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 Click
Here For Cigar Knowledge
- How
& Why
- Why
70% Rh
- What
Type of Wood
- What
to Look for in a Humidor

Do
I really need a humidor? This is a question that many cigar smokers
ask. The answer is: if you care about your cigars YES if you don’t
than no. The conditions for proper cigar storage are not found
in our homes or offices. Humidors are designed to achieve the
proper storing conditions of cigars. The ideal conditions to keep
cigars are 65-75% relative humidity and between 65-70°F. The relative
humidity is the more important of the two, but with temperature
fluctuations, the relative humidity tends to change as well. Now
if you have achieved the proper humidity and temperature are you
all set? Not really - Well you are o.k. for a while, but another
good tip is to open the box frequently. The air inside the box
often becomes “stale”. If you do not open the box frequently,
the box air can become stagnant and affect the flavor of your
cigars. With the information above it should be evident that storing
your cigars in you refrigerator, car, office draw are not ideal
and will either dry out or make you cigars too moist.

A relative Humidity of 70% is considered to be the proper storing
conditions for cigars. This is because the areas that most tobacco
is grown in, their natural climate has a 70% RH. But there are
also some countries that enjoy their cigars a little dryer and
they keep their humidity lower. Remember that hygrometers can
and most likely are off so a reading of 65% could really be 70%.
My suggestion would be to make sure you calibrate your hygrometer.
This will give you some kind of starting area. Then get your humidor
up to the desired humidity. Try the cigars, if they are too moist
or too dry adjust humidity level in the humidor. Then for future
reference try to keep your humidity at a level reading for which
you like your cigars at.

The wood used to line a humidor has a lot to do with the humidors
performance. A wood is needed should be porous so it will absorb
and release moisture. With the humidity on the inside at 70%,
and the humidity on the outside ranging from 20% - 90%, a wood
is needed that will not “warp” or “cup” under these conditions.
With this in mind, Spanish Cedar or Honduran Mahogany are the
best choices. They are very stable at a relative Humidity of 70%.
Spanish Cedar also prevents the growth of mold and mildew that
could ruin a good cigar. The only problem with Spanish Cedar is
it has a tendency to release sap. This can also ruin your cigars.
But don’t worry its not the end of the world. If you do get sap
on the inside of your humidor, use lacquer thinner or acetone
on a rag and gently wipe the inside of the humidor to remove the
sap. If the problem was real bad, use very fine sand paper to
remove any damaged wood. Note using sandpaper is your last resort,
be very careful not to damage the wood. Spanish Cedar tends to
have a bit more aroma than Honduran Mahogany. So what lining you
choose really depends on your personal preference.

When you purchase a humidor, your best bet is to know what your
looking for and ask questions. If the company you are purchasing
your humidor from is evasive or doesn't have the answers, be careful.
This is not to say its a bad humidor, but the just could not be
knowledgeable in the area.
Look what kind of wood it is made out of. Your better desktop
models are made from solid hardwood. Cabinet style humidors are
a little different. Because of the large pieces, some portions
may have to be made from a plywood. This is not bad, it actually
expands better and can prevent splitting of the wood. The inside
of the humidor should be lined with either cedar or Honduran Mahogany.
Humidor finish is also something to ask about. If the box is made
from some sort of pressboard or plywood, most likely the finish
is a veneer. A finish that is from the natural wood or stain is
very nice.
Ask about the construction. Is it hand made or machine made. Handmade
models are usually more expensive but the construction is usually
better. Also ask about the hardware used; hinges, corners, locks,
handles and whatever else it may have.
If you looking for a very inexpensive humidor, chances are that
the construction is not the greatest. But if its in your budget,
then just make sure it functions properly.
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