Expert: James Yee - 10/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi James,

I have a few bands that I would like to put back on the cigars, glue is out of the question, so what do you suggest doing/using to put them back on w.o ruining the taste.

thanks,

Charles

ANSWER: Hi Charles,

Double-sided tape works best.  3M makes a thin, double-sided scotch tape that is very strong and holds up extremely well.  Even in a humidified environment, the tape will not loosen.  I use it to adhere my cigar bands into my cigar dossier and this tape is very effective.  You can buy this tape at most office supply stores for about $4-$6 a reel.  The tape is available in permanent and removable.  Permanent is fairly strong so if you don't want to tear the cigar bands when you remove them during smoking, use the removable version.

Here are links for them:
http://www.officemax.com/office-supplies/tape-glue-adhesives/tape/double-sided-t
http://www.officemax.com/office-supplies/tape-glue-adhesives/tape/double-sided-t

Hopes this helps!  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: Hi James,

Thanks for the prompt response!

Another question for you, I have a humidor for 100 cigars, i seasoned it and then all of the sudden after adding another box of cigars its dipped to 65% humidity.  I stuck the whole box in there and just left the lid open.   It has been 2 days and no change from 65%.  Normally, it stays about 69-71% consistently.  I use 4 drymistat tubes and 2 gel humdifiers. Is this normal?   How many days before I should get worried about the humidity not coming back up?  

Thanks,

Charles

Answer
Hi Charles,

It's totally natural for the humidity to slightly drop after you've added a surplus of cigars to your humidor.  Whenever you add a large quantity of cigars to your humidor, those cigars will absorb most of the humidity so you will need to check your humidification devices to see if they need recharging after you've added new cigars.  If your gel humidifiers or drymistat have lost a lot of moisture, recharge them with more distilled water.  If the humidification devices still feel moist, leave them alone and the humidity in your humidor should naturally restore itself back to normal within a week.

Hope this helps!  As always, if you have any more questions, just ask.

Regards,
James