You must store your cigars in a controlled temperature and humidity environment. It is best to keep your cigars in a humidor under conditions of 70% humidity and 70° F. You will need a humidification device, a humidity gauge and a place to keep your humidor that is away from either warm or cool temperatures. The humidifier should be filled with distilled water, not tap water. An alternative to a humidor might be an airtight plastic container, such as Tupperware. You will need to check on the humidity in the container often to prevent drying or overhumidification. You may also use a Ziploc bag. This is only a temporary solution, however. Never put your cigars in the refrigerator or freezer! Too cold temperatures will remove the humidity from the air and will dry them out. Some conditions you might see are: Bloom which is a fine white powder that will form on the outside of the cigar. This is caused by oils that come from the tobacco and is a natural process of aging. It can be gently brushed off with a small brush if desired, but it is harmless. This should not be confused with mold which is bluish-green and stains the wrapper. If you see mold on your cigars this may mean that your humidor is too warm or the humidity is too high. If your cigars become dry it is possible that they can be restored with time. The best method to restore cigars is to remove the wrappers, and place them in a sealed ziplock bag. Pierce the bag with many little holes, then place this bag into another, larger ziplock bag containing a moist sponge (use distilled water only). Seal the second bag and rotate the cigars a quarter turn every few days, so that all of the wrapper is exposed to the humidity. Repeat this process for a month. Once the cigars have regained their normal sponginess, they can be returned to the humidor, but should remain there for another 9-12 months to allow enough time for the tobaccos to reach their proper equilibrium. |