Do Cigars Go Bad?

For one reason or the other, you may want to know if cigars do go bad. Maybe you have them in excess, or you just want to know how long you can store them for. If you're in any of these categories, then know that you're not alone. The phrase "Do Cigars go bad" is one of the most popular searched questions about cigars on search engines. So, do cigars go bad? Well, No. However, it depends on how you store them. In this article, you'll be learning if cigars do really go bad, in which conditions can a cigar go bad, and how to prevent it.

Can Cigars Go Bad?

Now to the main question, how long are cigars good for, or more precisely, How long do cigarettes last? Cigars can long last for ages as long as you store them properly. So, can cigars go bad? No. However, it can expire, get moldy or lose flavor. Cigars, unlike fruits and vegetables, are not perishable. They just don't grow mucor. If properly maintained, premium, handcrafted aging cigars will remain fresh or at the very least smokable for years. Cigars, like wine, can be matured. The flavor of a cigar might increase, peak, mellow out or even fade as it ages. "Stale cigars," on the other hand, are frequently the result of insufficient or excessive humidity. (Humidity here refers to exposure to air).

What Are The Conditions That Make Cigars Go Bad?

The gist is, crafting a superb cigar is an art that depends on its surrounding environmental conditions, and it must be maintained for the optimal experience. Because cigars are hygroscopic, they absorb moisture in humid environments yet dry off quickly. A cigar's native habitat must be replicated and maintained to keep its quality and flavor. Let's consider how temperature affects cigars.

Temperature And Cigars

Ideally, cigars should be kept at about seventy degrees Fahrenheit- which equates to 21 degrees Celsius. However, cigars will begin to deteriorate if they are exposed to high temperatures. High temperatures, when combined with low humidity, promote the growth of cigar beetles and mold.

If the conditions are right, cigar beetles can become a significant problem. At temperatures over 77°F (25°C) and humidity levels exceeding 75%, their eggs can begin to hatch, affecting the entire cigar collection.

In this same vein, due to temperature shock, low cold temperatures directly impact the cigar wrapper. When lighting a dry cigar, the heat from the flame causes a chilly cigar's wrapper to shrink, expand, and eventually break. And evaporation inside a cigar will cause fractures in the wrapper if it is chilly and moist. Let's also consider how humidity affects Cigars

Humidity And Cigars

Usually, Cigars should be kept humidified between 65 and 72 percent, according to connoisseurs. When a cigar is made, it includes between 12 and 15% moisture; this moisture must be maintained until the cigar is burned or it will be ruined. High Cigars will collect moisture and become damp if exposed to severe humidity above 72 percent. The cigar swells as the extra moisture absorb into the tobacco leaves, making it nearly hard to pull smoke through.

The wetness will also result in an uneven burn, obliterating the flavor that has been strategically distributed throughout the cigar. On the flip side, When a cigar is left out in the sun on a hot or windy day, the cigar will dry out. A dry cigar burns quickly and hotly, adding heat to the smoke and burning the flavor; the cigar's essential oils evaporate as it dries out, and the flavor is lost. So, does tobacco go bad? Check the humidity it is exposed to.

How To Prevent Cigars From Spoilage

If you've ever been around someone smoking an aged cigar — or, say, you've smoked one yourself — you know it's one of the most unpleasant things you can do. Cigars are both a joy and an investment. It's worth putting in a little extra work to keep them fresh for a longer period. While investing in a humidor is the most obvious way to keep cigars fresh, it isn't always viable – humidors are expensive and can take up the room you don't have. There are, however, some measures you may take to extend your cigar life and keep it fresher.

• Keep your cigars away from the refrigerator. While some cigar smokers would advise you to keep your aging cigars in the refrigerator, this is not a good idea. And this is because the cool, dry air in the fridge can quickly dry out your old cigars, which is the exact opposite of what you want. Cigars absorb (and impart) the flavors of the objects surrounding them, so storing them with yesterday night's marinara or tomorrow's vanilla yogurt is not a good idea. Also, don't put them in the freezer; they'll dry up even faster than in the fridge.
• Close it up! Placing your cigars in a freezer bag with a wet sponge or paper towel and then firmly closing it is one of the simplest ways to keep them fresh and prevent a moldy cigar. The idea behind this is that the sponge or paper towel will provide humidity, which the airtight seal will lock-in. If you're going to keep your cigars for a long time, ensure the sponge or towel hasn't dried out. If this is the case, remoisten it and place it back in the bag. This would improve your cigar life span.
• Don't choke your cigar. This may sound paradoxical; however, it's advisable to remove the cellophane wrapper before storing your cigars. This would permit the cigar to absorb the dampness completely. One caveat: If you're going to be transporting your cigars, keep the cellophane on. This aids with the protection of the cigars during transportation.
• Convert your cooler to a humidor. You're shocked, right? But the fact is you can convert a regular cooler (the kind you take to getaways) into a humidor. It is better to start with a new cooler to prevent any leftover scents from seeping into your cigar- placing a wet sponge in the cooler with your cigars is the simplest way to make a "coolidor." Then remember to inspect the sponge regularly. You can also buy humidification equipment, distilled water, and a hydrometer to establish a humidification system that requires very little maintenance.

Conclusion

How long do cigarettes last mostly depends on their temperature and humidity. If your store them well, chances are that they can remain fresh for several years. We hope you find this article helpful. The good thing is, you now know to solve your aging cigars problem. To learn more about cigars, cigarettes, and smoking, check out our best cigars reviews. Here you will find everything that fits your budget, taste and take your smoking to the next level of smoking.

FAQS

Does tobacco expire?

No, Cigarettes, tobacco don't have expiry dates. However, they can go stale, lose flavor, and taste with time. They can also go bad if you don't store them properly.

How to age cigars?

Aging cigars is the process of storing your cigar properly to extend its shelf life. You can age cigars by using a humidor or a coolidor. Tips like keeping away from the refrigerator, closing it up can also extend cigar life.

How to tell if a cigar is dry?

You can easily tell if a cigar is dry by squeezing it gently between your thumb and forefinger. The cigar is too dry If the wrapper crackles. However, if it feels firm, then it's just a good amount of dry.

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