Cigars/Questions Answered by Expert M J Robbins
| Subject | Date Asked |
| cigar boxes | 2/8/2012 |
| Q: I just read the question and answer by Tony Hyman,dated 8/9/10, about a King Edward cigar box. I ... A: I am sorry but This is like a cardboard box of wine you bought at a garage sale. To the best of my ... | |
| On-line shop | 1/13/2012 |
| Q: I'm just wondering about 25cigars.com? It looks nice and seems to be real. But I want to be sure ... A: The site looks good to me Ramon Allones Specially selected is one of the only consistent Cuban ... | |
| Commercial Walk-in Humidor Odor | 12/20/2011 |
| Q: I manage a walk-in humidor for a large Fine Wine and Liquor company. I've smoked cigars for over 7 ... A: Nice to have a real thought provoking question every now and then. First the problem - Standard tap ... | |
| stuck pipe stem | 12/7/2011 |
| Q: I have a pipe that I've used maybe 10 times at most. The stem used to come off easily once it had ... A: Force it out? Take it back to the store. They need to sand it down to fit. Or the store will heat up ... | |
| Humidor care | 11/27/2011 |
| Q: I recieved an acrylic humidor along with cigars for my birthday. It came with an black disc and no ... A: A humidor is a wood box specially made to hold cigars and keep them moist. It would always be wood ... | |
| Cohiba glass top box | 11/26/2011 |
| Q: Ok so I know I have fakes I got them on a cruise to progresso. But I've decided I'd like to start ... A: Sorry I did answer this question but it did not go through originally and I just got notified. The ... | |
| Cohiba glass top box | 11/26/2011 |
| Q: Ok so I know I have fakes I got them on a cruise to progresso. But I've decided I'd like to start ... A: Some of the worst cigars I have ever smoked are the real Cohiba cigars. The fakes have to be better. ... | |
| Are my cigars in trouble? | 11/22/2011 |
| Q: The other day I bought 4 very nice cigars: Padron - Family Reserve - No. 45 - Maduro Padron - 1926 ... A: 4 cigars in what size humidor? To keep cigars fresh in a 50 cigar humidor you need 20 cigars or ... | |
| Propylene Glycol | 11/1/2011 |
| Q: I have been using propylene glycol in my humidor and it works quite well to keep my cigars fresh. It ... A: Odd What type of devices? How much Propylene Glycol to water proportions? How often do you fill it? ... | |
| im moving and have a wine cooler/humidor set up | 8/21/2011 |
| Q: I will be moving next week. I have a humidor sitting inside of a wine cooler. I am using four 75 ... A: With the Boveda you could leave them in the trunk for a month and they would be fine although not ... | |
| Humidity is too high in humidor | 8/10/2011 |
| Q: I recently got a new humidor and properly seasoned it. I am using a regular sponge humidifier with ... A: Take out the jar and get rid of it please. When humidity is high take out the humidification sponge ... | |
| HUMIDOR | 7/29/2011 |
| Q: I just got a new travel humidor it's plastic and there were no instructions that came with it do i ... A: Buy one Boveda 69% and put it right on top of the cigars in the box, that should last several months ... | |
| humidor temp inconsistent | 6/27/2011 |
| Q: I've placed my humidor in a wine cooler. The hygrometer is attached to the lid inside the humidor ... A: Do not worry Rotate the cigars up and down weekly because 63 degrees is fine and that is in between. ... | |
| humidor temp inconsistent | 6/27/2011 |
| Q: I've placed my humidor in a wine cooler. The hygrometer is attached to the lid inside the humidor ... A: Closer to the light is a great idea. The bottom of a humidor is really thin because the makers ... | |
| Humidor problem | 6/26/2011 |
| Q: Sorry to hear your web venture did not work. I live in Dallas, TX. Do you know a shop around ... A: First of all For Several hundred dollars You could go to Daniel Marshall web site but the humidors ... | |
| Humidor problem | 6/25/2011 |
| Q: few months ago I bought an inexpensive humidor large enough for 40 cigars. I followed the ... A: After throwing $5,000 at the web site it is at this point not working and I am out of money for that ... | |
| Humidor problem | 6/25/2011 |
| Q: few months ago I bought an inexpensive humidor large enough for 40 cigars. I followed the ... A: Go to a store and buy a humidor for $75 to $100 at least and it should come with proper ... | |
| Humidor problem | 6/25/2011 |
| Q: few months ago I bought an inexpensive humidor large enough for 40 cigars. I followed the ... A: These cheap humidors are not a bargain if they ruin your cigars. A digital hygrometer tells you the ... | |
| temp/humidity | 6/10/2011 |
| Q: Question 1) My humidor is at 64 to 65 degrees with humidity at 70 to 71%. Is this humidity level ... A: Put the Boveda packs in the box with the lid lightly closed that is fine. Soon it will be closed as ... | |
| temp/humidity | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: Question 1) My humidor is at 64 to 65 degrees with humidity at 70 to 71%. Is this humidity level ... A: 1. Get the 75% Boveda at 64-65 degrees for perfection. The RH level will always be a little lower ... | |
| Humidor Temp. concerns and Hygrometer Test Question | 6/4/2011 |
| Q: I have recently purchased my first humidor (100 capacity). I am currently going through the process ... A: Put the boveda in the box with the cigars - take out a few to make room, or smoke a few? Put the ... | |
| should humidity of humidor be high when its new? | 6/1/2011 |
| Q: I seasoned my humidor about a week ago. It has maintained a humidity around 80. I know the ... A: The amount of cigars will help stabilize the humidity. The refrigeration will drop humidity also. ... | |
| should humidity of humidor be high when its new? | 6/1/2011 |
| Q: I seasoned my humidor about a week ago. It has maintained a humidity around 80. I know the ... A: The analog hygrometers are inaccurate so do you have a digital? Seasoning the humidor is not always ... | |
| convert wine cooler to a humidor | 5/31/2011 |
| Q: I am looking into purchasing a wine cooler for the sole purpose of storing cigars. It will not have ... A: My cigar humidor has gone down to that temperature for a short period during a cold spell and there ... | |
