Expert: James Yee - 4/24/2009

Question
Hi James,

Due to the heat approaching and living in a condo where the AC will not be turned on until late May, I was considering buying a cooler and placing my cigars in there and leaving them at a realatives basement until my AC is active.
Is this an issue with the cigars? How do I create humidity? Will the plastic smell of the cooler ruin my smokes?

Any advise you have is greatly appreciated. As you know, I have a pretty good collection of fine cigars.

Thank you very much and have a great weekend!

Answer
Hi Thomas,

Storing a coolerdor in your relative's basement is perfectly fine.  Just be sure that the coolerdor is kept in a cool area in the basement and away from heat sources such as the furnace, boiler or major appliances (ie: washer, dryer, freezer).  Like a humidor, a coolerdor should have Spanish cedar, a hygrometer and a proper humidification device.  Line the coolerdor with Spanish cedar panels.  This will absorb excess moisture buildup and keep your cigars smelling nice.  You can buy Spanish cedar at a home improvement store or even use the thin cedar sheets that is included in most cigar boxes.

For humidity, it's best to use an electronic humidifier that allows you to preset the desired humidity level.  An electronic unit with a large water reservoir will also require less frequent refills which is good.  (Coolerdors are usually used for long-term cigar aging.)  You can use a regular aquafoam humidifier if you prefer but an electronic unit will just be easier.  Also, coolerdors are almost airtight so be sure to not lock the coolerdor shut.  Your cigars will need to breathe so leave the lid closed but resting loose (leave the locking clasp open).  If the humidity becomes too high (75% or greater), vent the coolerdor by wedging a matchstick under the lid so that it's slightly elevated and air and humidity can circulate and vent through the small gap.

That plastic cooler smell isn't a big problem but you should try to buy a cooler that has little or zero odours.  As I mentioned earlier, adding Spanish cedar to the coolerdor will also improve the scent of your cooler.

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