Expert: James Yee - 2/26/2008

Question
James,

Seasoned a new humidor (150 ct).  Damp sponge and humidification devices (2-4oz Humistat Jars).  Initially RH reached 84%, left sponge in box for 24 hours.  RH stabilized @ 63%.  Checked sponge and was slightly damp.  Wiped interior down again removed sponge from box.  RH reached 87% and stabilized @ 67%. Intro approx 35 cigars.  RH was maintaining @ 63-64% however recently experienced a drop to 60%.  Intro (2) drymistat tubes as well as (2) small size credo devices in addition to the afore mention jars.  RH remaining @ approx 60%.  All this within last 24 hrs.

Live in northeastern Ohio so climate is pretty terrible right now.  Box not near windows, doors, etc.  My concern is my current inventory as well as 30 additional cigars that I plan to intro this week are in jeopardy.

Should I just wait thinking the RH will increase over the next few days or consider going through the seasoning process again?  This is a new hobby for me so I am sort of flying blind here.

Thanks for your help

Dave

Answer
Hi Dave,

Is your hygrometer properly calibrated?  Conduct a salt test on the hygrometer and see if it reads 75%.  If it doesn't, adjust the calibration needle so that it reads 75% after the salt test and it will be properly calibrated.  (Sounds like your hygrometer may be off by 10-15% right now.)

If you need instructions on performing a salt test, just let me know.

If your hygrometer is working properly, wait 24 hours and give your humidor some time for the humidity to stabilize.  It doesn't sound like your humidor needs any more seasoning.  If the humidity doesn't improve, check your Credo devices and refill them if they're dry.  During winter months, the home environment can become quite dry so it's not uncommon for the humidor humidity to quickly drop below 65%.  You'll need to refill your devices more frequently during winter because the [extremely] dry air in your home can affect the humidity inside your humidor.

Because of the cold winter weather, it's not uncommon for people to recharge their humidors every two weeks or even every single week as opposed to the regular 4-6 week refill schedule during warmer months.

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

Regards,
James