How to Maintain Cigars: Expert Preservation Tips (Complete Guide)

If you've invested in premium cigars, the last thing you want is for them to dry out, crack, or lose their flavor.

The truth? Most cigar damage happens because of poor storage.

So let’s break it down properly.

Here’s exactly how to maintain cigars the right way—like a collector.

Why Proper Cigar Maintenance Matters

Cigars are natural products made from fermented tobacco leaves. They breathe. They react to temperature. They absorb moisture.

If not stored correctly, you risk:

• Dry wrappers that crack

• Uneven burns

• Bitter taste

• Mold growth

• Lost aroma

• Wasted investment

In a climate like the UAE's, where temperatures can easily exceed 40°C, proper storage isn’t optional. It’s essential.

1️⃣ Control Humidity (The Golden Rule)

The ideal humidity range for cigars is

65%–72% Relative Humidity

Too dry → cigars crack
Too humid → mold risk

Consistency is more important than perfection.

If you’re wondering how to maintain cigars long-term, humidity control is the first and most critical step.

2️⃣ Maintain the Right Temperature

Ideal temperature:

18°C – 22°C

High temperatures:

• Dry out the cigars.

• Encourage tobacco beetles

• Ruin aging process

In Dubai and the GCC, room temperature is rarely safe enough. Air conditioning fluctuations make things worse.

This is why serious collectors use electric humidors with temperature control.

3️⃣ Use a Quality Electric Humidor (Not Just a Box)

A traditional wooden humidor works, but only in stable climates.

In the UAE, electric humidors are the smarter choice.

They provide:

• Digital temperature control

• Stable humidity system

• Internal air circulation

• Spanish cedar shelves

• UV-protected glass

If you want professional-level storage, consider:

👉 Hemingway B1 Electric Humidor – 400 Count

Perfect for personal collections. Compact, elegant, and digitally controlled.
View here:
https://hemingway.ae/products/hemingway-b1-electric-humidor-400-count

If you’re building a serious collection:

👉 Hemingway B8 Electric Humidor – 2000 Capacity

Luxury cabinet with advanced climate control for large collections.
View here:
https://hemingway.ae/products/hemingway-b8-electric-cigar-humidor-2000-capacity-uae

You can explore the full collection here:
https://hemingway.ae/collections/electric-humidor

4️⃣ Avoid Common Mistakes

When learning how to maintain cigars, avoid these errors:

❌ Storing in refrigerator
❌ Using tap water in humidifier
❌ Opening humidor too often
❌ Mixing new cigars with aged cigars without monitoring
❌ Ignoring seasonal changes

Always use distilled water or proper humidity packs.

5️⃣ Rotate Your Cigars

Cigars in larger humidors should be rotated occasionally to ensure even humidity distribution.

This is especially important for:

• Large cabinets

• 500+ count collections

• Long-term aging

Electric humidors like the B1 and B8 already include internal airflow systems to minimize this need.

6️⃣ Monitor with a Digital Hygrometer

Analog hygrometers can be inaccurate.

A digital hygrometer ensures the following:

• Accurate humidity reading

• Temperature tracking

• Early detection of issues

Electric humidors typically include digital monitoring, making maintenance effortless.

7️⃣ Aging Cigars Properly

If you’re aging cigars:

• Keep humidity closer to 65–68%

• Maintain stable temperature

• Avoid frequent opening

• Store in Spanish cedar

Over time, flavors smooth out and complexity increases.

But aging only works if storage conditions are perfect.

How to Maintain Cigars in UAE Climate (Expert Tip)

UAE humidity fluctuates heavily between indoor AC environments and outdoor heat.

That rapid change can shock cigars.

For collectors in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or anywhere in the GCC:

✔ Invest in electric climate control
✔ Avoid basic wooden humidors unless climate-stable
✔ Keep humidor away from sunlight
✔ Maintain power backup if possible

Final Thoughts

Learning how to maintain cigars isn’t complicated, but it requires the right setup.

Humidity + temperature + stability.

If you’re serious about protecting your investment, upgrading to a digital electric humidor makes the process effortless.

Explore Hemingway’s premium electric humidors designed specifically for UAE conditions:

🔗 Shop Electric Humidors:
https://hemingway.ae/collections/electric-humidor