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That perfect puff isn’t just about the tobacco leaf; it’s about the ritual, the relaxation, and the flavour. Have you ever lit up a stick only to find it tasted harsh, bland, or crumbled in your fingers? Heartbreaking, right? That tragic moment is almost always due to improper storage.

This isn’t just a fancy box, it’s the sacred chamber where your precious smokes thrive, maintaining the perfect environment for peak flavour and smooth combustion. But walk into a shop or browse online, and you’re bombarded with options: wood, glass, travel-sized, cabinet giants! Paralysis sets in. 

Fear not, fellow enthusiast. This article cuts through the confusion. We’ll break down the essential different types of cigar humidors, explore what makes them tick, and help you find the perfect guardian for your smokes.

What is a Cigar Humidor?

At its core, a cigar humidor is a specialised storage container designed to allow the cigars to be kept in an environment of constant humidity and stable temperature.

Why does this matter so much? Cigars are hygroscopic; they absorb and release moisture from the air. If they dry out, they burn too hot and fast, losing nuanced flavours. If they become too moist, they become spongy, difficult to light, and prone to mold. Beyond moisture control, a good humidor protects cigars from sunlight and strong odours. Its key components are:

• Humidification System: A device that actively releases moisture vapour into the air inside the box to maintain that Goldilocks zone of humidity.

• Hygrometer: A gauge to measure the internal RH so you can monitor conditions and adjust as needed.

A cigar humidor is far more than storage; it’s a precisely engineered micro-climate custodian. Its sealed box, cedar lining, dedicated humidifier, and monitoring hygrometer work in concert to protect your prized cigars from degradation and ensure every smoke is as the blender intended. Understanding this basic function is key to appreciating why type matters.

What is the Best Material for a Cigar Humidor?

The best material for a cigar humidor is Spanish cedar, specifically used as an interior lining. Spanish cedar offers several key advantages: it effectively retains and distributes moisture, protects against tobacco beetles, enhances the maturation and flavour development of cigars, and resists warping and decay even under fluctuating humidity and temperature conditions.

Why Spanish Cedar is Ideal

• Moisture Control: Spanish cedar effectively absorbs and releases moisture, maintaining optimal humidity inside the humidor without damaging the wood or cigars.

• Pest Deterrence: Spanish cedar’s aroma helps protect cigar collections by repelling tobacco beetles, a common threat.

• Flavour Enhancement: Spanish cedar interacts positively with cigar oils, preserving and even enhancing the flavour of cigars over time. Other wooden components inside the humidor, such as shelves and partitions, should also be Spanish cedar. 

• Durability:Unlike solid cedar, which can be soft and prone to damage, Spanish cedar used as a lining combined with an MDF core prevents warping and resin buildup.

Other Woods

• Honduran Mahogany: This wood offers good humidity control and a milder aroma but lacks the pest-deterrent properties of Spanish cedar.

• American Red Cedar: Its strong aroma deters pests but can impart an overpowering cedar scent to cigars, which many aficionados find undesirable.

What are the Three Major Types of Cigars?

Understanding the basic types of cigars can help inform your humidor size needs. The three major types of cigars are generally categorised by their shape and construction as follows:

Parejos

Parejos are the most common and traditional cigar shapes. Parejos have straight sides, a rounded head, and an open foot. Examples include popular sizes like Corona, Robusto, and Churchill. They provide a consistent flavour profile throughout the smoke.

Figurados

Figurados have irregular or tapered shapes rather than straight sides. Examples include Pyramid, Torpedo, Belicoso, and Culebra . Figurados offer a more complex smoking experience, with flavours evolving as the cigar is smoked.

Perfectos

A subtype that combines features of parejos and figurados.Perfectos have tapered heads and feet with a bulging middle section, often oval or egg-shaped. They strike a balance between consistency and complexity in flavour.

What is the Best Cigar Humidor?

Selecting the best cigar humidor is essential for preserving the quality, flavour, and freshness of your cigars. A high-quality humidor maintains the perfect humidity and temperature, allowing your cigars to age gracefully. Here’s a quick overview of the best types of cigar humidors, along with trusted brands known for their craftsmanship and reliability.

Desktop Humidor

Ideal for everyday smokers and small collections, these desktop humidors typically hold between 20 to 50 cigars.  They are compact, easy to use, and great for maintaining consistent humidity. Popular brands include Cuban Crafters, Whynter, and Adorini.

Cabinet Humidor

These are larger units designed for serious collectors, usually storing 100 or more cigars. Cabinet humidors often offer advanced humidification systems and durable construction. Leading brands include Prestige Import Group, Daniel Marshall, and S.T. Dupont.

Travel Humidor

Ideal for cigar enthusiasts on the go, travel humidors offer portable protection and precise humidity control for a limited number of cigars. Trusted options come from Xikar and Humidifind.

Electronic Humidor

For those seeking precision and ease of use, electronic humidors maintain stable humidity levels automatically. They often feature digital hygrometers and humidifiers. Recommended brands are Cigar Oasis.

In summary, the best cigar humidor depends on your collection size and lifestyle. For casual smokers, desktop humidors from Cuban Crafters or Adorini offer excellent value, while collectors may prefer high-end cabinet humidors from Prestige Import Group. 

For small to medium collections, a desktop humidor with these features offers excellent control and elegance. For larger collections, electric humidors with temperature regulation and air circulation provide the best environment.

Summary

After reading this article, I’m sure you’ve learned a lot about cigar humidors. While cedar is the ideal humidor material, sealing, temperature and humidity control, as well as capacity and size, are all elements to consider when purchasing a cigar humidor. Mozsly humidors are a great value for money and are an excellent choice for your cigar humidor.

FAQ

If I don’t smoke regularly, is it necessary to buy a cigar humidor?

You can buy a small cigar humidor. For premium, hand-rolled long-filler cigars costing more than $5 to $10 each, proper humidity is absolutely essential. Without it, they can degrade quickly, often within days or weeks, becoming a literal waste of money. A small acrylic humidor for cigars or even a quality airtight Tupperware container with a Boveda pack is sufficient for infrequent smokers. 

Can I store different types of cigars together?

Generally, It is feasible. However, be cautious of very intensely flavoured cigars, e.g., some infused with rum or other aromatics. Their intense flavours can migrate to milder cigars over extended periods unless isolated. 

Glass Humidor vs Solid Humidor: Which Is Better?

It’s a trade-off. Glass humidors allow you to view your collection but offer less insulation, making it slightly more challenging to maintain perfectly stable humidity, especially when exposed to light and heat. Solid wood tops typically maintain stability better. If you opt for a glass humidor, buy quality and a good seal. Always keep it in a shaded, stable location. For pure function, the solid humidor is the winner. For display, glass humidor is popular.