Expert: M J Robbins - 3/16/2009

Question
 Hi there.Hope this e-mail finds you well.Wonder if you could possibly offer me some advice here.I own a humidor
which is a stand up humidor,one which is on a square pedistal if you know the sort.It turns with each side having an inner spot in which to place pictures on all four
sides to display pictures on the outside.It's a very attractive piece,in which there is a spanish cedar slide out box,seperated into 4 seperate compartments for cigar storage.In which the cigars stand vertically.I have a digital hygrometer inside the lid which is bang on in terms of readings.My problem is,I'm constantly getting RH readings of 80 to 81 RH.Ive tried leaving the lid of the box open for an hour or two here and there in trying not to expose all my pricey sticks inside to the air for too long of a duration.Yet,even in doing so I continue to get the same RH level in my readings?I keep the humidor in a perfect spot which is downstairs in the family room which is half below grade.This room is always in terms of temp between 60 and 70FH.As well,the box is never at any time of day exposed to any sunlight.Can you suggest what to do inorder to get my RH readings to come down to where I'd prefer them to be,being between 65 and 70 max?Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
PS. I've seen that you,ve had people inquiring about Cigar Chief in Desoronto Ontario.I just received my first order from them,which was a box of Cohiba Siglo V1 and the sticks are in great shape and authentic genuine Cuban Puros.Just thought I'd mention this for the sake of people asking about them in future.And in terms of prices,if anyone out there finds another with better prices,and that guarantee delivery in all NorthAmerica I,d love to know.
Thanks,and happy smokin!  

Answer
I am familiar with this humidor and I have subtly suggested it's disuse.

Air is better than 80% humidity so leave it open as long as it takes.
Take the humidification out completely.

Don't stand the cigars vertically. cigars like to rest laying down.
You wouldn't like to stand for months and neither would a cigar.
The foot of the cigar will expand and split with time especially at elevated humidity levels. Only if the cigars come in cello wrappers and are sealed in bundles do they seem to survive for months or years in a vertical position.

Hygrometer- you said it is right on but if the level is at 80% the cigars would be mushy are they? Double check the hygrometer, and I say this because many digitals are inaccurate. The ones we sell from $20 to $40 are all over the place within 3% to 5% off.

If you want to keep your cigars in this box -
Take the humidification completely out and see what happens in a few days. Put it back in when the RH is down to 65% and take it out when RH is at 75% keeping an average 70% RH.
Or get 4 Boveda packets (which I prefer) set at 69% and put them in each slot to maintain perfect humidity.

On a different note,
Stray from the usual Cubans and try the Ramon Allones Robusto or Sancho Panza Belicoso, or go Nicaraguan with the Padron 1926 #9 maduro.

MJR