subject: How Long Can I Keep A Cigar In A Storage Tube Or Case? [print this page] Let's say you want to store some quality cigars over a period of time. Can you store a cigar? How long does it stay good? Where do you begin? It really depends on your primary method of storage. If you have a cigar humidor that is airtight and properly humidified then your cigars can last forever. Even today, some cigars from the pre-WWII era have been smoked and enjoyed.
The area must be of the proper size and not be opened too often. If all these conditions are met, age can often times enhance the quality of a cigar. Now this is not to suggest that every old cigar properly stored will taste great. The taste depends on a number of factors; some cigars age well, while others become bitter. A controlled environment is best. Even if a cigar becomes under-humidified over time, it can be re-humidified. What actually affects the taste in aged tobacco is the loss of oil.
If you store your cigars appropriately then they can last indefinitely. If, however, you choose to store your cigars in a desk they will go bad in as little as a week. Even keeping a cigar in a jar will only extend the lifespan to two weeks. You must keep it in an airtight humidor with 70% (or close) humidity. An average temperature to reach for is 16 C.
If the area is dry, storage is impossible, because the dryer the environment the more dehydrated the tobacco becomes. The advantage of cases (over tubes) is that they usually do have a humidification system built in, even if it's just a sponge or beads. Unless you have a complete box with a humidity system, it's best to buy short quantities of cigars at a time.
What about storage tubes? A cigar storage tube is only large enough to accommodate one cigar. If the cigar was properly handled before storage, it should last for over a two week period. Just be aware that when you open the tube, you compromise the cigar quality because you are letting dry air inside. Normally these cigars have cellophane on the stick as well as tube aluminum. These additions help to preserve the cigar for several months. Cork stoppers can also help to preserve cigars sometimes for over a year. There are ways of storing quality cigars, provided you pay attention to detail and treasure these cigars for their fine tastes and scents.