| convert wine cooler to a humidor | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: I am looking into purchasing a wine cooler for the sole purpose of storing cigars. It will not have ... A: In a wine cooler 1) If you keep your cigars in a humidor in the cooler that is perfect. 2) If you ... | |
| Humidor Temp. concerns and Hygrometer Test Question | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: I have recently purchased my first humidor (100 capacity). I am currently going through the process ... A: Yes! So you might try Boveda 69% at this temperature and that will be fine. Also if the temp rises ... | |
| Humidor Temp. concerns and Hygrometer Test Question | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: I have recently purchased my first humidor (100 capacity). I am currently going through the process ... A: Put the whole boxes of cigars in the wine cooler at 66 degrees and with 72% humidity Boveda in each ... | |
| Humidor Temp. concerns and Hygrometer Test Question | 5/23/2011 |
| Q: I have recently purchased my first humidor (100 capacity). I am currently going through the process ... A: If you are going to store a lot of cigars with a great value then they must be in a cooler room. 70 ... | |
| "Blue/gray" mold on cigars in humidor - followup question | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: Several years ago I turned off my A/C (in the summer in Houston) when we went on vacation. When we ... A: So Yes humidty in the gulf states is not good. Air conditioning dries the air and will keep it a ... | |
| "Blue/gray" mold on cigars in humidor | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: Several years ago I turned off my A/C (in the summer in Houston) when we went on vacation. When we ... A: Just one cigar you are lucky and I would not have wiped down the box for one cigar. That is overkill ... | |
| La Tropical Jamaican cigars | 3/31/2011 |
| Q: I have an unopened box of La Tropical cigars, belonging to my grandad, and would like to sell them ... A: Tropical is Jamaican Inexpensive cigar back then. In the attic would be the same as leaving a ... | |
| Non-Cuban Cigars | 3/11/2011 |
| Q: I am new to cigar smoking, I just tried my first one in January on a trip to Cuba, I have tried a ... A: I am thinking about this but I do not have the time right now. Over the weekend as I am working ... | |
| Broken Humidor | 3/9/2011 |
| Q: I just found out that the humidifier for my cigars seems to have stopped working. The humidity was ... A: Just put in a new device and add water every week till the cigars rehydrate. Also you can add 2 ... | |
| pipe tobacco | 3/5/2011 |
| Q: i have a question about tobacco. I remember my grandfather smoking pipes tobacco that didn't have ... A: Latikia and Perique are English style tobaccos with no additives. However you might like this smell ... | |
| Cohiba Esplendidos 2008 | 2/25/2011 |
| Q: Can you tell me if Cohiba Esplendidos from 2008 were ever available in 50-count humidor-type boxes? ... A: Price is right on Good story too See if you like them, the problem is there are some tight ones in ... | |
| Can I use Ocelo 3 m sponges with propylene glyco????? | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: Cut 2 1" squares and soaked in Propylene Glycol. Will this work, for humidification???? Chris A: The devices you see are tested for years before they make the market. Experimenting for years can ... | |
| Mobile cigar stand | 2/3/2011 |
| Q: Robbins - I have had this idea rambling around in my head for a long time, and would like to run it ... A: Yes this is a funny idea. I designed a mobile unit in 1993, a custom built trailer to display ... | |
| cigar shapes | 1/26/2011 |
| Q: When pricing humidors I see they use "quantity of cigars" as part of the sales pitch. With outside ... A: The ring gauge system is simply an antiquated system that measures the diameter of a cigar in units ... | |
| cigar humidor sizing | 1/23/2011 |
| Q: When pricing humidors I see they use "quantity of cigars" as part of the sales pitch. With outside ... A: When entering the cigar world you enter another dimension where truth does not exist. Vintage 1990, ... | |
| Cuban Cigars | 1/1/2011 |
| Q: "Hi MJ,I recently bought a box of Montecristos from a reputable internet company dated Sep 09 ... A: Just like any large production, items can be forgotten. If the company is legit then the cigars are ... | |
| Patriarcha/Patriarca? Crime family related rare humidor | 12/30/2010 |
| Q: I have a large display humidor that I was told by a friend who had a decent history with cigars that ... A: I believe that this piece from this view is not that valuable unless the history runs to someone ... | |
| Patriarcha/Patriarca? Crime family related rare humidor | 12/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a large display humidor that I was told by a friend who had a decent history with cigars that ... A: It looks to be a store display case that was used as a humidor. It might have been made by a crime ... | |
| storing different types of cigars | 12/23/2010 |
| Q: I have recently taken up cigar smoking and have enjoyed several different types of cigars. I would ... A: In my friends store many years ago, he put Acid on the shelve with the other cigars and it affected ... | |
| plume/bloom | 12/23/2010 |
| Q: great cigar iv enjoyed a few all ready i want to save the rest to age some more , i have them in a ... A: Good for you because the infection seems small. Follow my directions and wipe down the cigars that ... | |
| plume/bloom | 12/23/2010 |
| Q: great cigar iv enjoyed a few all ready i want to save the rest to age some more , i have them in a ... A: The link to the pic is not complete Bloom or mold that is the question? It would take a lab to be ... | |
| Briar pipes | 12/23/2010 |
| Q: A question is about briar pipes though. there are many on the market and local cigar stores. I ... A: W O Larsen family is still around and making nice pipes. Spend a few hundred to get a good one. I ... | |
| If boxes are valuable, and can be sold? | 12/23/2010 |
| Q: Got two wooden boxes but don't know if there woth anything. Corina Larks extra mild has stickers for ... A: In 1995 during the cigar boom the prices of these boxes were way up. But now they are worth only $10 ... | |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 - What Compares? | 11/26/2010 |
