Cigars/feet smell - tap water.
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Question
I have been procrastinating getting distilled water and have been using tap water in my tubador. and some of the ones that have been in there a while have a musky smell, almost like sweaty feet, although they taste alright. I don't see any mold on them but i was wondering is there mold too small to see or is it just junk from the tap water getting my smokes a little funky?
Hi Bob,
Even though mold is not visible yet, a mildew-like smell is often a sign that your cigars are beginning to catch it. To avoid any future problems with your cigars, it's best to replace the tap water with distilled water immediately and replace your humidification as well. Tap water can contain microscopic bacteria and mineral deposits so not only can it cause your cigars to smell funky, it can cause mold and even mineral trace (chalky calcium, salt deposits) to form and clog the pores in your humidification device.
It's also best to sterilize your humidor/storage container by gently wiping it down with some Isopropyl Alcohol. Once your humidor is properly set up again, monitor the humidity level closely and make sure it does not rise above 75%. High humidity is also a cause for mold growth and for storage containers such as tupperdors and coolerdors, the chances of having high humidity is always possible. The humidity should be between 67%-73%. This is the humidity safe zone for cigars.
Hopes 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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