Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 4/8/2009

Question
hello, i bought my first humidor 3 weeks ago , and i did
the seasoning process , and till now my hygrometer doesn't
want to read more than 60% , it goes up to 70% only when i
keep a bowl fill of water inside . what do i do ??

Answer
Tarek,

A couple of things you need to know:

1. You are measuring relative humidity, that is the humidity relative to the temperature the cigars are stored at. Starting with a baseline of 70 degrees F and 70%RH, your target RH reduces by 1% for every degree your temperature is above 70. Therefore, if your humidor is in a 74 degree environment, your target RH is 66%.

2. Your hygrometer needs to be checked for accuracy and calibrated if it has that capability. There is a simple method to do this, but the explanation is a little long. If you'll send your email address to me at b.finck@finckcigarcompany.com I will send you a document detailing this process as well as several tips on cigar storage, humidifiers...

The most important thing is to see how your cigars are faring in he humidor. Regardless of what your hygrometer reads, if the cigars stay soft, the humidor is working fine. Don't be too worried about what the hygrometer reads - they are typically not very accurate and are more useful in telling you when you have a change in your normal humidity level than they are in telling you what your true RH is.

Send me your email and I'll send you the document ASAP.

Thanks,
Bill