| Q: MJ, I really enjoy this cigar and would like some advice on other similiar "smooth" cubans. Any ... A: Sancho Panza Belicoso $$ Ramon Allones Specially Selected $$ Vegas Robaina Unicos $$$ Montecristo ... | |
| La Casa del Habano St Maarten | 11/21/2010 |
| Q: I visited this establishment some time ago on a cruise. I still have their card and attempted to ... A: These are a few 100% Habana stores in Mexico Any of these stores will have a great selection and ... | |
| humidor reading | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: hey MJ I got a solona humi and have had it for about 5 years and been smoking for 20 years my ... A: The analog hygro is not accurate, if you calibrate it the next day it can still be off by as much as ... | |
| Old Elie Bleu Humidor | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: I recently came into possession of a humidor that I believe to be an older Elie Bleu but have no ... A: I looked at the pictures and they are not good enough for me to tell. However $300 is a good price ... | |
| Old Elie Bleu Humidor | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: I recently came into possession of a humidor that I believe to be an older Elie Bleu but have no ... A: Nice Box Hygrometer is perfectly centered. Double locking mitre construction - top quality. Gold ... | |
| cigar mold | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: i recently found mold on one of my cigars. i also then found mold near the analog hydrometer and on ... A: Mold occurs in a warm moist environment. The cigar probably was the culprit, wipe it off with a ... | |
| Montecristo Sublimes 2008 with 2009 Box Codes | 11/1/2010 |
| Q: I was hoping you'd be able to help me in authenticating a couple boxes of cigars for me, my brother ... A: Pictures are unnecessary as the fakes many times look better than originals. These cigars have ... | |
| Distilled Water | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: I made a rookie mistake with my coolidor. I used dasani water to sponge some dry cedar while ... A: The cigars are ruined. Throw out the jar of beads. Start with new humidification. Just forget your ... | |
| Electronic Humidifier Choices | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: Mr MJ, It's about time I purchase myself a nice humidor and my goal is to make it as low maintenance ... A: Sorry about the delay in answering the email went to spam for some reason. For an electronic ... | |
| Humidor humidity | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: Hey MJ, You answered a question about mold for a me a week back and I need your help again! I ... A: Yes go ahead with "no fear" Should be all right. I used to wipe the boxes down 20 years ago also, ... | |
| Humidor humidity | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: Hey MJ, You answered a question about mold for a me a week back and I need your help again! I ... A: No Do not wet down the wood and put in a sponge (do not do this again ever). The Boveda alone will ... | |
| Cigar Mold? | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: I've read a lot of your responses to cigar mold and I was wondering if you could answer whether this ... A: I've never seen white stuff on the wood that wasn't mold and I've seen it 1,000 times as shown to me ... | |
| Cigar Mold? | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: I've read a lot of your responses to cigar mold and I was wondering if you could answer whether this ... A: Mold Take the shelve out and wipe it down with rubbing alcohol use a tooth brush to get all the ... | |
| Humdior | 9/5/2010 |
| Q: I wonder if you can help me, I have had a humidor for over 8 years now storing mainly mixed Cuban ... A: You got some bad cigars that threw the humidor off. The warmer it is the higher the RH in relation ... | |
| Emilia Garcia Cigar Trifold | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: I picked up an Emilia Garcia Cuban Cigar Trifold sign. It's a great piece in pretty good condition. ... A: Not a good time for tobaciana items. But everything old has it's value to someone, but that has to ... | |
| Cigar Industry today | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: With the wave of new legislation that we were hoping to avoid, what is the view of the current and ... A: The industry is stable. But we face these obstacles all the time. If everyone got involved the ... | |
| Humidor Temp | 7/30/2010 |
| Q: I have a desktop and travel humidor that stays about 71 degrees from 4pm til 8 am. I like for my air ... A: Just put the humidor in the Wine cooler to keep the cigars perfect. Humidification needs to be a ... | |
| Cuban cigars | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: To be an expert I really question your knowledge on Cuban cigars, based on this statement: "All ... A: I noticed you ask for my answer as an expert. First I am giving you my opinion just like a movie ... | |
| Cuban cigars | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: To be an expert I really question your knowledge on Cuban cigars, based on this statement: "All ... A: Cuban cigars As a cigar vendor for 30 years having sold millions of cigars and smoked almost all ... | |
| BUGS! | 7/16/2010 |
| Q: A friend recently called to tell me that 6 of his 15 cigars that he keeps in a humidor had small ... A: First- I thought I answered this question but some how it did not go through sorry. 1. Clean out ... | |
| Dry versus "Mushy" Cigars | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: M J, I have learned a lot reading through previous questions asked however I still have a few ... A: So sorry I was out of town and forgot to say so on the site. 1. Yes it will refresh if the humidor ... | |
| Model 2 Barcroft Zippo Lighter | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a Model 2 Barcroft Tabletop Zippo lighter in very good condition. All original parts and ... A: SO SORRY I was gone and I did not leave notification. I have seen many of these lighters but it ... | |
| cigars | 6/20/2010 |
| Q: Have you heard of puro express, if so are they genuine ANSWER: Based on what my customers have ... A: I have not heard of anyone being blasted for buying these cigars. I have been shown PE packaging for ... | |
| cigars | 6/19/2010 |
