Do Cigars Go Bad (2024)

Yes, cigars are bound to spoil, but we can prolong the preservation of cigars.

The factors that affect the deterioration of cigars are temperature, humidity, etc. We can preserve our cigars with the best electric cigar humidor.

I have kept over 200 cigars in my electric cigar humidor; some of them are more than 5 years old and still taste great; let me share my experience with you.

Do cigars go bad?

Cigars are 100% subject to deterioration. If not stored properly, cigars deteriorate very quickly; if stored properly, they can be kept from deteriorating for a very long period of time.

What causes cigars to go bad

The most important factors affecting cigar spoilage are storage conditions: temperature and humidity.

Humidity: Low humidity causes cigars to dry out, making the wrapper brittle and the fillers lose flavor. Excessive humidity can lead to mold growth and ruin the cigars.
Temperature: High temperatures can encourage the growth of cigar beetles and mold, further damaging the cigars.

What is the shelf life of cigars?

The shelf life of cigars depends significantly on how they are stored:

Cigars can last 5-10 years if kept in a Humidor, typically 70% humidity and 70°F (21°C).
Without a humidor, cigars can dry out and lose their quality within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Using airtight containers with humidity packs can preserve cigars for 2-3 months.

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How to detect if a cigar has gone bad

Checking for stale cigars Generally by pinching, smelling the cigar, looking at the appearance of the cigar, and tasting the cigar in several ways.

Plumes and mold

Look for signs of mold or white spots on the cigar. Mold indicates excessive humidity, while white spots could be harmless blooms or plumes.

The pinch test

Check if the cigar feels too dry or too spongy. A dry cigar will be brittle and may crack, while an over-humidified cigar will feel soft and mushy.

Smell a cigar

A spoiled cigar will have a musty, stale, or moldy odor instead of a fresh tobacco scent.

Taste

When smoked, a bad cigar will taste off, sour, or rancid.

What fresh and bad cigars smell like

The taste of a fresh cigar is completely different from an inferior cigar; a fresh cigar has a light tobacco, spicy or sweet flavor, while an inferior cigar has a musty, stale, ammonia smell.

Fresh Cigars

Mild Tobacco Scent: Fresh cigars have a distinct, mild scent of tobacco, reminiscent of earthy and toasted notes.

Spicy or Sweet Aroma: Some fresh cigars can also have a spicy or sweet scent, similar to fresh bread or a hot cup of coffee.

Bad Cigars

Moldy Smell: A moldy odor is a clear indication of excessive humidity and spoilage.
Stale Odor: If a cigar smells stale, it has likely dried out and lost its aroma, indicating it is no longer fresh.
Ammonia Scent: The smell of ammonia suggests underfermented tobacco, which can be harsh and unpleasant.

What are cigars made of

Cigars are made up of three main components: the filler, binder, and wrapper. The filler determines the cigar’s strength and flavor, the binder holds the filler together, and the wrapper is crucial for appearance and taste.

I think of cigar makers as being like chefs who take matured tobacco leaves, blend them according to different varieties, and ultimately create cigars with different flavors and strengths.

How to keep cigars fresh and store them properly

The key factor in preserving the freshness and flavor of a cigar lies in maintaining temperature and humidity.

For long-term storage, Use a humidor with 65-72% humidity and 65-72°F temperature.
For short-term storage, use a Boveda one bag with a humidity pack or a Tupperware container with a damp sponge.
Avoid storing cigars in the refrigerator as they are too dry.
Rotate cigars within the humidor and gradually re-humidify dried-out cigars to preserve their quality.
Check your cigars regularly to see if they are deteriorating. If a cigar is stale, remove it as soon as possible so that it does not affect other cigars.

How long do cigars last in a humidor?

Here’s the exciting part – they can continue to improve for up to ten years or even longer!

When stored in a well-maintained humidor at around 70% relative humidity and 70°F temperature, they can develop their finest flavors after about five years. Just remember to give your humidor some love with regular maintenance, like seasoning, checking humidity levels, and rotating the cigars. With proper care, these cigars can offer an amazing and enjoyable smoking experience for years to come!

Cigar aging

Cigars that are aged must be premium cigars. Cigar aging is all about storing cigars in the perfect conditions to make them taste even better. You want to keep them in a humidor at around 70% humidity and 70°F. Some people like slightly lower levels, though. When you age cigars, the tobacco leaves to ferment and mellow out, making the flavor smoother and more complex.

The aging process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, but most cigars reach their best flavor after 3-5 years. It’s super important to take good care of your humidor, like keeping an eye on it and rotating the cigars regularly.

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FAQ

What happens if you smoke a bad cigar?

Smoking a bad cigar will affect your health. In addition, bad cigars have a pungent smell, but there are not many other disadvantages.

How long do cigars last in plastic wrapper?

Cigars stored in a plastic wrapper, also known as a cellophane wrapper, can last for up to 30 days outside of a humidor, as the wrapper provides some protection against humidity fluctuations and external contaminants.

How to fix a dry cigar quickly?

To quickly fix a dry cigar, place it in a sealed container, such as a Ziploc bag or Tupperware, along with a Boveda humidity pack set to 62% RH. Gradually increase the humidity level by 2-3% every 2-3 weeks, using additional Boveda packs if necessary, to avoid shocking the cigar and causing the wrapper to crack. This slow rehydration process can take several weeks.

How long do cigars last when lit?

The duration a lit cigar lasts depends on its size, shape, and how it’s smoked. Smaller cigars like cigarillos can be smoked in 5-10 minutes, while larger cigars like Churchills or Double Coronas can burn for over an hour, typically lasting between 60 to 90 minutes.

Are 20 year old cigars still good?

If it is stored properly, it can still be good. For a 20-year-old cigar to still be good, it must be in the right storage environment and it must be a high-quality cigar. Not all cigars can be stored for 20 years.