Expert: M J Robbins - 3/26/2009

Question
Hello MJ;
I just got into cigars after my recent trip to Cuba and am having a great time with all aspects of it.  I bought a Humidor a month ago, primed it with distilled water and am using a glycol solution type humifier.  There are three hygrometers: one inside the top lid, and two more at each end sitting on top of the cigars.  I'm finding the hygrometer at the top consistently reads 65, while the two bottom ones will read about 70.  I calibrated each hygrometer with a salt slurry mixer so I'm pretty sure they're accurate.  My question; is it possible that the lower area of the humidor has a higher humidity than the upper?  Also, if I ever want to boost the humidity should I do it by putting a damp sponge in with the cigars; or by installing a second glycol based  humidfier for a short period of time?  Thanks.

Answer
Moisture falls
A hygrometer on the cigars will tell you the most appropriate humidity and the top one can read a little lower.

Never put a sponge in the humidor just add another Glycol based humidifier. I have suggested in other posts - add a few Boveda devices layered in with your cigars to give them more humidity and consistency.

Analog hygrometers are not that accurate. Even checking them will not fix them if they are inaccurate. If you set a watch that is not accurate - you can set it each day but the next day it will still be inaccurate. A digital around $20 to $40 will be the best and you can move it around to give you an average of humidity.

MJR