storage environment. If you do not possess one, you must find ways to adapt these instructions to whatever setup you currently do have.
Striking this balance between perfect temperature and humidity is considered to be so essential because it has noticeable and dramatic effects on how the cigars transform when exposed to these elements. The entirety of the cigar experience can change depending on how it has been preserved and aged.
A cigar that has been stored in an environment that is excessively moist or with too much humidity can become swollen and split its wrapper. It will also be difficult to light, keep lit, and draw smoke from. Worse than that, the smoke that overly moist cigars release is generally considered sour and unpleasant.
A cigar which has been stored in an environment which is too dry falls to a different though no less tragic fate. These cigars exude a smoke which is considered by many smokers to be acrid and severely harsh to the palate, making it an unpleasant and overbearing smoking experience. Further, storing cigars in an excessively dry or hot environment can lead to the premature evaporation of certain essential oils within both the cigar tobacco and the careful wrapping that swaddles it; this too leads to the destruction of the flavor profile that the cigar was originally crafted with.
There are some very serious tobacconists and connoisseurs who swear by 70% relative humidity all the time no matter what, but general consensus from much of the tobacco community seems to be that it does not have to be quite so rigid as that. 70/70, a ratio common to those who run in social circles that appreciate tobacco, is considered a very good standard nevertheless. This ratio signifies a combination of 70% RH and 70 degrees Fahrenheit within the environment the cigars are being maintained.
The proper maintenance of these balances is essential in preserving and even enhancing the enjoyability of your smoking experience. This article previously described what befalls a cigar which has been stored in an overly moist environment. In contrast, a cigar that has been maintained in an environment which is too dry will be a harsh smoke. Taking draws from too-dry cigars leads to the release of smoke that most smokers describe as acrid and offensively harsh. This too results in the loss of flavors that cigars should properly possess when maintained with care and consideration.
Proper moisture levels for cigar storage are an aspect of your cigar-owning experience that should not be neglected or ignored. The proper maintenance of cigars is essential in unlocking the full value and experience of smoking a well-crafted cigar; make sure that you get the best experience out of yours.
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Learn about the benefits and advantages of using a Cigar hygrometer today! You can get the details and information about how a humidor hygrometer will help your cigars retain their freshness and flavor longer now.
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