| Q: Have you heard of puro express, if so are they genuine ANSWER: Based on what my customers have ... A: I looked at their site and from my viewing the prices are right though a little high. The product ... | |
| cigars | 6/18/2010 |
| Q: Have you heard of puro express, if so are they genuine A: Based on what my customers have asked me to authenticate, they ship in weird packaging but they have ... | |
| black humidor spots | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Robbins, I have the same problem as the person you helped on April 10th, with the black spots. ... A: Throw it all away and clean the humidor out with Rubbing alcohol for the black mold do it a few ... | |
| Online Cuban Cigar Retailers | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: I went to Cuba a couple of years ago and inevitably picked up a mini passion for Cuban cigars whilst ... A: I personally cannot lead you to any site that encourages the breech of the law in the USA. So all I ... | |
| is that an additcion already? | 5/15/2010 |
| Q: i smoked two cigars as first time on thursday ! and then 2 cigars again yesterday [Friday] and today ... A: No the addiction level on cigars is very low. When you are addicted to drugs and stop like ... | |
| Electric Humidifier | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: I was just wondering. I recently got the Cigar Oasis Ultra, I reseasoned it with this device (wiped ... A: Humidity doesn't have to be exact. Over the long term it just need to be an average around 70%, ... | |
| aging | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: When I open my humidor six times a day. Will that have any affect in taste. A: Sorry I thought I responded to this but they said I did not. Take your cigars out once a day if the ... | |
| possible humidor mold spots | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: i recently bought a humidor after the last time i seasoned it with distilled water , seems like ... A: Take everything out of the box and put them in a Zip lock bag they should last a week. Throw away ... | |
| aging | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: When I open my humidor six times a day. Will that have any affect in taste. A: Sure maybe a little but if the humidity is correct than you should be all right. Smoking the cigars ... | |
| Humidors | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: M J Robbins, I'm looking at purchasing a nice humidor. I bought a cheap humidor a few years ago ... A: Daniel Marshall makes nice boxes and was top rated in cigar Aficionado. They are still $500 to ... | |
| Unstable humidity | 3/12/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering what I could do to stabilize the humidity in my humidor. In the after noon it ... A: Don't open it so much, however humidity should stabilize quickly with proper humidification. ... | |
| zippo lighter | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: M.J. I have a original, mint in the box, never lit, moon landing Zippo. Any idea of it's worth and ... A: There are many moonlanding Zippo lighters What date is this? And I need pictures. To sell it for ... | |
| black spots | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: I have purchased some leaf. I fermented it for about thirty days @110-118 degrees. I noticed there ... A: The white stuff could be mold, wipe it with Rubbing alcohol and it will kill the mold evaporate and ... | |
| Need a flint spring for a Nimrod Sportsman Pipe Lighter | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: .. I stumbled upon this website by doing a Google search. My disabled husband collects lighters and ... A: These lighters are cheap on Ebay $10 or less. Buy one or more and use the parts to fix his other ... | |
| Appraisal | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: I have one full unopened box of 25 La Tropical De Luxe Imported singles no2 cigars, one box of 25 ... A: La Tropical De Luxe are Jamaican cigars But to fully determine the product and value I need pictures ... | |
| inconsistency with humidor | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: iam having a hard time keeping my humidity level at 70 percent, ive tried the glycerol gel ... A: Many humidors come under-humidified. Crystals or sponges they are all the same they impart moisture ... | |
| New humidor | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: M J - I received a new humidor for Xmas; I'm eager to get my fledgling collection into it. The ... A: 1 round disk might be to little humidification and you could use 2 on the top lid of the humidor. ... | |
| New humidor | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: M J - I received a new humidor for Xmas; I'm eager to get my fledgling collection into it. The ... A: The humidor should be fine but most humidors come under humidified I change the humidification in ... | |
| Cigar Pairings | 2/1/2010 |
| Q: I'm working on an article about Cigars and I was hoping I might get some help from you. I'm ... A: Basic is Nicaraguan tobaccos, dark and rich, with meat and red wine or hard liquor like Cognac. ... | |
| Humidifiers (La Veil vs Cigar Osasis) | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: I want to replace the "sponge" humidifier with an automatic electric unit. My Humidor is a 125 Cigar ... A: I'm guessing the humidor is the glass top with a shelve. Electric is way over kill for this size box ... | |
| S A Habanos list | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: To avoid all the speculation about whether or not dealers such as Cuban Lous, Top Cubans or Puro ... A: Not that I know of - most just smoke the fakes, some enjoy the real ones and enjoy them but it's ... | |
| Opening a cigar shop- gaining experties | 1/23/2010 |
| Q: Robbins, I started smoking cigars about a year ago. I am not well versed in what is good & what is ... A: Sorry I needed time to put this together and tonight I have time. How big a store? Do you want a ... | |
| Opening a cigar shop | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: Robbins, I started smoking cigars about a year ago. I am not well versed in what is good & what is ... A: Start with the humidor, To keep the cigars fresh they must be kept cool ideally at 65 degrees 73% RH ... | |
