Expert: James Yee - 9/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: James,
I have a 300ct humidor which I bought aprox 1 month ago see attached pic. I replaced the cheaply made shelf with one I made from solid Spanish cedar (there are some small vents I added for ventilation). I felt it would help with humidity regulation.  The humidor came with two large bricks which I attached just above the shelf. I seasoned it according to normal measures.  Now all of a sudden, I have noticed the humidity has gotten very high (close to 80%) and some of my Hoyo Double Coronas have split in places :*(

What should I do?  I have already removed the large bricks from the humidor and am monitoring the humidity regularly. It's at 71% now and I am leaving the door slightly open to get some of the humidity out. Do you know why this would have happened?  My thinking is that I should go get one of the Oasis XL systems to help keep a constant regulated humidity and loose the large bricks.

Thanks,
Tyler


ANSWER: Hi Tyler,

The reason why your cigars are splitting is because the humidity is either too high in your entire humidor, or too high in one localized area inside your humidor (due to obstructing compartments or shelves that would block humidity aeration.)

What you should do is add more large vents/slats to the shelf that you made and this will improve the humidity aeration.  Next, make sure the humidification devices are not obstructed by any humidor components or cigars themselves as this can block the flow of humidity and localize it in some areas (causing over-humidification).  Also, you can upgrade to a better humidification device but if you prefer to keep the bricks, adding a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and proplyene glycol to each brick should create 70% humidity (you may need to fine tune the mixture) without any worry that the humidity will dip and peak wildly.

To repair your split cigars use pectin, vegetable glue or "Cigar Dr" (or any type of commercial cigar repair adhesive).

Hopes this answers your question. As always, if you have any more questions. Please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: James,
Thanks that was helpful.  One follow-up question regarding the bricks vs. automated humidity device... I’m not necessarily partial to the bricks and my thinking is that because of the design of my humidor, my cigars may benefit from having something that helps circulate the air inside the humidor more (i.e., Oasis XL or similar brand).  In your opinion would this likely solve the lack of circulation problem due to the drawers and shelf?
Thanks,
Tyler
P.S. I will be widening the slots in the shelf for additional ventilation.


Answer
Hi Tyler,

If you add more slots on the shelves and add an electronic humidifier, your humidor will definitely have better humidity circulation.  Be sure that you don't closely obstruct the humidification device with cigars or humidor components.  The most important thing you should do is make sure your shelves/trays are well ventilated by adding more slots.  Even if you use an electronic humidifier, any obstructions from cigars or poorly designed humidor components will still localize the humidity in some areas and cause over-humidification.  

Creating ample ventilation and keeping your bricks/electronic humidifier unobstructed from anything inside your humidor is key.

Regards,
James