The Complete Handbook of Cigar Cases

Chapter 1: Understanding Cigar Cases

A cigar case is a protective enclosure designed to maintain a specific relative humidity around cigars while they are in transit or in storage outside of a main humidor. It is a functional piece of equipment, not a fashion statement. A good case prevents physical damage, protects the cigars' oils and aromatics, and keeps the tobacco at a moisture level that allows for a clean, even burn. A poor case, regardless of how expensive it looks, will dry out your cigars, crack wrappers, or allow mold to develop.

To understand how a cigar case works, you need to understand what it is protecting. A cigar is a bundle of dried, fermented tobacco leaves, rolled into a specific shape. The wrapper leaf on the outside is thin and delicate. The filler tobacco inside is a blend of leaves that need a certain amount of moisture to burn properly. We store cigars at a relative humidity of 65 to 72 percent, which keeps the wrapper pliable and the filler from becoming brittle. At lower humidity, the wrapper becomes fragile and cracks; the tobacco burns fast and tastes harsh. At higher humidity, the cigar can become too soft, burn poorly, and be susceptible to mold growth.

The case's job is to hold a stable microclimate. It does this in three ways: maintaining a sealed volume, providing a buffer against temperature swings, and holding a moisture source. The seal is what keeps the humidified air from escaping and dry