Accessories
Humidors
How do you determine the correct humidity of my humidor?
The standard for cigar storage is 70% relative humidity (“RH”) but only at
70 degree F. At temperatures below 70 degree, Relative Humidity (RH)
readings must be greater than 70% to give the same humidification as 70 to
70 degrees. At temperatures above 70 degree, RH readings must be less than
70% for proper results. To find the correct RH:
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Should I take the cellophane of my cigars?
When cigars are stored in a humidor they start "marrying". If your humidor is filled with the same or very similar types of smokes, the tobaccos will blend and absorb each other's oils, flavors and aromas. This is a good thing and you do not need cellophane. However, if you mix cigars of very different strengths or blends, you will create one blend amongst all of your cigars. This is usually not so good and you should use cellophane to separate the different brands as much as possible.
So it's a matter of personal choice. Below are the advantages and disadvantages.
Removing the cellophane allows your cigars to breathe better, which in turn will allow them to age quicker. Also, removing the cello will allow any excess moisture contained within the barrel of the cigar to wick away quicker, resulting in a better burn and draw. Plus, there is nothing quite as attractive a humidor full of "nude" cigars.
Leaving the cellophane on better protects the wrapper from chipping and/or splitting. So if you are someone who constantly moves your cigars around, leaving the cello on can save you from considerable wrapper damage. Also, leaving the cello intact makes it easier to just throw a cigar in your pocket to take wherever you wish.
Some "experts" claim that you should leave the cello on to prevent the marrying of different cigars' flavors stored in the same humidor. Honestly, this is really just anal-retentive bunk. I have stored cigars side by side for years without ever experiencing this marrying; the cigars simply do not exchange enough oils to make this a viable issue, in some opinions.
Why isn’t my humidor holding 70% humidity?
Remove your cigars and using a soft cloth, wipe down the inside of your humidor with distilled water. Close the box and leave it overnight. Next day, place your cigars in your humidor and check your hygrometer for improvement. Repeat this process for a few days. Most likely, the wood needs to be prepared more than just once. Also, check the seal to make sure it is tight. Keep your humidor away from direct sunlight or anywhere where it might be subject to unnecessary heat.
What should I do if I find a tobacco beetle?
If you find cigars with holes in them, you have tobacco beetles. Throw away the affected cigars. Put the rest of your cigars in a sealed plastic bag and freeze them for three days. That will kill any beetles or larvae that might be alive. After the three days in the freezer, move the cigars to your fridge for at least two days to defrost. Make sure you wipe down your humidor with distilled water and a soft cloth before returning your cigars.
Must I use distilled water in my humidification element?
Yes. Tap water and bottled spring water contain minerals that will clog the humidification device and the interior of the humidor. Additionally, some tap waters often have a slight odor that will taint the aroma of the cigars when compounded over months or years.
Can you save a cigar that has been dried out?
A cigar that has dried out will never be the same as one that has remained properly kept, but it can be re-humidified slowly and will most likely regain most of its taste and body.
What do I need to properly store my cigars other than a humidor?
First, you need a humidifying device. This is a simple passive device that will help regulate the humidity in your humidor. Most are constructed of wet-style Oasis floral foam encased in plastic for mounting within the lid of your humidor. Some humidors come with this item, but most of ours do not, leaving you the flexibility to select your own.
Second, you will need "Charging Solution." This is a 50/50 mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and distilled water. The interaction of the PG with the water molecules is what actually regulates the relative humidity (RH) within your humidor. This is used to initially charge your humidifying device; afterwards you will just need to add distilled water on an as-needed basis.
And finally, you may wish to buy a hygrometer, which will help you monitor the RH within your humidor and alert you when you need to add more distilled water. These are available as either a simple analog device or a small battery-operated digital meter.
How do I calibrate my hygrometer with salt?
One of the easiest methods of verifying the accuracy of your hygrometer is to perform a Salt Calibration Test.
Without boring you with the chemistry of why, let me simply state that this test will always result in an achieving an exact relative humidity level of 75%.
The Salt Calibration Test
Materials required:
Tablespoon of plain table salt (NaCl)
Wide Mouth Jar with Lid
Bottle cap or other suitable small container (the wide-mouth ones that are used on individual serving juice or tea bottles are ideal)
Swizzle stick (or other such item to stir with)
Distilled water
Your hygrometer
Place the tablespoon of salt in the bottle cap.
Slowly add distilled water to the salt while blending with the swizzle stick. You want to add just enough water to moisten the salt so that it begins to meld into a thick paste. Do not add enough water to dissolve the salt!
Place the bottle cap with salt into the jar then add your hygrometer. Make certain that the sensor is exposed and not blocked.
Seal the jar tightly as the test will not work if there are any leaks.
Place the jar in a location that is free of direct sunlight and is a stable temperature. Leave undisturbed for a minimum of 8 hours.
Check the reading on the hygrometer through the wall of the jar; it should read on or near 75% RH.
Remember, most small, inexpensive hygrometers are only accurate to within 3%; do not be surprised if it reads 72% or 78% RH. It is exactly 75% RH within the confines of the jar due to the salt paste reacting with the air, and what your hygrometer reads differently is the amount of error.
What to do about an off reading depends on the circumstances. If your hygrometer has an adjustment potentiometer, then by all means try to tweak it to exactly 75%. You should repeat the Salt Calibration Test after making any adjustments. If your hygrometer can't be adjusted and the reading is close, then don't worry about it - just remember that your hygrometer is X% off, either high or low.
If the reading is grossly in error and you are unable to adjust it, then I suggest you replace the hygrometer.
Hygrometers are not really necessary. You will find, over time, that you are able to judge the relative humidity within your humidor by simply touching and smoking your cigars.
How do you set up a humidifier?
The first thing you need to determine is whether the humidifier is pre-charged. "Charged," means that your humidifier has been moistened with a 50/50 solution of Propylene Glycol (PG) and distilled water. PG is the active ingredient that helps to regulate the relative humidity and in order of any humidifier to work it must have an initial charge of PG.
Typically if the unit is pre-charged there will be a note to that effect accompanying the humidifier. The other thing to check is whether the unit came sealed in a plastic bag. If it was shipped within air tight packaging, odds are it is pre-charged.
If it is pre-charged all you need to do is add distilled water. You should use distilled water for two reasons: 1) Distilled water will not clog the pores of your humidifier's foam or sponge, and 2) Distilled water will not contain any bacteria that might mold. Add enough water to well-moisten your new humidifier, but do not saturate.
If it is not pre-charged, then you need to mix a 50/50 solution of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Distilled water. Add the 50/50 solution to well moisten your humidifier, but do not oversaturated. This is called "charging" your humidifier.
Whether you add to add just water or 50/50 the first time, you will need to recheck it in a couple of days. Typically new humidors aka dry ones will absorb a lot of moisture initially. Add distilled water to keep the unit moistened and continue to check and add water as needed until you get the relative humidity (RH) up to 68% or so.
Once you reach this level only add more distilled water as you notice your RH dropping. Depending on the quality of your humidor and the ambient climate you may need to do this weekly or not for months.
Every year or so it is a good idea to completely rinse out your humidifier, allow it to dry, and recharge it with 50/50 beginning the cycle again.