Expert: James Yee - 5/26/2009

Question
I am new to cigars and am planning on building my own humidor.  I have purchased a cooler and some old cigar boxes.  I am about to purchase a colibri iii (as suggested in a previous post).

What do you recommend for a humidification system?  What do you think of the Cigar Mechanic? I live in a fairly arid climate and would prefer not to have to spend much time maintaining it.  I'm also hoping to upgrade sometime in the future after I get my basement finished... perhaps making something easier on the eyes than a cooler.  I live in the middle of nowhere, so I can't just run down to a local tobacco shop... so I'm looking to make a setup where I can store several boxes or more.

What do you have for a humidor setup?

I'm also looking for some good starter cigars... something "smooth" and "light"... and cheaper.  I have ordered some Belicoso Conneticuts and am looking to order a box of Helix.

Any other advice?

Thanks for your time, I appreciate it!

Jeff

Answer
Hi Jeff,

A "coolerdor" is a good setup if you don't plan on buying a humidor just yet.  Be sure to line the base and sides of the cooler with Spanish cedar (to help absorb and regulate humidity more effectively.)  Cigar Mechanic is a good product but for large cigar collections, you should consider using an electronic unit that has a large water reservoir and allows you to preset the desired humidity and temperature levels.  Cigar Oasis makes excellent humidifiers and Vinotemp makes thermo-electric units that controls temperature and humidity.

When it's time to upgrade to a humidor, be sure that it's also thermo-electric and can electronically control the temperature and humidity levels.  Because you where you live and that you want a humidor with minimal maintenance/supervision, having a humidor automatically control both the temperature and humidity is best.  As an alternative, climate-controlled wine fridges retro-fitted with a electronic humidification device is popular with cigar collectors/smokers now.  A wine fridge allows you to store whole boxes of cigars plus it can electronically control the temperature.  Simply remove the shelving racks, line with cedar and add an electronic humidifier such as a Cigar Oasis.  Wine fridges with whole glass door(s) are also aesthetically pleasing to look at.  A decent and small wine fridge should cost about $150-$200.

For smooth and light cigars, try non-Cuban Romeo y Julieta, Padron 2000/3000, Padron Anniversarios, Davidoff Private Stock, Avo, Te-Amo and Veracruz.

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