Expert: M J Robbins - 3/12/2009

Question
M J you did such a wonderful job answering my question I thought I would ask you another.  I have noticed the acrylic jar humidors are a big rave right now.  Is there any difference in purchasing an acrylic jar and putting your water device and hydrometer inside of it.  Would I need to purchase the Spanish cedar and line the bottom or is that really a necessity?  We saw the acrylic jars already assembled but we thought for short term we could make one ourselves.  Which is better an acrylic or wood humidor?  How do you keep the temperature correct in the acrylic. Thanks for your help

Answer
A cigar jar stands the cigars up.
Cigars must not stand on their foot which is the side you light as they will expand and break with time.
You must have an environment where the cigars can rest like in a bed.
Would you want to stand for weeks, months or years? Neither would a cigar ha ha.
A wood box is best with spanish cedar lining hanging humidification and a good hygrometer. Make the commitment if you are going to spend money on the cigars, in my opinion.

In any case if you use a sealed jar you can only use a Boveda device that keeps exact humidity and contains a mold growth inhibitor. Spanish cedar in the container will help also and don't leave the cigars in there for too long (more than a few months). Never take the cigars out of the wrappers they come in and that will help keep the foot from expanding.
M