If you’re an avid cigar smoker or just starting your journey into this luxurious world, you’ve likely asked yourself: Do cigars go bad? The simple answer is yes. However, it’s a bit more complex than that, and with proper care and knowledge, your cigars can last for years—even decades.
This guide will explore the factors that impact cigar longevity, how to store them correctly, and how to identify a bad cigar before it's too late. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to enjoy your cigars at their peak freshness and flavor.
Yes, cigars do go bad, but not in the way that food or other perishables do. Rather than rotting or becoming unsafe, cigars can dry out, lose flavor, or become moldy if not properly stored. Tobacco is an organic material, and like other natural products, it needs specific conditions to maintain its integrity.
A cigar stored in a less-than-ideal environment will suffer in terms of taste, texture, and overall smoking experience. However, when stored correctly, cigars can actually improve with age, developing richer and more complex flavors over time.
Several factors contribute to whether a cigar will last long or deteriorate quickly. The main culprits? Humidity, temperature, and airflow. Let’s break these down to better understand how each affects the lifespan of a cigar.
The single most important factor in maintaining cigar quality is humidity. Cigars are traditionally grown in tropical regions like the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of Southeast Asia, where the air is naturally humid. If you remove a cigar from a similarly humid environment, it will begin to dry out, losing the oils that give it flavor and aroma.
The ideal humidity level for cigar storage is between 65% to 72% relative humidity (RH). Keeping cigars within this range ensures that the leaves retain their moisture, oils, and elasticity, all of which contribute to a rich smoking experience.
If the humidity rises above 72%, the excess moisture can lead to mold growth or cause the cigars to swell, making them difficult to light and smoke. Mold, especially green or blue spots on the wrapper, is a sure sign that your cigar has gone bad beyond repair.
In contrast, cigar plume, a white, powdery substance sometimes mistaken for mold, is actually a good sign—it indicates proper aging.
On the other hand, if humidity levels drop below 65%, the cigars will dry out. Dry cigars become brittle and lose much of their flavor. You’ll also notice they burn too quickly and unevenly, providing a less enjoyable smoke. Once cigars have dried out, it can be difficult—though not impossible—to restore them to their former glory.
For a more detailed guide on maintaining the perfect humidor environment, visit Tips for Perfect Humidor Humidity.
Humidity and temperature are partners in preserving cigars. Ideally, cigars should be stored at a temperature between 64°F and 70°F. Higher temperatures, particularly above 72°F, can activate tobacco beetles, tiny pests that can wreak havoc on your collection by boring holes into your cigars.
On the other hand, low temperatures, especially below 50°F, can make the tobacco brittle and degrade its flavor profile over time. Keeping cigars in temperature-controlled environments—like a humidor—is essential for long-term storage.
For more details on how to properly regulate both temperature and humidity in your humidor, check out How to Set Up an Electric Humidor.
Cigars need proper airflow to age gracefully. Unlike wine, which thrives in airtight conditions, cigars benefit from a slow, steady exchange of air. Without adequate ventilation, cigars can develop unwanted odors or become stale.
This is another reason why investing in a quality humidor is crucial. Modern humidors are designed to allow some airflow while still controlling humidity and temperature, ensuring your cigars age slowly and evenly.
Cigars are sensitive to light, especially direct sunlight, which can heat them up and dry them out. Always store your cigars in a dark place or a humidor positioned away from windows. Prolonged exposure to light can lead to changes in flavor and texture, causing them to degrade over time.
Cigars, when stored properly, can last for decades. In fact, many premium cigars are aged for several years before they even reach the market. With the right storage conditions, cigars will continue to mature, developing new flavors and complexity as they age.
However, cigars that are not properly stored can dry out and lose flavor in as little as a few days or weeks, depending on the surrounding environment. Without the right humidity levels, your cigars may deteriorate quickly.
If you're curious about how long cigars last under different storage conditions, check out our resource How Long Do Cigars Last in a Humidor.
Even the most experienced cigar aficionados have encountered bad cigars. Here's how to recognize if a cigar has passed its prime:
Fresh cigars have a rich, earthy aroma. When cigars go bad, this aroma is replaced with a stale, musty, or sour odor. If your cigar smells off, it’s a clear sign that it’s no longer good for smoking.
Gently pinch the cigar between your fingers. A good cigar will feel firm with a slight spring to it. If it feels overly soft or too hard (like wood), it has likely either absorbed too much moisture or dried out entirely.
Inspect the cigar closely for white spots. As mentioned earlier, plume is a natural occurrence that indicates a cigar is aging well. However, mold—which can appear green or blue—is a sign that your cigar has been exposed to too much moisture. Moldy cigars should be discarded immediately, as smoking them can be hazardous to your health.
For more on mold, plume, and how to tell the difference, check out Consequences of Storing Cigars Without a Humidor.
Now that you understand the factors that influence a cigar’s longevity, let’s discuss the best practices for keeping your cigars fresh and flavorful over time.
A humidor is the single best investment you can make if you’re serious about preserving your cigars. A humidor controls humidity and temperature, creating the perfect environment for long-term storage. Depending on the size of your collection, you can choose from desktop humidors, travel humidors, or larger, cabinet-style humidors.
Not sure which type is right for you? Read our guide on How to Choose a Humidor.
Even the best humidors need regular upkeep. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and ensure they stay within the recommended range of 65% to 72%. It’s also wise to check the temperature regularly to prevent unwanted fluctuations.
Cigars stored in a humidor may not always receive equal amounts of humidity. By rotating your cigars every few months, you ensure that each one benefits from even exposure to the humidified air, helping them age properly.
Cigars are sensitive to drastic changes in temperature and humidity, so it’s important to store them in a stable environment. Avoid places like attics, basements, or garages, where temperature and humidity can fluctuate wildly.
For additional tips on long-term cigar storage, visit The Ultimate DIY Walk-in Humidor Guide.
To wrap it all up, yes, cigars do go bad—but with proper care, they can last for many years and even improve with age. The key lies in maintaining the right balance of humidity, temperature, and airflow, which can be easily achieved with a quality humidor.
By following the best practices outlined here, you’ll ensure your cigars stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever the mood strikes. For more information on cigar care and accessories, check out these articles:
Whether you’re storing a few cigars or an entire collection, with the right setup, you can savor the art of cigar smoking for years to come.
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Great humidifier! Auto regulates and keeps an amazingly consistent humidity level. My humidor is a 6 cubic foot in wall model that I have the EB-200 in.
This was a great purchase for our lounge! We will be definitely be purchasing more Humidors as we grow !
Thank you to Ben and his team !