| Cigars wrapped or unwrapped | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: The cigars I buy are individually wrapped in cellophane, should I unwrap them before placing them in ... A: ALWAYS leave your cigars in the wrappers if that's how they come. In the last 30 years I have seen ... | |
| Lag time | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: I have been a casual cigar smoker for a few years now. I've never owned cigars, just smoked them ... A: There is no problem leaving them in their box for a week sealed. Or open the box if you cannot wait, ... | |
| Humidor | 1/16/2010 |
| Q: As I was the only one in our family to show the slightest interest in cigars, this beautiful piece ... A: This kind of item must be looked at by an antique expert in person. Every aspect of the box must be ... | |
| Humidor heat | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: Sir, I have a large Aristocrat humidor that is insulated and conditioned. I have filled it with ... A: I have never seen the cigars aging affect the temperature that much. First, is the Digital ... | |
| Canary Island cigars | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: I am travelling to Gran Canaria on the 16th of January for 10 days and would like to smoke canary ... A: Many years ago Canary islands were a key cigar making mecca, now they are way down the line. But I ... | |
| Inadequate humidification | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: Bought a furniture style 500 capacity humidor and I just can't get the humidity any higher than 64 ... A: Cigar solution 50/50 brings humidity down, use more distilled water. In a large 500 cigar humidor ... | |
| humidor question | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: I have reduced my cigar smoking over the years and I have noticed a white powder like residue on ... A: I just got back in town This mold is prevalent on cigars. Remember to change the humidity device ... | |
| Humidor Ferguson Bros #8405 | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: my father has a humidor from Ferguson Bros #8405. We wanted to know more about it, as well as what ... A: These were made in the 40s and 50s - Check the antique side of this Allexperts site. But supply ... | |
| Building my own Cabinet Humidor | 12/25/2009 |
| Q: As my question subject states, I want to try my hand at building my own cabinet humidor. I've always ... A: My commercial cigar humidor for 25,000 cigars is Spanish Cedar from top to bottom. But you do not ... | |
| humidor | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: i cant get my humidor to 68 or 70 it stays at 58 help me A: First how do your cigars feel? If they are OK then perhaps the Hygrometer is not accurate. A digital ... | |
| Bill Clinton Presidential Cigar Can | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a Cigar round pop top can from the Bill Clinton era that has the presidential seal containg ... A: Please excuse this original answer if you thought it flippant. These cigars were meant to be a joke ... | |
| Bill Clinton Presidential Cigar Can | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: I have a Cigar round pop top can from the Bill Clinton era that has the presidential seal containg ... A: The value is not determined at this early date. The cigars are of questionable quality but will be ... | |
| Castro Rey | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: do you remember a brand of cigars from the late 70's called "Castro Rey" it was in a silver box and ... A: Cuesta Rey made by Arturo Fuente. Not made any more as far as I know. Remember that cigars change as ... | |
| Zippo lighter value | 12/13/2009 |
| Q: I have a zippo lighter with the persons initials engraved on it and engraved lines running top to ... A: This is a regular production Zippo Value $35 ? Check ebay for values but this one is not that ... | |
| good humidor | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: I've seen tons of quality humidors and how they work and digital hygrometers etc... what im trying ... A: Best in the world is Vigilant but they are expensive. Daniel Marshall makes a nice box but the ... | |
| Smoking cigarillos | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: i've been smoking cigarettes, and now i am addicted. Because it's cold outside i started smoking ... A: The nicotine enters through the vessels in the mouth but it is not as intense as inhaling the smoke ... | |
| coleman thermoelectric cooler | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a Coleman thermoelectric cooler, that i hardly ever use, can I make a humidor out of it, and ... A: You have to get the temperature to 65 degrees. If you have good cigars and want to keep them fresh ... | |
| glass top cigar boxes | 11/29/2009 |
| Q: This question is a bit off of the beaten track, however, I am interested in purchasing 3-4 glass top ... A: I have to know Height width and depth 5 inches wide by 7 inches deep? 5 inches high by 7 inches ... | |
| clueless if it is mold or bloom | 11/26/2009 |
| Q: i have read countless opinions about how to differentiate mold from bloom but i cannot say what is ... A: The picture is mold for sure but even so when you have this stuff or anything like it be prepared to ... | |
| mini fridge to a humidor | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: why im asking this question is because i want to know how you can make a humidor from a mini fridge. ... A: I assume this is a new fridge, if it is not you must clean it out with rubbing alcohol to kill the ... | |
| Pipe Lighter | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: I have recently discovered the art of pipes and cigars this summer. On Saturdays, I work for my ... A: The wheel strikes the flint. The flint is pushed by a spring up to the wheel. Move the wheel ... | |
| Humidipacks? | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: I have a travel humidor that encases about 9-10 cigars (depending on size) that is much like the ... A: The Fuente pak should last a few weeks and if your buddy will give you a humidipak every time you go ... | |
| Tap water and humidors | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: I finally bought a relatively nice humidor from my local cigar shop (I usually buy a cigar the day I ... A: 1. 1 day with water or tap water can ruin the cigars. 2. Let the water sit overnight then throw it ... | |
