Cigars are often considered a luxury, with many aficionados enjoying them to relax or celebrate special occasions. However, like any product, cigars don’t last forever. The question of how long a cigar remains good can vary depending on several factors, including the cigar’s age, how it’s stored, and its exposure to air and temperature. In this guide, we’ll explore the various factors that influence a cigar’s lifespan, how to store cigars for maximum freshness, and tell when a cigar is no longer suitable.
If you've just purchased a cigar and it’s still in its original packaging, you might wonder how long it can last without losing its quality. Unopened cigars, especially those in sealed boxes or cellophane wrappers, have a significantly longer shelf life than opened cigars. When properly stored, these cigars can remain fresh and enjoyable for years.
Cigars stored in a humidor can last several years, even improving in flavor as they age. Many cigar enthusiasts deliberately age their cigars to enhance their flavors as the tobacco undergoes a maturing process that can lead to a smoother, more refined smoking experience. In a properly regulated humidor, cigars can be stored for a decade or more, retaining their rich flavor and texture as long as the humidity and temperature are maintained within optimal ranges (typically 65-72% humidity and 65-70°F temperature).
While most cigars are fine to smoke within a few years of purchase, premium cigars benefit from aging. If you don’t have a humidor, cigars stored in their original packaging can last for a few months to a year, but they may not hold up as well in fluctuating temperatures or dry environments. Humidity is crucial, as too dry cigars lose their elasticity and flavor, while excessive moisture can lead to mold or unpleasant tastes.
Once a cigar is opened and exposed to the outside air, its shelf life dramatically decreases. Cigars are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and the moment they are removed from their protective packaging, they start to lose moisture. Without proper care, an opened cigar can quickly dry out, which will cause it to burn poorly and taste harsh.
Provided it's stored properly, an opened cigar should be smoked within a few days to a week. For short-term storage, placing the cigar in a humidor or a sealed plastic bag with a humidification device is essential to prevent it from losing moisture. If this isn’t possible, cigars can be kept in a small Tupperware container with a damp sponge or humidity pouch, but they must be protected from dry air.
While an opened cigar can still be enjoyed quickly, it’s essential to store it correctly to maintain its flavor and texture. An opened cigar left exposed to air without humidification will dry out quickly, and when smoked, it will likely burn too fast and produce a bitter, harsh taste. To prevent this, always ensure that opened cigars are kept in a moisture-controlled environment.
Even if cigars are correctly stored, they eventually end their life cycle. There are a few clear signs that a cigar is no longer good and may be best discarded. The first indicator is dryness. A cigar that is too dry will feel light, and you’ll notice it crumbling or cracking when touched. This happens when the tobacco inside the cigar loses moisture, and as a result, the smoking experience will be less than pleasant.
Another common sign of a lousy cigar is mold. Mold typically appears as fuzzy white or green spots on the cigar’s wrapper, often due to improper storage, such as excessive humidity or a temperature spike. While a small amount of mold can sometimes be cleaned off, it’s usually safer to discard cigars that have been heavily affected, as mold can spread to other cigars in the humidor. If you notice a musty, sour smell when handling your cigar, this is another clear sign that it’s gone bad and should be discarded.
Finally, cigars exposed to extreme temperatures or stored poorly may develop off-odors. A cigar that smells overly bitter or sour has likely gone stale and will not provide a pleasant smoking experience. Always rely on your senses—touch, smell, and sight—to determine if a cigar is still good.
How you store cigars can make all the difference in how long they last and how enjoyable they are when smoked. The best place to store cigars is in a humidor that maintains a stable environment with the proper humidity and temperature. Humidors come in various sizes, from small portable cases to large cabinet models, and they can be an excellent investment for any cigar lover who plans to store cigars for an extended period.
When using a humidor, it is essential to regularly monitor the humidity and temperature levels. A hygrometer can help you track the humidity, and a thermometer will let you know if the temperature is stable. If the humidity drops below 60%, cigars will begin to dry out, while humidity above 75% can cause mold and flavor deterioration. Ideally, the moisture should be between 65% and 72%, with temperatures between 65°F and 70°F.
If a humidor isn’t an option, you can store cigars in airtight containers with humidity pouches or even in Tupperware with a dampened sponge. The key is to avoid letting them dry out or become exposed to extreme conditions. A consistent, moderate environment is the best way to preserve the life of a cigar.
A unique aspect of cigars is their ability to age and improve over time. Like wine or whiskey, cigars can become more complex and refined as they mature. The aging process allows the oils in the tobacco to mellow, which often results in smoother, more subtle flavors.
Not all cigars are ideal candidates for aging. Most cigars can be enjoyed within a year or two of purchase, but premium cigars made with high-quality tobacco often benefit from longer aging. Cigar aging should be done in a humidor, as this provides the ideal environment for the slow maturing process. Over time, the flavor profile of aged cigars can become more prosperous and layered, offering a more enjoyable experience.
However, aging cigars requires patience. Some cigars may improve with just a few months of aging, while others may need several years. It’s essential to check on your cigars periodically to ensure they are stored correctly and not exposed to too much moisture or heat.
The lifespan of a cigar depends on factors like storage conditions, whether it's opened or unopened, and its exposure to the elements. With proper care, cigars can last for years, with some even improving in flavor as they age. To maximize the enjoyment and longevity of your cigars, adequate storage in a humidor and careful monitoring of environmental conditions is key.