Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 4/11/2007

Question
I just bought a small (40-50 cigars) humidor and used this excellent forum's advice and cured it properly (I think).  I just received a new box of good cigars.  The humidor is reading about 65%... still coming up little by little.  Should I leave the cigars in their factory sealed box for awhile, or should I get them into the humidor soon... and if not now, when?  Thanks for your advice!


Answer
James,
Without question I'd get the cigars in the humidor right away. The humidity in the humidor is most likely higher than it is where you have the cigars stored now. It sounds like your humidor is empty, and if that's the case I'm surprised you actually got the level up to 65%. I've found it almost impossible humidify air space with a static humidifier - typically you have to have cigars in the box to hold the humidity. One more piece of advice. Humidity is relative to temperature, and 70% is ideal at 70 degrees. As temperature increases, the optimum humidity level decreases. If your humidor is kept at 73 degrees, the optimum humidity level is 67%. At 67 degrees, the optimum level would be 73%. Lastly, I've found that many hygrometers are off by as much as 5% and cannot be adjusted. Regardless of what the hygrometer reads, if the cigars are staying fresh, the humidity level is fine. Use it more to watch for changes and don't be consumed with trying to achieve an exact level of humidity. Hope this helps...