Expert: James Yee - 3/12/2007

Question
i;m looking to buy a humidor that holds around 400 cigars or more. (commerical) ? what do you think is the best route for me ? Thank You
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
HOW DO YOU KEEP THE CIGARS- EXAMPLE(SOFT,SPONGY,FRESH,)I HAVE A HUMIDOR, I KEEP IT WELL MAINTAINED,I USE THE DISTILLED WATER AND THE PROPYLENE GLYCOL,50/50 MIX. STILL THE CIGARS GET HARD. PLEASE HELP
-----Answer-----
Hi Jose,

If the temperature inside your humidor is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (68 to 73 degrees) and around 70% humidity (between 68 to 72%), your cigars are properly humidified and you shouldn’t worry.  (Use a digital hygrometer for a more accurate reading.)

At 70% humidity, your cigars will be well humidified but if you prefer them to be a bit softer, you can add a tiny bit more distilled water to the humidification device (try a 60/40 distilled water & propylene glycol mixture with distilled water at 60%.)   Do NOT let the humidity go over 75%.  If the humidity stays above 75%, mold can and will form on your cigars.

If you have a large collection of cigars (ie: full humidor) but a small humidification device, try adding a second humidification device to your humidor and that should improve the humidity aeration.  (This is especially helpful for when your small humidification device isn’t providing enough humidity for all your cigars.)

Regards,
James.


Answer
Jose,

Because there are literally hundreds and hundreds of humidor designs in every shape, size and style, my best advice is that you visit your local cigar shop/tobacconist and carefully examine the available humidor models and select one that is right for you.  It's important to select a humidor that is aesthetically pleasing, easy for you to use and comfortably holds a certain numbers of cigars that is acceptable for you.  Avoid novelty humidors or humidors that are overly complicated or have lots of compartments as extra trays, drawers and compartments can actually impede the humidity.  Make sure the humidifier is in an easy to reach location that will allow it to dispense humidity evenly and won't be obstructed by cigars or humidor components.  The hygrometer should also be in an easy to spot location and not be blocked by cigars as it can provide a inaccurate humidity reading.  A 400-count humidor can still use an aquafoam/oasis humidifier but you can also consider investing in an electronic humidification device.

Hopes this answers your question.

Regards,
James