Cigars/help
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Question
i just purchases a new humidor for the first time read the directions it said to use distilled water i heard if you boil water its the same will my humidor not worked if i used boiled water instaed of distilled help im concerned
Hi Rich,
It is better to use distilled water instead of boiled tap/bottled water. Boiled water will not contain any living parasites after it has been boiled but it may still contain small mineral deposits such as iron, magnesium, sodium and calcium (particularly bottled drinking water). Over time, these minerals can build up in your humidor and create hard water scale that clogs your humidification device and affects the taste of your cigars. Distilled water or "bidest water" (double distilled water) is a much softer water that is safer for your humidor.
If you can't find distilled water, it's possible to use regular boiled water in your humidor. However, it's recommended that you only use distilled water. Distilled water can be purchased at most supermarkets, water speciality stores and chemistry/science shops. As an alternative, it is possible to make distilled water yourself by boiling water but then collecting the condensation vapor. Go to Google and search "how to make distilled water" for complete directions.
Hopes this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will 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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