Setting up your first humidor

A hand-rolled cigar is a living, natural product. Too dry and it turns harsh and brittle; too wet and it draws hard and burns unevenly. A humidor holds it exactly where aroma and draw are right — around 65 to 72% relative humidity. Here's how to set one up.

Step 1 — Choose the right humidor

What matters most is the Spanish cedar (cedro) lining: it buffers humidity, deters pests and gently seasons the cigar over time. Buy a size larger than you need today — a well-filled humidor holds humidity far more steadily than a half-empty one.

Glass Humidor A humidor with a glass lid for presenting and storing cigars. CHF 240.00View in the shop →

Step 2 — Seasoning

A new humidor is bone-dry inside and would otherwise pull moisture out of your cigars. Before the first fill, the cedar must be seasoned:

1. Wipe the inner wood with a clean cloth lightly dampened with distilled water — never dripping.
2. Place a small dish of distilled water (or a humidification pouch) inside and close the lid.
3. Wait 24–48 hours and check the hygrometer. Repeat until humidity settles around 70%.

Step 3 — Set and measure humidity

Hold 65–72% RH. The easiest way is two-way humidification pouches that both release and absorb moisture, regulating themselves — ideal for beginners.

Befeuchtungsbeutel A humidification pouch for the optimal storage of cigars. CHF 5.00View in the shop →

Verify with a hygrometer. Cheap analogue units are often inaccurate — calibrate them with the salt test, or use a digital model.

Step 4 — Store your cigars

• Bands can stay on — they don't harm storage.
• Lay them loosely so air can circulate; don't pack tight.
• Rotate the cigars every few weeks so they age evenly.
• Keep heavily flavoured cigars separate so aromas don't migrate.

Common mistakes

• Over-humidifying. Above 75% RH the draw gets tight and mould moves in.
• Temperature swings. Aim for 18–20 °C; heat wakes the tobacco beetle.
• Direct sun. It dries and heats — keep the humidor in the shade.
• Opening the lid constantly. Every opening lets humidity escape.

Patience is the key ingredient: a well-kept cigar rewards you with a round, calm smoke.

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