Expert: James Yee - 9/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: one more question,   should the cigar be glowing red when the ash falls off
which is usually around 2 inches. and also is it bad that the red part is almost
a point.   like how long should you really wait in between puffs do keep the
cigar at a good burn and keep the flavors great.

ANSWER: Hi Ben,

2 puffs a minute is perfect.  It will keep the cigar burning consistently but not overheat it.  Smoking too fast will cause the cigar to burn hotter and faster which creates an uneven burn and harsh taste.  

Also, if the burning foot of the cigar is constantly a sharp point, it usually means that you're not letting the cigar burn properly and thoroughly before tapping the ash off.  Smoke at a slow and relaxed pace and let the ash accumulate.  Cigar smokers will usually let the cigar accumulate 1 to 2 inches of ash before tapping it off.  When you tap the ash off, delicately press it against the ashtray and it should break off. You can also delicately tap it with your finger and it should easily fall off.  To prevent your cigar from possibly having an irregular burn, try to let the foot of the cigar burn as even as possible.  A point is not necessarily a bad thing but it can lead to a crooked burn.

The foot of the cigar can also be glowing red when you tap the ash off.

Regards,
James

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

QUESTION: hey i was wondering if you recommend or if youve heard anything about
humicare Crystal Gel Humidification. because my hhumidityhas been dropping
to around 60 overnight.   and i was wondering if this would keep it steady

ANSWER: Hi Ben,

Crystal Gel, or any type of cellulose polymer-based humidification device (ie: beads, crystals, gel pillows, etc.) work great in a humidor.  They're less susceptible to bacteria and can perform longer than traditional aquafoam-based humidifiers.  They're also fairly accurate at maintaining a steady humidity level.  These may help your current humidity problem.  As an alternative, you may also want to consider having an additional humidification device in your humidor and use propylene glycol in your humidification devices.  Propylene glycol will control your humidity at 70%.  Your current humidity level is 60% so an additional humidifier should boost the humidity while propylene glycol will prevent it from increasing to extremely high levels.  All you need is to add a 50/50 mixture of propylene glycol and distilled water to each humidification device.  PG usually last an average of two years in your humidor so you only need to add this mixture just once.  Afterwards, add distilled water whenever needed.

Propylene glycol is available at most cigar stores, drugs stores and pharmacies.

Hopes this answers your question.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask.

Regards,
James

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

QUESTION: well i got the humi care but im having major problem,  my rh went to 62 and
my temperature went from 70 to 82,  my hygomiter is digital so i dont think it
not being accurate is a problem

Answer
Hi Ben,

Give your humidor a few days for the humidity to stabilize.  Like Propylene Glycol, beads, crystals and gels can require some time for the humidity to fully stabilize.  During this time, the humidity may dip and peak wildly.  The rise in temperature may also be a reaction from you opening and working on your humidor.  Just in case, relocate the humidor to a cooler room in your house.  The temperature should eventually drop back to normal.

Regards,
James