| humidor smell | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: I recently hosted a party where my guests and I had cigars. The following day, I noticed that an ... A: Yes it will ruin your other cigars. Take all the cigars out and put them in a plastic bag they will ... | |
| mini cohiba | 10/11/2009 |
| Q: ive been buying mini cohibas from switzerland for some time now im looking for a cigars in the ... A: The tobacco is different and the taste will be different, no one can tell you otherwise. You cannot ... | |
| mini cuban cohiba | 10/8/2009 |
| Q: what cigar is the closes to the cuban cohiba the real ones? A: Which orange is just like a Florida orange only grown in California? Which California Cabernet is ... | |
| Mold or Bloom? | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: I received a box of Montecristo Number 4s yesterday, and am not sure if the box of cigars is moldy ... A: Mold can occur on cigars and you can't tell it from bloom in my experience. But this is what to do. ... | |
| Humidors | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: I am making a humidor out of a Danby 45 bottle wine cooler using the Oasis electronic Humidifier. ... A: The more cedar the better but you are already 1,000 miles ahead of the coolerdore (a big plastic ... | |
| Humidors | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: I am making a humidor out of a Danby 45 bottle wine cooler using the Oasis electronic Humidifier. ... A: Always leave the cigars in the original boxes if you can. Replace all wood in the cooler with ... | |
| white little bugs | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: There are some white litte bugs moving aboute in my humidor on my cigars. I don't have any holes in ... A: Who the heck knows without seeing them BUT BUGS ARE NOT GOOD Take out all the cigars and isolate ... | |
| Storage | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: Sir, I recently purchased a fine humidor,I had seasoned it and calibrated the hydrometer according ... A: #1 The analog hygrometers are inaccurate. If you reset a watch that is fast or slow you know it ... | |
| Hey | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering, what are the advantages and disadvantages of growing my own tobacco? Is it ... A: Why not? Sounds good just access a site that talks about the preparation for growing tobacco. It has ... | |
| Humidifier buildup? | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: I live in an area where we have hard water - recently I have noticed that the humidifier in my ... A: We are talking mechanical not water problems I believe. The moist n air just blows air over the ... | |
| Little cigars | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me who manufacturers "Twinkle Little Cigars"? Also does the "69" in Twinkle 69 Menthol ... A: I am a cigar man. I know everything about cigars, lighters, pipes. This twinkle twinkle is a ... | |
| I didn't season y humidore, am I in troubble? | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: I am new to this and got a humidor for my birthday, in my excitement I filled it with many fine ... A: Seasoning depends on the size of the humidor in relation to the humidification and the quality and ... | |
| Over humidified cigars | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: i have a bunch of great cigars that, due to recent weather, have become very soft to the touch and ... A: I just had a box of cigars that got wet when the refrigeration leaked just a little water on the ... | |
| Purchase Cuban's in Mexico | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me of a good Cuban cigar dealer in Cancun. Preferably, I will be visiting the area ... A: La Casa Del Habana the cuban cigar franchise began in Cancun in 1990. But for the life of me I ... | |
| cigar | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: Can i just wrap the box with a wet toilet? Wouldn't that humidify them enough? A: A wet towel will grow mold and ruin the cigars. Get a Boveda immediately. OR Take a few cigars out ... | |
| Cigar Tubes | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: MJ, I just bought a box of romeo y julietas that are tubed, how long will they keep in the tubes ... A: Watch it, cigars in tubes breed mold. Without a humidor put the whole box in a Zip lock bag and ... | |
| mold in humidor | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a humidor lined with Spanish cedar. I just read an article that read, if my humidor has dust ... A: Mold is a constant problem in a warm moist box. You have a mold problem. 1. Empty your box and put ... | |
| cigar wrappers | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: Should you leave the wrappers on your cigars in the humidor or take them off A: 25 years ago I began my experimentation with humidors. I noticed immediately the difference in the ... | |
| Boveda Packs | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: well i have a slight problem with my humidity levels. its currently sitting at about 73, and i ... A: Take out the Madelaine and put in 2 69% Boveda and it will give you exact humidity. Buy more Boveda ... | |
| Humidor Humidity | 7/5/2009 |
| Q: .I bought a new humidor.. its a 15-20ct..pretty small..I have set it up and I'm getting a reading of ... A: 67F 71%RH is perfect! If you want it to go down a little open the box, check humidity and if it too ... | |
| zippo lighters | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: Being a cigar collector, I'd imagine you have some knowledge of zippo's possibly. I have a 4 lighter ... A: This lighter set is late 1990s. As a distributor of Zippo we still have some singles for sale and ... | |
| Plans to build own Humidor | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: I am hoping to try to build my own humidor. I can't find plans to do so. Do you know how/where I ... A: Build a cabinet to these specifications 1" solid wood like mahogany, cherry or? Locking mitre or ... | |
| humidor in a wine room | 6/1/2009 |
| Q: I am building a large humidor (3'X 7'X 14") for a large wine room. The humidor will be sealed with ... A: Humidity needs to be higher at lower temperatures Lower humidity at higher temperatures First your ... | |
