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Expert: - 2/27/2008


Question
Hi James,

I keep my cigars in their original wood boxes--some SLB's, some 2 layer "presentation boxes" in plastic tupperware type plastic containers (45x37x20)... appx 6-7 per. I've been lucky--and somewhat surprised--in being able to maintain 70% RH, +/-3%, by simply using 2 oasis foams in open Ziplock bags. Questions: 1) Should I attempt to raise the RH slightly? (I assume the wood boxes themselves act as a barrier, furthermore, have noticed that these cigars are definitely dryer than those in my desktop humidor.); 2) Besides opening the plastic container every 2-3 weeks to vent/air-out the cigars, do you suggest any other steps for proper aging?

Thanks for your advise.
--v


Answer
Hi Victor,

If your cigars feel a bit dry, you can slightly increase the humidity to something more to your liking.  However, keep in mind that because your humidity is already at 70%, it can be very tricky to fine-tune your humidity without exceeding 74%.  If you do decide to increase the humidity, fine-tune in small increments and carefully monitor your cigars everyday to make sure the humidity doesn't rise too high.  (I would personally leave the humidity at 70% but if it's a major concern for you, by all means increase the humidity.)

Also, the cigars in your SLBs may feel dry if your boxes have not been seasoned yet.  If you season your SLBs (the same way you would season a regular humidor), the condition of your cigars may improve.

In regards to aging cigars properly in Tupperware, the only other thing you should do is rotate your cigars periodically.  When you vent the container, simply move the bottom row of cigars to the top and the top row to the bottom.  Other than that, it sounds like you have a good "tupperdor" system. :) (On a side note, you should consider upgrading to a larger humidor large enough to accomodate all your cigars.)

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