Cigars are a personal experience so it’s safe to say that you can experience them in whatever way that makes them enjoyable.

There is no right way to store them whether in Tupperware, cedar humidors or even zip-lock bags.  There is no “correct” humidity to store them at (just keeping in mind you don’t want them to completely dry out or stored in an environment that promotes mold – in both cases ruining the cigar).  Some cigars will smoke better at lower relative humidity and others at a higher relative humidity.  It all comes down to personal preference.  The only golden standard that one should pay attention to is what works for them.  There are, however, a few DOs and DONTs when it comes to cigars that everyone should pay attention to along the way.

Here is a short list of a some DOs and DONTs:

DON’T: Let price determine the quality of a cigar. Just because something is expensive doesn’t make it good.

DO: Try a variety of cigars in all price ranges, from different countries and tobacco strains.  It’s the only way to see for yourself what determines quality.

DON’T: Let ratings determine if a cigar is good.  Take ratings with a grain of salt.  Every palate is different.  You may find that you have similar to tastes to certain people who rate cigars and would agree more with their opinions than others.

DO: Use your own judgment.  Taste is subjective. The most important opinion or rating is your own.

DON’T: Assume a cigar is maduro because it has a dark wrapper.

DO: Understand that maduro is a process.  Maduro translates to “ripe” and it’s the process of utilizing thick tobacco leaves, fermenting and refermenting in a long process.  The result is a smooth, often sweeter tasting and rich flavor.

DON’T: Assume the strength of a cigar by the color of its wrapper.  Most of the strength in a cigar comes from the blend of filler tobaccos.

DO: Learn what different origin, strain and priming has to offer as far as flavor and strength profiles. Every county, region seed strain and priming has something unique to offer.

DON’T: Put a cigar out in an ashtray like a cigarette.  It makes a mess, can ruin any chance of relighting and can release obnoxious odors.

DO: Set it in an ashtray and let it go out on its own, it usually only take s a few minutes.

DON’T: Store cigars in a refrigerator.  Despite the myth that they will stay fresh, it will actually dry them out over time depleting them of their precious, flavorful oils.

DO: Look into getting a humidor.  There are many ways to store cigars that can keep the in your ideal conditions.  It’s as easy as grabbing a Boveda pack in your preferred humidity percentage and grabbing some Tupperware or even thick zip-lock bags.

DON’T: Take cigars out of the cellophane in a retail shop to smell them.  Don’t even smell cigars that aren’t in cellophane.  No one wants a cigar that’s been stuck someone else’s nose.

DO: Ask your retailer for help and they can easily guide you to what you are looking for.

That’s the short list.  Are there any DO’s or DONT’s that you can think of?  Let us know in the comments below!