Expert: James Yee - 5/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: 1) What can I do to lower the internal temperature of my humidor as it has been hanging around 75 degrees the last few days?

I keep it in the coolest room in my house, out of direct sunlight and unfortunately I do not have air conditioning.  It is a small desktop humidor that holds about 40 corona size cigars. It was correctly seasoned and over the past 3 months has held about 15 Cuban cigars with a fairly consistent relative humidity around 68 and temperature around 70 degrees as I have been using 1 Boveda Humidipak (#69).  About 1 month ago I filled it to capacity with more Cuban cigars, added a second Boveda Humidipak (#69) and after a few weeks it leveled off again around the same humidity and temperature. I live in California and since the weather is getting warmer, the internal temperature of my humidor has gone up and has been consistently hanging around 75 degrees which I understand is borderline too high.  Any suggestions on how to lower the temperature would be much appreciated.

2) Can you suggest some other Cuban cigars I might enjoy? I have found my favorites so far to be Montecristo No. 1 and No. 3, Punch Coronas, and Romeo y Julieta Coronas. I have also tried Cohiba Siglio III and IV which were ok, but a bit strong; Also tried Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas which were ok, but not as smooth as the Montecristos.  I have been told that the ones I like fall in the category of mild to medium bodied.  I appreciate your help and suggestions!


ANSWER: Hi Michael,

If you have a basement or wine cellar, try keeping your humidor there.  Basements are significantly cooler than the rest of the house so if you don't have air-conditioning, it's best to store your humidor in the basement.  If you don't have a basement, you may want to consider installing air-conditioning (even a small, indoor AC unit will help) or upgrading to a larger humidor that has electronic temperature and humidity control.

As for Cuban cigar brand recommendations, try Vegas Robaina, San Cristobal de La Habana, El Rey du Mundo, Saint Luis Rey and La Gloria Cubana.  The various cigar sizes in these brands are all mild-to-medium bodied and are similar to the cigars you mentioned.  If you like Romeo y Julieta, be sure to also try their Cazadores, Mille Fleur and Cedros De Luxe.

Hopes this helps.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your help! A quick follow up to my first question. Do you know of any desktop humidors that offer electronic temperature and humidity control? I found cabinet size ones on the internet, but those are a bit more than I need and very expensive. I appreciate your Cuban cigar recommendations, I will check them out!

Answer
Hi Michael,

Vinotemp makes a temperature-controlled humidor that holds 100 cigars.  The MSRP is $199.  Here's the website for it: http://www.vinotemp.com/View.aspx/2973/Thermoelectric-Humidor

As an alternative, you can also store your cigars in a small wine fridge that allows you to custom set the temperature level.  Just be sure to line the interior with Spanish cedar panels (to absorb and regulate humidity) and if you prefer, add a electronic humidifier such as a Cigar Oasis (www.cigaroasis.com) for automated humidity control.  A wine fridge is a popular alternative to buying a humidor cabinet and the price of a small wine fridge can start as low as $100.

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