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I.      How and Why?
II.     Why 70% RH.
III.    What Type of Wood?  

I.    Humidor – How and Why?

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.

II.    Why 70% humidity?

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.

III.    What type of wood?

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.