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Expert: - 11/28/2008


Question
hi there, i just bought a 50ct humidor from a fairly reputable retailer, i also had them season it for me because it was my first and i was unsure how to do it. but im not sure if they saesoned it correctly because even though im using propelyne gycol the humidity seams to fluctuate from 73% all the way down to 63%. is this normal or should i reseason it myself? or what should i do? any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.

thank you,
Dustin

Answer
Hi Dustin,

If the humidor was purchased and seasoned within the past week, you will need to let your humidor sit for at least another week so that the Propylene Glycol can stabilize inside your humidification device.  During this time, it's not uncommon for the humidity level to dip and peak wildly.  The humidity should be properly stabilized after a week.

Once the humidity has stabilized and remain constant, observe what the humidity level is.  The propylene glycol mixture should balance the humidity out at exactly 70% but if not, you may want to fine-tune the mixture to adjust the humidity to a more reasonable level.  If the humidity is too low (65% or less), add more distilled water to dilute the PG and increase humidity.  If the humidity is too high (75% or greater), add a few more small drops of propylene glycol to lower the humidity.  The humidity safe range is between 67%-74% and 70% is considered ideal.

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

Regards,
James

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James Yee

Expertise

My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".

Experience

I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.

Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)


Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto

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