Storing Cigars in Oklahoma Weather
Humid summers, bone-dry winters, and how to keep your cigars happy through both.
4 min read
Cigars are made in places where the air stays warm and humid all year. Oklahoma is not one of those places. Our summers swing heavy and humid, and once the furnace kicks on in winter, indoor air can get very dry. A cigar that sits out on a counter for a week in January will crack when you light it.
The numbers to aim for
Most cigar people keep their storage at about 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and somewhere around 65 to 70 degrees. Some like 62 to 65 percent for an easier draw and a better burn. What matters most is keeping it steady.
Temperature matters more than people think. Keep cigars below about 75 degrees for long stretches. Warm, humid storage is what tobacco beetles need to hatch, and an infestation can ruin a whole box. In an Oklahoma summer, that means keeping your humidor out of a hot garage, a sunny window, or the top shelf of a closet over a warm room.
Picking a humidor
A wooden desktop humidor lined with Spanish cedar is the classic choice. A new wooden humidor needs to be seasoned before you load it, because dry cedar pulls moisture out of your cigars. Follow the maker's instructions, which usually means a damp cloth or a humidity pack inside for several days with the lid shut.
If you'd rather not fuss, an airtight plastic container with a humidity pack (often called a tupperdor) works very well and costs little. Add a few strips of Spanish cedar if you want the aroma.
Humidity packs and hygrometers
Two-way humidity packs are the easiest way to hold steady humidity. They add moisture when the air is dry and absorb it when it's damp, which is exactly what our weather needs. Replace them when they turn hard.
Put a hygrometer inside so you can see what's happening. Calibrate it before you trust it. A simple salt test or an inexpensive calibration kit will tell you how far off it reads.
Seasonal habits
- Fall and winter: check humidity more often once the heat comes on. Dry air pulls packs down fast.
- Spring and summer: watch the temperature. Move the humidor to a cooler interior room if your house runs warm.
- Short trips: a zip-top bag with a small humidity pack will keep a few cigars fresh for a week or two.
If you're building up a collection, the folks at our local cigar shops can help you choose a humidor and get it set up right.