Cigars/Proper Levels of Propylene Glycol
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Question
James,
I can't seem to find (anywhere) information that will help me decide how much PG to apply to my sponge humidifier as I prepare my humidor for cigars.
Can you provide some direction?
Hi Charles,
The general rule of thumb is to start with a 50/50 mixture of Propylene Glycol and distilled water. Normally, a 50/50 dosage is enough to balance the humidity out at exactly 70% humidity. If not, you will need to fine-tune the mixture by adding more water or more PG until you reach 70% humidity (or your desired humidity level). For example, if after adding the 50/50 mixture, the humidity still remains high (greater than 74%); add a few small drops of PG to your humidification device and this should lower the humidity. If the humidity is too low (less than 66%), dilute the PG by adding more distilled water and this should increase humidity.
Also, be sure to allow your humidification device to sit and settle for a few days after adding Propylene Glycol. PG can cause the humidity to dip and peak wildly for several days until it finally stabilizes.
Hope this answers your question. 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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