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Cigars/Humidity level ok cigars still hard

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Expert: - 4/18/2007


Question
Hi James, I Purchased a Cuban Crafters humidor "seasoned" it, (didn't wipe down) I tried the 50/50 solution but switched to distilled water because humidity was too low 60%   bought a digital hygrometer and the level reads 66%Humidity and 68-69 degrees, I put a new box of cigars in it about a week ago but they seem to have gotten harder. All of my cigars are a little on the hard side but this new box is very hard. What should I do? And even though my other cigars are a little on the hard side should I worry?
                      Thanks, Mark

Answer
Hi Mark,

Because it's only been a week, you should let your cigars sit in your humidor for one more week and refill the humidification device when necessary. It may take up to two weeks for your cigars to "adapt" to the humidity again.  Also, be sure that your hygrometer is properly calibrated because if it's slightly off, it may give you a false reading and make you think the humidity is OK when it could be much lower than what it's displaying.  Digital hygrometers vary by manufacturer so check if this particular model needs to be calibrated.  If your hygrometer is working properly, your humidity level is normal and your cigars still remain hard after two weeks, you might have to re-season your humidor again and make sure it's fully "charged" with water.  (If your humidor interior is not fully seasoned, it's very possible that the interior cedar is absorbing all the humidity from the cigars and making them dry/hard; despite the normal humidity reading.)

Hopes this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask.

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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