Expert: James Yee - 2/19/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am fairly new to the cigar world , rather new to quality cigars and have just returned from Cuba with my 100 cigars. 25 of each, Cohibas Lanceros and Robustos, H.upmann Magnum 48 Special Edition 2009 and Montecristo No.2.

What type of humidor and size would you shop for , where would I acquire one, and how much should I pay. I have done some research and see that Adorini system appears well built and has some innovative and proprietary technologies for humidification of the humidors. I could use some experienced opinions to help get the best product for these cigars. While I am waiting on my decision to purchase a humidor I have kept the cigars in their boxes only opening them every second day and applying some propylene glycol on the top on the spanish cedar card that is one the top of each box below the lid.. just moistened with a cloth to create some humidity, is this safe?

thanks

Layne

ANSWER: Hi Layne,

The first thing you need to do is store your cigars more properly.  What I suggest is that you keep your boxes in humi-pouches.  Humi-pouches are Ziploc style bags with humdified linings built into the membrane of the plastic.  They're designed for short-term cigar storage and travel and can properly maintain your cigars at an ideal humidity level for 90 days.  After 90 days, you will need to either replace the humi-pouches or move your cigars to a proper humidor.  The reason why I recommend humi-pouches is because they're extremely user-friendly and requires little maintenance and supervision.  Humi-pouches can accomodate everything from a few single cigars, to whole boxes.  They're available at your local cigar store and depending on the size of the bag, can cost anywhere between $5-$15 per bag.

The method of humidification that you're currently using (moistened cloth with PG inside cigar box) is very unpredictable and can damage your cigars.

In regards to selecting a new humidor, there are literally hundreds (if not thousands) of humidor designs and styles commercially available so what I suggest is that you visit your local cigar store to examine their humidors in person and decide what humidor style and price is right for you.  Your humidor should have a Spanish cedar interior and based on the size of your collection, a good starter humidor for you should be at least 250-350 count (you need to make space for your cigar collection to grow.)  If your cigar collection continues to grow (or you prefer something larger than 250-350 count), you can purchase something larger.

For your humidor, it's ideal to use a digital hygrometer and electronic humidifier.  Both these items are also available at your local cigar store and varies in price based on the size, brand and models.  If you prefer, you can use an analog hygrometer and passive humidifier but based on the size of your cigar collection, an electronic humidifier is just more convienent.  A digital hygrometer is also more accurate than an analog hygrometer and usually does not require any maintenance or calibration.

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

EDIT:
P.S. - I forgot to mention that it's better purchasing a humidor locally at a cigar store rather than buying online.  By purchasing in person, you have the ability to inspect the humidor and look out for any damage or defects the humidor might have (either from the factory/retailer or sustained during shipping).  Make sure that the humidor lid has a nice firm seal when it closes and that the corner joints are flush and almost seamless.  Avoid humidors with weak/loose hinges or gaps or cracks in the joints as this will affect your humidor's performance.  There should also be an open, visible spot for the humidification device and hygrometer.  Avoid humidors that has many compartment nooks or tight spots for the humidification device as this can cause poor humidity flow in your humidor.

Regards,
James



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

QUESTION: Specifically, james ...  are there a few brands you are familiar with that I could put into a short list? Those whose construction is without reproach and I can be confident I am buying a quality humidor. If my cigar shop has only a few models and I want to order a different one what would you be looking for ... is the brand or maker even important in your opinion? Do you have any experience with the adorini brand

Answer
Hi Layne,

Adorini is an excellent brand, as are Prometheus, Elie Bleu, Daniel Marshall, Diamond Crown, Colibri, Davidoff and Xikar/Don Salvatore.  Again, the prices for premium, high quality deesktop humidors can greatly vary anywhere from $300 to $2,000+ so try to find a humidor and price that you're comfortable with.  You'll also want to avoid the really inexpensive "no name" brand humidors that are priced $50 and less as their quality is usually very poor.

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