Expert: M J Robbins - 10/23/2009

Question
I finally bought a relatively nice humidor from my local cigar shop (I usually buy a cigar the day I plan to have a nice smoke) that holds about ten cigars and is perfect for travel because of the hard exterior and the water proof seal..the 'Cigar Caddy'.  Many people say you should use PG fluid, others say distilled water works just as good, but what about tap water?  I know that there could be lime and calcium in the water that could clog the actual humidor system, but that's not my biggest concern. I know I can always buy a new humidor system (they're usually $10 or less, even though I pray I don't have to...)

What I'm wondering is:

1.) how long does it take to clog/ruin a humidor system

2.) would letting the water sit over night do anything (just an idea from my "aquarium days")  

3.) will using tap water for my humidor system ruin my cigars (add an extra flavor to my Montecristo or Davidoff)

4.) can I distill water at home (boil water in a tea kettle or something like that)?

Thanks so much!

Answer
1. 1 day with water or tap water can ruin the cigars.
2. Let the water sit overnight then throw it out (joke here)
3. Tap water has minerals and chlorine that will ruin your cigars not to mention a breeding ground for mold - these minerals are good for humans but not cigars.
4. A gallon of distilled water costs about $2 and using about 4 ounces a month that should last a few years in a 50 cigar wood humidor but DO NOT PUT WATER, ANY WATER, IN A CIGAR CADDY.

Cigar Caddy
These sealed plastic cases came out decades ago as Pelican cases used for Camera equipment.
Then some cigar guy thought to make a smaller one for cigars. I noticed from my first tests 15 years ago that putting water in a sealed case can ruin cigars real quick. So the sealed case will keep cigars fresh for a few weeks with no water and that is how I sold them.
Then the miracle occurred - some really smart guy invented Boveda devices - they keep exact humidity and in the sealed environment of the Cigar Caddy it works perfectly. I left the Cigar Caddy in the garage with 10 cigars and a 69% Boveda for 10 months and the cigars were perfect.
SO
Only the Boveda 69% for your Cigar Caddy period. Replace when they get hard like a credit card.
It is a cool no-brainer to put your cigars in a case and not worry about them for several months...
That is how I have pitched it to my customers for the last 5 years and I have sold thousands with a 100% satisfaction rate.
Boveda cost about $5 online.
By the way, I have been telling the Cigar Caddy people to include the Boveda in all their cases for years but at this time they only put them in the bigger cases.

Mike