Myths
Separating Myth from Fact
Following are some of the common myths about storing cigars.
1. Myth: Manufacturer cigar boxes can work as a humidor.
Fact: The boxes used by manufacturers do not hold humidity at all. They will only work as a humidor if they include two-way humidity control and if they are sealed with an overwrap. Cigar manufacturers that use Humidipak also overwrap their boxes with either cellophane or oriented polypropylene.
2. Myth: A Cotton ball in a baggie works as an effective humidor.
Fact: A cotton ball emits moisture whether needed or not, causing the humidity level inside the baggie to fluctuate anywhere between 55% and 80%, depending on your ambient climate and how much water is in the cotton or sponge. This is not an effective humidor and can quickly cause damage to your cigars.
3. Myth: Storing cigars in a refrigerator is an effective alternative if I don’t have a humidor.
Fact: Contrary to popular opinion, the relative humidity inside a refrigerator is extremely low, around 30% RH. This also is not an effective humidor and can quickly cause damage to your cigars.
4. Myth: Storing cigars in a make-shift humidor or baggie with apple slices functions as an effective humidor.
Fact: The humidity inside a baggie or make-shift humidor with an apple or other fruit slice will continually drop after the first few hours. Worse yet, the flavors emitted by the apple will alter the intended flavors within the cigar’s blend.
5. Myth: Propylene glycol provides two-way humidity control.
Fact: Despite some false claims, all refillable devices and all systems that need to be “conditioned” are one-way humidifiers that give off more moisture when the device is full of water and less moisture when the device is low on water. This creates periodic spikes in humidity that sometimes approach 75%, the point at which molds grow quite rapidly, and they also create humidity cycles or fluctuations that cause your cigars to lose oils and sugars. In addition, because they’re difficult, if not impossible, to clean, refillable devices will in fact develop bacteria over time. These factors will create mold and mildew – it’s not a matter of “if,” it’s a matter of “when.”
6. Myth: Silica beads and/or silica gel provide two-way humidity control.
Fact: Silica beads do not provide two-way humidity control. As a matter of fact, by design, silica beads cycle humidity up and down within a relatively narrow range, which limits the full potential for your cigars to improve with age. Furthermore, silica beads have an extremely low capacity and require regular conditioning.
7. Myth: By filling my traditional humidifier with fresh distilled water only, I’m ensured pure, clean humidity inside my humidor.
Fact: Not true. With any refillable device, there’s a strong tendency for mold spores and mildew. All refillable devices have point sources that create the ideal condition for mold growth, giving off spores and volatile byproducts that can cause off-flavors in your cigars.
Despite the false claims, all refillable devices are one-way humidifiers and therefore create periodic ‘spikes’ in humidity that approach 75%, the point at which molds grow quite rapidly. Also, because they’re difficult, if not impossible, to clean, refillable devices will in fact develop bacteria over time. These factors will create mold and mildew – it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.
Unlike refillable humidifiers, Bóveda will never create an environment inside your humidor for mold or mildew for two main reasons: One, the humidity will never climb to the point where molds grow, 75% relative humidity. And two, since Bóveda is disposable, only fresh, clean Bóveda packets are used every 90 days, preventing any chance to develop bacteria, mold and mildew.
8. Myth: My cigars will keep in good condition inside a baggie.
Fact: Baggies are porous and unless a two-way humidity control device is on the inside, your cigars will degrade in quality within just a few short hours.
9. Myth: 70% relative humidity is the best humidity level for all cigars.
Fact: This is not exactly true. Although 70% relative humidity is a good average for all cigars, studies show that certain cigars are best and reveal their peak taste and character when equilibrated and stored at a specific humidity level between 60% RH and 72% RH—as dictated by the characteristics of the cigar’s blend and primarily the cigar’s wrapper. Cuban cigars are best at 60-65% RH; cigars with a Cameroon wrapper are best at 70-72%; Nicaragua, 68-70%; cigars with a Dominican wrapper, such as the Fuente Fuente OpusX are best at 60-65%; cigars with a Connecticut Shade wrapper will not be affected between 65-72% RH.