For any cigar aficionado (budding or otherwise), going to light up a cigar just to discover it has dried out can be incredibly disappointing. What you thought would be an indulgent smoke has now lost its integrity and the promise of a satisfactory cigar all but disappeared.
An overly dry cigar can impact the flavor, burn, and overall construction, ruining the whole smoking experience. That’s why prevention is key. Whether you’re new to the world of cigars or an experienced smoker, developing a keen eye to identify a drying cigar is imperative for maintaining the quality of your stogies.
Let’s explore how you can tell if your cigars are becoming too dry and whether you can reverse the damage.
Why cigar moisture matters
Cigars need to be kept at a certain level of moistness to hold their shape, natural oils, and burn smoothly. They’re made from carefully cured and fermented tobacco leaves that must be stored in precisely the right conditions. Otherwise, the smoking experience won’t be what the brand intended its customers to enjoy.
Each cigar is different. However, as a baseline, your stogies should be stored between 65-70% humidity. Maintaining this ideal humidity level is what will help your cigars retain their carefully blended flavors. This is why it’s important to invest in a humidor (more on that later).
What happens if cigars dry out?
Cigars that are allowed to dry out lose their essential oils and moisture, which gives stogies their distinct flavor and aroma. Without them, each element of the cigar is altered, including its taste, texture, burn, and overall smoking experience.
Some dried-out cigars, if not completely brittle, can be revived by storing them in a humidor for a couple of weeks. However, they’ll never be quite the same. The longer a cigar stays dry, the more permanent the damage.
How quickly do cigars dry out?
If not stored the right way, cigars can dry out surprisingly quickly.
The length of time depends on how you store them. Things like direct exposure to sunlight, being placed near indoor heating sources, or under conditioning units can all drain your cigars of moisture. In some cases, it can take only a matter of days.
To prevent your cigars from becoming too dry to enjoy, you must store them somewhere you can retain their moisture. A humidor is your best friend here. However, if you find yourself in a tight spot, an airtight container stored in a shady cupboard or drawer will work temporarily. Make sure to place a Boveda humidity pack inside to help regulate moisture levels.
How to tell if cigars are dry
Finding out your cigar is too dry the moment you take your first draw is a sore experience. Save yourself the crumbly taste in your mouth and inspect your cigar for these tell-tale signs before you light up.
Cracked or flaky wrapper
One of the easiest ways to tell if a cigar is too dry is by inspecting the wrapper. It should feel smooth and slightly oily to the touch. When cigars lose moisture, the wrapper becomes fragile and brittle, leading to an uneven burn and unpleasant smoking experience.
If your cigar has dried out, the wrapper will show visible signs of damage. Look for cracks, flakes, or splits — all strong indicators of dehydration.
Stiff of brittle body
Give your cigar a gentle squeeze between your thumb and forefinger. If it still has some slight give and elasticity, it’s a sign there is still moisture in the tobacco leaves. However, if the cigar feels stiff or brittle, or even breaks apart, it’s too dry.
Faded color
Your cigar’s color is another indicator of its overall condition. Fresh cigars stored at the right humidity level typically have vibrant and rich hues. Those that are depleted of moisture lose their luster and become dull or faded over time. As the oils that gave the cigars their attractive sheen evaporate, they leave behind a lifeless-looking stick.
Bitter taste
The most telling sign of a dry cigar is a change in favor. The complex flavors cigars are known for are elevated by the moisture content within the tobacco leaves. When the leaves dry out, the oils dry out and the flavor is altered, resulting in a harsh, bitter taste that can leave a staleness on the palate.
How to prevent your cigars from drying out
As already touched upon, the best way to prevent your cigars from drying out is to store them in a humidor.
Humidors are specifically designed to maintain the humidity and temperature conditions of your cigars, regulating the environment in which they’re stored. As well as keeping your cigars neatly stored and organized, a humidor helps retain the natural oils and moisture of your cigars, keeping them fresh and delicious. Regularly check the humidity levels to ensure they stay between 65-70%. While a temporary airtight container can work as a quick fix, investing in a humidor is the best option.
Staying fresh
Knowing how to tell if cigars are dry is essential for any cigar enthusiast. From visual clues like a cracked or faded wrapper to physical signs of a brittle body, recognizing when a cigar has dried out before you spark up can save you from a disappointing smoke. Remember, proper storage is what will maintain the quality of your cigars and ensure you enjoy a perfect smoke every time.