Cigars/keeping fresh
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Question
having trouble keeping my humidor above 60% humidity.
what i was wondering if i could turn my old wine refer into a large humidor, if so can you guide me.?
Hi Joe,
First, if your humidor has not been seasoned yet, you should season it immediately and this should raise the humidity to a more ideal level. If your humidor has already been recently seasoned, then it may just need another humidification device. (If it was seasoned a long time ago, it may need to be re-seasoned again.) In most cases, one humidification device may not be producing enough humidity for your humidor (especially if it's a large humidor) so you will need to boost the humidity output. Adding a second humidification unit can easily fix the problem. There are a variety of inexpensive humidification devices that boost humidity so visit your local cigar shop/tobacconist and examine what your options are.
As an alternative, you can also invest in an electronically-controlled humidifier that can automatically generate 70% humidity.
If your wine cellar is between 67%-74% humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, then it is perfect for storing cigars and you can just leave your entire humidor in your cellar. Most wine cellars however, typically do not exceed 65 degrees Fahrenheit and are less humid so it would not be best to store cigars there. I suggest either seasoning your humidor or adding a secondary humidification device.
Hopes this answers your question. If you need seasoning instructions or 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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