| Unopened box of Ben Franklin Perfectos | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: I have an unopened Box of Ben Franklin Perfecto cigars. I believe them to be about 31 years old. ... A: Ben Franklin seems to be a machine made cigar. Perhaps in another 70 years they might be worth $100 ... | |
| Stale? | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: I have a couple of cigars in a humidor that I think have become stale/too hard to smoke. Im not sure ... A: If humidity is correct and you have a digital hygrometer just put distilled water in each week till ... | |
| humidifier 101 | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: I've smoked cigars for years but only at the stores, I've now got myself a basic little humidor. It ... A: To begin and at least every 30 days thereafter soak the humidification device face down in a bowl of ... | |
| humidifier 101 | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: I've smoked cigars for years but only at the stores, I've now got myself a basic little humidor. It ... A: You need to spend a little more. The sponge needs to be soaked in Propylene Glycol to protect ... | |
| Humidors | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: I have two small (100 cap) humidors in which I'm using gel crystals and distilled water, but ... A: Are the Gel crystals on the bottom of the humidor or hanging? You have a digital hygro? Hanging ... | |
| humidor | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: I bought a humidor a few weeks back. I followed the directions and seasoned it and placed the ... A: The gauges in most humidors are cheap junk. Get a digital for around $20 to $40 to be sure. Put ... | |
| Dry cigars in high humidity | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: Hey, I am concerned about the dryness of my cubans. I use the pinch test on the foot and they ... A: Get the Boveda as I am sold on that device. Remove the new device you put in. Get the Boveda 74% and ... | |
| Dry cigars in high humidity | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: Hey, I am concerned about the dryness of my cubans. I use the pinch test on the foot and they ... A: A pretty great unit is 73/65 Remember to check the unit AFTER refrigeration and humidification are ... | |
| Tube Cigars Humidity Life | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: I'm going out of the country for a wedding and bringing some cigars for the occasion, but won't have ... A: Days - weeks, it depends on the humidity outside, as tubes are not the greatest. Put them in a zip ... | |
| Heat to high in my humidor | 4/11/2009 |
| Q: It's Ian again, I asked a question a few weeks ago on how to bring the temperature down in my ... A: Not a good idea to run a chilled pipe into the humidor. Get a small window air conditioner for your ... | |
| Humidor | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a seasoned 300 count humidor, but as of lately I cannot maintain the ideal 70%-75% Rh. The ... A: The pillows are small Boveda devices. Get the real thing for long term perfection, they have 10 ... | |
| Humidor | 4/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a seasoned 300 count humidor, but as of lately I cannot maintain the ideal 70%-75% Rh. The ... A: If your humidor is 74 degrees then keep it at 68% RH to be perfect. Add one more humidification ... | |
| cigar oasis xl | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: This may be a little long winded but here goes. Ok so I recently purchases the cigar oasis xl and I ... A: The chances of an analog and or digital being close to right is a shot in the dark. Usually depend ... | |
| Importing cigarettes to China | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: Sir, our company would like to export cigarettes to China. Is the Chinese importer customer required ... A: I did some import export many years ago. I am sure you need a special license as tobacco products ... | |
| Humidity Uniformity in Humidor | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: I just got into cigars after my recent trip to Cuba and am having a great time with all aspects of ... A: Moisture falls A hygrometer on the cigars will tell you the most appropriate humidity and the top ... | |
| Cohiba Siglo VI Fake Cigar | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: I recently bought 3 boxes of Cohiba Siglo 6 Cigars and 3 boxes Cohiba Robustos from Lebanon Cigar ... A: Cigars bought in Cuba have holograms. The cigars I have seen from Europe have no hologram. 1. It ... | |
| Mold | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: A few weeks ago I was looking to buy a humidor so I asked James his opinion about a particular make, ... A: Get a new humidity device to put in the humidor as the one you have now is probably infected and ... | |
| Mold | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: A few weeks ago I was looking to buy a humidor so I asked James his opinion about a particular make, ... A: Most humidors come with wrong humidification and I have to change it around after testing them to ... | |
| Mold | 3/21/2009 |
| Q: A few weeks ago I was looking to buy a humidor so I asked James his opinion about a particular make, ... A: I have been selling humidors 30 years and have seen everything (except maybe aliens). I checked the ... | |
| Temperature control for humidor | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: If I keep my cigars @ 64 in a wine cooler what humidity level should I keep them at to compensate ... A: That is the simplest way but Boveda makes a 75% and this might be best at the lower temperature. 72% ... | |
| Humidor issue | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: Hope this e-mail finds you well.Wonder if you could possibly offer me some advice here.I own a ... A: I am familiar with this humidor and I have subtly suggested it's disuse. Air is better than 80% ... | |
| Home made humidors | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: We have a beautiful antique carved oak ice box. The food storage compartment is approx. 12" Deep, ... A: The safest thing to do is to place a Humidor inside the cabinet. If it is antique you do not want to ... | |
| Temperature control for humidor | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: If I keep my cigars @ 64 in a wine cooler what humidity level should I keep them at to compensate ... A: 73% humidity at 64 degrees is perfect. There are no temperature control devices that I know of for ... | |
