Expert: James Yee - 3/24/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello James,
I have a few questions. I purchased a humidor approx 5-6 years ago. I have stored some very good cigars in the box over this time. It seems as though i am losing the humidity in the humidor lately. I have been pretty diligent in re-seasoning the humidor with distilled water, as well as re-seasoning the sponge. i use a digital hygrometer which i know is working, and the humidity is getting down in the 60% range, however my temperature inside the box is reading 70-72 degrees which i believe is perfect. My cigars seem to be tasting great and are staying fresh(not dry or cracking), however, i want to be sure i am getting the most out of my humidor before i have to replace it. I have been told that if i take the cigars out and sand the inside of the humidor, then re-season, my humidor will come back. Can you tell me if this is fact or fiction.

thanks,
Randy

Also' what do you know about Valle Grande Cigars. I was just given 15 of these gigars that are Churchills. the band says that they are a Cuban Seed. They taste great, but they are dry and are hard to cut without cracking. I would like to see if i can bring them back if possible. Any tips?
thanks again

ANSWER: Hi Randy,

A drop in humidity could be due to the dry heat in our homes during winter.  This is very common with humidors during colder months as the heat in our homes will wick away the moisture in our humidors.  Re-charging your humidifier more frequently in winter should boost the humidity level.  (I've noticed that in winter, my humidifiers (specifically my smaller, passive units) deplete twice as fast so I have to recharge them twice as often.)  Storing your humidor away from desk lamps, direct sunlight and electrical appliances that emit heat (such as a TV or computer) also helps.  If you prefer to re-season your humidor, you can.  Lightly sanding your humidor interior with fine-grit sandpaper can indeed help but it's not necessary.  Re-seasoning your humidor without sanding it will still boost the humidity level.  People prefer to sand their humidor interior when the humidor has lost that cedar scent.  Sanding the wood in an old humidor will bring out that scent again which is very complimentary to the cigars' natural scent.

Valle Grande cigars are excellent.  They're Nicaraguan-grown Cuban seeded tobacco (IIRC) and are so flavourful.  If they're dry, they can easily be restored by letting them sit in your humidor for a few months.  Be sure to keep the humidity level no greater than 71-72% as higher humidity could cause the cigars to swell and split.

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

Regards,
James

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

QUESTION: Hello again James,
I have tried re-seasoning the humidor more than once, and i am getting the same results, low humidity. I am noticing that some of my cigars are getting dried out, cracking a bit when cutting (they still taste good however, which is good). I have come to the conclusion that i need a new humidor. Now comes the fun part.
i don't know what possessed me to attempt this, but i am going to build my own, with the help of a good friend who is good with wood.
I have already chosen and purchased the wood for the humidor. I am buiding the box out of maple and i have the Spanish cedar for inside the box. This is starting to cost more than i bargained for, but it is too late now, i have already invested too much to turn back now.
i am looking to install side rail hinges on the box instead of regular old hinges(would be nice to have hinges hidden inside the box).
I am having trouble finding a set of side rail hinges for under $40 which is outrageous in my mind.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
By the way, my humidor will be about a 100 cigar humidor, approx 18"X9"X6"

thanks

Answer
Hi Randy,

I haven't seen side rail hinges for less than $40-$50 either.  You may want to try Lee Valley (www.leevalley.com) as they have everything imaginable for woodworking.  They also have a huge selection of hinges of all shapes and sizes.  It's a great company and you might be able to find affordable side rail hinges there.

I hope this helps!  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask.

Regards,
James