Have you just acquired your first Cuban cigars? Congratulations! But do you know how to properly store cigars?If not stored properly, cigars can dry out, ruin flavor, or even mold – especially in humid climates like Vietnam. This article will help you understand from A to Z how to use humidor to keep cigars always in ideal condition. 1. Why should you use a humidor to store cigars? Cigars are organic products, very sensitive to temperature and humidity. If: Overly dry: cigars burn too quickly, lose flavor. Overly humid: hard to smoke, pungent taste, may develop mold. Humidor is a specialized storage box that helps maintain a stable humidity level (around 65–72%) – ideal for cigars. 2. The structure of a humidor A standard humidor typically includes: Spanish cedar wood: naturally retains moisture and is mold-resistant. Humidifier: contains gel, beads, or boveda sheets to maintain moisture. Hygrometer: measures the humidity inside the box. Some types come with additional smart moisture-locking or automatic temperature control systems (premium models). 3. How to prepare a new humidor before use Before placing cigars in the humidor, you need to 'season' it to achieve stable humidity: Steps to follow: Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the inside of the humidor (not too wet). Add a 84% boveda or a cup of distilled water for 3–5 days. Monitor the gauge – when the humidity stabilizes at 65–70%, you can start adding cigars. Avoid pouring water directly or using tap water – it can cause mold and damage the wood. 4. How to store cigars in Vietnam's climate conditions Vietnam has a hot and humid climate, so you need: Place the humidor in a cool area, away from direct sunlight, not near air conditioning or the stove. Maintain a temperature of 18–21°C and humidity of 65–72%. Check the hygrometer at least once a week. Use a boveda pack for convenience and more stable humidity compared to gel or water. Expert suggestion: With climates like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you should use a well-sealed humidor + 69% boveda pack for optimal results. 5. Signs of improperly stored cigars Signs Causes Handling instructions Cigars are dry, cracked wrapper Humidity below 60% Rehydrate with boveda 72% for 1–2 weeks Cigars burn unevenly, bland taste Dry climate, too fast draw Slow draw, recheck humidity White mold or black mold Too humid, lack of cleanliness Remove immediately, clean the humidor, replace the humidification system 6. Suggestions for premium humidor & accessory products At HabanosSpecialist.vn, you can find: Premium humidor imported from Europe – airtight design, good humidity retention. Complete accessory set: hygrometer, boveda pack, cutter, lighter. The home humidor setup service – consulting on how to arrange and control humidity for each type of cigar. 7. Summary Proper storage is the number 1 secret to fully enjoy cigars. With a proper humidor, a little patience, and knowledge, you can keep your Cuban cigars maintaining their quality as on the first day. Don't let precious cigars go to waste due to a lack of storage knowledge!
