Expert: James Yee - 10/13/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi James

I am from South Africa, and I love cigars and have a reasonable variety which I keep in their boxes in my wine cellar which runs at between 64 and 67 degr F and 75-85% humidity. Will they be ok just on the shelves, and should the box lids be slightly open for circulating moisture or not. It seems to work very well as a humidor, but I would like it to be as optimal as possible. What is your opinion about Dom Rep cigars (the good ones !) and how do they differ from the cubans wrt flavour? I know it's a difficult question.... just an opinion?

Your idea of best way to light a cigar, and how long one can age a good cigar if stored properly?

Thank you!! Steve

ANSWER: Hi Steve,

Because your wine cellar has about 75-85% humidity, it is not a good place to store your cigars.  Your cigars should not receive more than 74% humidity (67-73% is acceptable and 70% is considered ideal).  Prolonged exposure to a humidity level of 75% or greater will cause mold to form on your cigars.  In addition, your cigars will also become mushy and soggy as they absorb the excess humidity.  The higher the humidity, the more damage it will cause to your cigars.  It's best to store your cigars in a desktop humidor (or humidor cabinet) with an internal temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% humidity.  

If stored properly, your cigars can age for years without any problems.  Normally, aged cigars will become richer in flavour and reach their peak around 8-10 years.  After 10 years, the flavours and strength of the cigar will begin to mellow.

The best method to light your cigars is to use wooden matches (preferably cedar matches) or a lit piece of cedar called a "cedar spill".  To light your cigar, light a match or cedar spill and hold your cigar above the flame.  Do not let the flame touch your cigar.  The tip of the flame should be able 1 to 1 1/2 inches BELOW the cigar foot.  Hold your cigar at a 45 degree angle and slowly rotate it with your fingers as you hold it above the flame and this will light the cigar evenly.  When the entire surface of the cigar foot is charred, take a slow puff of the cigar to keep it burning.  Keep lighting the cigar until the entire foot is burning.  Butane lighters are also acceptable to use.  Do not use zippos or lighters that use naptha-based fuel as it will cause your cigars to smell and taste like lighter fluid.

Cedar spills are usually available at most cigar stores/cigar lounges for free (most stores make them from discarded cedar sheets in cigar boxes and have them available to customers).  You can also make your own cigar spills by taking thin cedar wood sheets from your empty cigar boxes and cutting them into narrow strips.

There are a lot of excellent Dominican Republic cigars.  I personally prefer Arturo Fuente cigars (Hemingway, Opus X, Anejo).  Dominican Republic cigars generally have a more peppery flavour when compared to Cuban cigars which normally have a smoother spice flavour.  

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

Regards,
James

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

QUESTION: Hi James

Thanks for the prompt response. I understand your concern, but it is fairly easy for me to change the humidity by changing the temperature, and by using a relative humidity conversion chart, I can obtain the 70/70 mix. I also use 2 hygrometers and a thermometer just to ensure accuracy. Would that be ok if it is kept pretty constant, and if so, must I leave the box lids closed on shelves, or slightly open for better moisture circulation? Will the cigars in the lower layer of the box have enough exposure to moisure/humidity not to dry out (in other words, are the cedar boxes porous enough to ensure the bottom cigars get enough moisture?) I am just a bit worried with a standard humidor that different cigars stored together will start marrying flavors so that eventually you lose the individual unique flavor of each different type of cigar.
Thanks again, Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

Cigar boxes are not 100% air-tight so it's perfectly fine to leave all the lids closed.  (I actually recommend this because it provides an extra layer of protection for your cigars.)  To help your cigars aerate properly, it's best to leave the lids closed, but resting loose.  This means that you shouldn't lock the boxes shut (if you have varnished boxes with locking clasps) or seal the lids shut (if you have dress boxes with the brass pin in the lid).  If you have SLBs, leave the lid slightly open to allow more aeration.

If you're worried that your cigars are still not receiving enough humidity or the cigars feel a bit dry, you can slightly elevate the lid with a toothpick and this will help humidity flow.

I hope 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