Cigars/Humidor question
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Question
I am a new cigar smoker who just bought his first humidor. As I began seasoning I carelessly used tap water instead of distilled water. I immediately began to dry the humidor I had already wiped down with tap water and re-wiped it down with distilled water. Is my humidor ruined? What effects will the use of tap water for the few short minutes have on the humidor in the long run?
Hi Warren,
Because your humidor was exposed to tap water for only a few short minutes, your humidor is not in any danger. Only continuous and extremely prolonged use of distilled water in your humidor will cause problems. Tap water contains mineral deposits, microscopic bacteria and particulates so when it is used in your humidor for a long period of time, it can cause hard water lime scale to appear and clog your humidifier and your cigars' scent and flavours may be compromised. When tap or heavy water is used in a humidor, the cigars may taste either bland or metallic.
Because you caught the mistake very early, your humidor is not ruined.
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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