| How can I bring down the temperature in my humidor | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: this is my first time on this sit, lots of good questions and great answers. I'm having problems ... A: The Moist-n-Aire is probably creating heat in the cabinet. Make sure no lights are on as they create ... | |
| Distilled Water vs PG | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: I was told to use a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and PG for the initial activation of my sponge ... A: 50/50 should be used sparingly every 6 months or it will block absorption of water. Using 50/50 will ... | |
| Acrylic Humidors | 3/12/2009 |
| Q: M J you did such a wonderful job answering my question I thought I would ask you another. I have ... A: A cigar jar stands the cigars up. Cigars must not stand on their foot which is the side you light as ... | |
| High Humidity Level | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: My husband has a medium grade wood box humidor. It constantly stays above 70%. Actually the ... A: Too much water causes high humidity. I believe it is just a simple mistake on your part. Do not add ... | |
| Making a humidor | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: I am making a cabinet humidor which will have a large bottom section for boxes (about 2 cubic feet) ... A: Leave space so the cedar does not fit tight and you can move them in and out by hand. If the ... | |
| Humidor Question | 2/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a couple of questions regarding my humidor setup. I have been smoking for some time but only ... A: Your observations are beyond the normal humidor owner and all correct. Go with your information, get ... | |
| Making a humidor | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: I am making a cabinet humidor which will have a large bottom section for boxes (about 2 cubic feet) ... A: Spanish cedar is the only type of wood to use. Spanish Cedar is also the best in absorbing water and ... | |
| Humidor maintenace | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a humidor/humidifier that my dad gave me years ago that i've just recently started using. ... A: They could be old clay humidification devices. I would suggest replacing them with hanging ... | |
| Madelaine Crystal Humidifier vs. Boveda packs -follow up | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: The Madelaine humidifier doesn't use a sponge. So you don't soak it in water. The humidifier uses ... A: The Boveda just makes things easy, all my customers use them and swear by them. The others devices ... | |
| Madelaine Crystal Humidifier vs. Boveda packs | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: Seeing that you seem to have an expertise in cigar humidification, what are your thought on the ... A: Boveda In a sealed environment my tests show that Boveda is a necessity. In a humidor it is ... | |
| humidifier | 2/8/2009 |
| Q: I have mold on my humidifier not on cigars or on box itself, just the humidifer that i recharge with ... A: You have to replace the device immediately. Step one take out the cigars and put them in a big zip ... | |
| Cigar Caddy 3540 | 2/6/2009 |
| Q: I just recently bought a Cigar Caddy 3540 box. I also bought the Cigar Caddy Humidor fluid. I was ... A: Scott please read my revised answer again I am here to help... I have sold 1,000s of Cigar Caddy's ... | |
| Sweet cigars | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: I am very new to the world of cigars. Can you recommend a sweet cigar thats not flavored. I don't ... A: Baccarat is probably the most famous of the mild slightly sweet cigars. There is an Indonesian ... | |
| Humidor Odor | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: Just after I lit a big Churchill cigar, I was called to an emergency where I was not able to finish ... A: To clean odor and everything else out of an old pipe I always used rubbing alcohol. Alcohol ... | |
| mold in humidor | 1/30/2009 |
| Q: My husband has a humidor that holds 75-100 cigars, it doesn't hold the humidity very well so I ... A: If it does not hold humidity there is something wrong. Perhaps the humidification device is to small ... | |
| Humidity in Humidor Won't Go above 65% | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: I apologize if this has been asked and answered but i could not find a question quite like mine. I ... A: The humidity devices are time sensitive - if they have been sitting on a store shelve too long they ... | |
| Humidity in Humidor Won't Go above 65% | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: I apologize if this has been asked and answered but i could not find a question quite like mine. I ... A: First do you have a digital hygrometer as the analog hygrometers are inaccurate on average by 7%, an ... | |
| seasoning humidor | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: While prepping my humidor, the humidifier (sponge-type) fell into the cup of water I had left inside ... A: The sponge material is sometime a little loose and can fall out especially if it has been banged ... | |
| seasoning humidor | 1/24/2009 |
| Q: i was just wondering if i could just use distilled water to season my new humidor instead of 50/50 ... A: Do not use 50/50 solution to wipe down the wood. By the book - To season the humidor wipe it down ... | |
M J Robbins
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Retailer of cigars and acc. since 1979. Cigars - I've smoked most including Cubans. Humidors- Testing humidors all the time. Selling humidors for 30 years. Pipes - I imported Briar and Meerschaum also repaired them in the 1980's. Lighters- Zippo distributor 30 years, expert in repair of old and new lighters although I haven't repaired an antique lighter in 15 years. Repaired thousands of butane lighters.
Experience
30 years importing and selling retail and wholesale Pipes lighters,cigars and humidors.
Designed and developed the only state of the art refirgerated mobile cigar humidor and the largest mobile cigar store in the USA.
Repaired 50,000 pipes and lighters in the last 30 years.
BR>
Organizations
RTDA
IPCPR
Education/Credentials
2 years Fullerton jr college
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.