Cigars/Winter humidity problems
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Question
I live in northern illinois and am having problems keeping my humidity over 62% (i prefer 68%). I have a 100 count humi with glass panels with a good seal and about 35 cigars stored. I have tried beads and humi packs both stating 70% RH. Have heat on during days around 70-73 deg. and at night 65 deg. I don't want my cigars to dry out during the winter months. Is there anything you can suggest. Should put both beads and paks in at same time? I have also heard you have to re-season humi before winter months, is this true? Thanks in advance, Ben.
Hi Ben,
Yes, it's pretty common for humidors to have problems maintaining humidity during the winter months and adding an additional humidification element (such as using both paks and beads) or increasing your humidification's recharge schedule should easily correct this. If you normally recharge your humidifier every 4-6 weeks during the summer months, you may find yourself needing to recharge the humidifier every 2-3 weeks during winter just to maintain proper humidity.
A lot of cigar smokers also find that it helps to re-season their humidor in winter - especially if they haven't done so in a long time - because it can help maintain proper humidity during winter. Re-seasoning your humidor for winter isn't necessary but many people find that it does help.
Try adding a second humidification element first and see if that works. During winter, you will also need to monitor your humidor closely to determine when you should recharge the humidifiers.
Hopes this answers your question. As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask.
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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