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Cigars/Cabinet humidor humidity

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Expert: - 2/19/2009


Question
Hi James,

In my cabinet humidor, I am having a hard time getting the humidity at the top level to stay over 66% when the humidifier is not on.
The rest of the levels (there are 4 in total), range around 68% which is fine for me.
I was wondering, how can i get the humidity higher on the top shelf? Do you recommend chrystals?

Thank you for your advise in advance!

Answer
Hi Thomas,

Crystals/beads can definitely boost the humidity at the top level.  In fact, crystals and beads are better than a foam element because they can maintain humidity longer and are less susceptible to bacteria.

Also, be sure to organize your cigars in your cabinet so humidity can circulate through the levels more easily.  If you have cigars boxes on each level, space them so there are gaps between each box and this will allow air and humidity flow to circulate more easily.  

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

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James Yee

Expertise

My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".

Experience

I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.

Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)


Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto

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