A cigar is not something that can be made and then left to sit around in just any sort of setting. This is because cigars are crafted from tobacco leaves that can absorb moisture, lose moisture, and even take in some of the odors and flavors within their environments. Consider the use of humidors – these keep a relatively level humidity within in their interiors thanks to their built in humidifiers and hygrometers. When a cigar is kept in a balanced humidor it will age nicely and retain its original flavors, though their tobaccos will tend to blend and mellow a bit over time.

The first thing to know, however, is that the humidor is the final destination and not the embarking point. If you happen to have a few empty humidors or one that is not currently serving in a humidifying capacity you can start the restoration process there, but if not, you can just bust out the largest plastic zip locking bag you have. You will have to ruin it by poking some air holes in it, but it will be worth the sacrifice. Next, you will need to find a relatively stable location, such as a cupboard or closet where the humidity and ambient temperature are fairly steady and reasonable. You can leave the cigars in this spot for the next three or four days.

The first step requires the use of a humidor that is currently not in operation – meaning no humidifying is going on inside of it – or even a large plastic bag with several holes poked into it will work too. The size of the humidor is important because it will need to allow the air surrounding the cigars to remain steady for the next two to three days. The humidor should be in a place of consistent ambient temperature, and must be left in place until the next phase of re-hydration begins.

Once the two-week period of slow hydration has come to an end, the cigars can safely be put into a humidified cedar box for permanent storage or aging. They should not yet be smoked, however, and should enjoy at least another thirty days of mellowing to allow them to reach optimal smoking condition.

After this fourteen day process has been completed, the cigars can be transferred to a fully-balanced humidor. They should remain here for another month (at least) before being smoked to ensure that their humidity and flavor have been completely restored.

Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including nibo group lighters, Dave also owns a premier online cigar accessories store.