Expert: James Yee - 1/1/2008

Question
Hey there, let me first say I'm a novice when it comes to cigars, so forgive me if i sound like an amateur.  I have one main question, i just bought two humidors, both are working fine with just tap water, but will this hurt the cigars or device in any way?

My second question, will cigars ever rot or get damaged in a properly maintained humidor?  if so, how long?

and lastly, I like Dominican cigars most but can't settle on a brand i like.  i was wondering, do you have any suggestions for a man who likes a good, strong, flavorful cigar?

Answer
Hi Stuart,

To answer your questions:

1/ Tap water can actually ruin a humidor as the water has mineral deposits, microbes and bacteria which can cause the pores in aquafoam-based humidifiers to clog with mineral trace/calcium deposits.  When maintaining a humidor, it's always best to use either 100% distilled water or bidest water which is double distilled water.  Using tap water or boiled water is not recommended.  Even commercially bottled drinking water (such as Evian, Daisani, Aquafina, etc.) is not advised because they contain minerals such as calcium and iron which can build up inside a humidor.

2/ If properly maintained and stored, cigars can last several decades inside a humidor.  Over time however, cigars will lose strength, flavour and "shrink" (ie: slightly shrivel) due to the loss of natural oils but if properly humidified, aged cigars can and will taste even better than before.  The aging "peak" for most cigars is usually 8-10 years.  At this point, the cigars will taste the most flavourful.  After 10 years, the flavours and cigar strength will begin to mellow.  

Cigars can also be damaged at any time so it's important to remember that you must always handle your cigars carefully while placing them in or removing them from your humidors.

3/ There's a lot of great Dominican brands for people who love premium, flavourful cigars.  If you haven't tried them yet, I would like to recommend Fuente Opus X, Ashton VSG and Cohiba Xtra Vigoroso.

Hope this answers your questions.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I'll be happy to help.

Regards (and have a Happy New Year),
James