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Cigars/High Humidity

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Question
Hi James, I just can't find PG anywhere (I live in Lima-Perú) and my 50/50 mix don't hold the humidity below 81%. Is it safe to somehow put a couple of those small odorfree beads used in dehumidification devices?

Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Daniel,

Yes, it's safe to use reputable brands of odor-free dehumidification beads in your humidor.  When you use them, be sure to monitor your humidor closely for any signs of negative or erratic behaviour.  If your humidor begins to behave poorly with the beads, remove them immediately.  

What you should also do is consider upgrading your humidor's humidification device to an electronic unit (such as a Cigar Oasis) that allows you to custom set the humidification level to whatever you like.  This is a much easier and hassle-free option when you are having trouble maintaining proper humidity with foam-based humidifiers.

Hopes this helps.  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I'll 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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