Expert: James Yee - 1/2/2009

Question
Hello and thank you for reading my question.  I just purchased a humidor (for my husband) from Cuban Crafters and it holds approximately 120 cigars.  I have followed all the directions regarding seasoning the humidor and have calibrated my digital hygrometer to ensure that it works properly.  When I was completed with the humidor seasoning, the hygrometer read that the humidity level in the humidor was 71% (which according to directions and what I read is a good level).  BUT...as soon as I put all of his cigars in the humidor, the humidity level has dropped and not gone above 55%. Did I do something wrong?  I thought the humidor was seasoned properly since it read 71%, but it will not go above 55% now that I put the cigars in.

Do you have any advice?  Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer
Hi Monica,

The addition of cigars to the humidor - especially dry cigars - can temporarily absorb all the humidity in the humidor.  Check the humidor's humidification device.  If it has lost a lot of moisture and appears dry, add more distilled water and the humidity should return to 70-71% after a day or so.  If the humidification device has not lost much moisture, just let the humidor sit for a few days and the humidity should stabilize again at 70-71% soon.

Yes, 71% humidity is excellent so as long as you constantly keep the humidification device replenished with distilled water, it should maintain this humidity level with no problems at all.

If after a few days, the humidity still has not returned to normal, it's possible that you may need a second humidification device to generate enough humidity for the humidor.  However, check if the humidification device requires more water and let it sit for a few days first and the humidity should return to normal.

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