Frequently Asked Questions for Humidors

Q21: Are humidors that store cigars vertically bad for my smokes?


A: For long-term storage, yes. For short-term storage, the flaws of upright humidors present lesser problems.

The biggest problem with upright humidors is that the feet and heads of your cigars are more likely to sustain damage. Whichever end rests on the bottom of the humidor is likely to crack under the weight of the cigar and from being moved around; the other end is likely to be too close to the humidification element (assuming it's mounted in the lid). Also, most upright humidors are glass, ceramic or plastic, whereas most standard box-shaped humidors are lined with cedar. The cedar lining enhances the aging process. This is why most upright humidors are no good for long-term aging.

Years ago, the Cubans shipped airtight jars of cigars to customers who wanted a "factory fresh" smoke, meaning they didn't want the cigars to mellow and take on cedary flavors imparted by the cedar spills packed in boxes. Obviously, these jars served as short-term storage.

This is a reprint of the article in the "Tip of the Week" section of the website
of Cigar Aficionado ( www.cigaraficionado.com ) in the week of April 13, 1998.