Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

Originally Posted by MrOneEyedBoh

I could use that just for like everyday use? Arent they pretty gaudy? Thanks!

Yes theya re, but remeber you can pimp them out with cool stickers of your favorite bands and stuff!!

[Chris.]

I have a 5 ct box as well. They make 2 cts also.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by GreekGodX

The leather holder for the day will work ok. I wouldn't leave anything in there longer than a 12 hour period unless it has a good seal. The cigarcaddy/otterbox can be used for everyday use. I have a 5 count box that I take with me to local B&M's. It isn't the most asthetically pleasing box but the seal is great and it keeps your cigars humidified.

In any case you just want to make sure you don't subject the cigars to extreme heat or cold..

I disagree, Christos.
While the otterbox is certainly a good idea, cigars are shipped from around the world without being in a controlled environment. Also, I've been to a number of large herfs where cigars for raffle and auction are staged outside of regular humidification for an an entire weekend.

Is this the most desirable way? Of course not. But having cigars outside of 65% for a few days is not a catastrophe.

EDIT: Leaving cigars in a leather case for a few days to a week is not a whole lot different than dryboxing.

[bobarian]

I'm with the old guy on this one. Cigar cases are more for the protection of the cigar than anything else. For taking a cigar to work the leather cases are ideal. I have wanted one of those Xikar 3 cigar cases for a while just never got around to picking one up. Humidity is not a concern unless they will be out for more than a week or in extreme conditions. Cigars are much more durable than we, as obsessive hobbyists, give them credit.

[Gary]

Newbie here, first post. (Hello!)

Had my first real cigar last night, okay, I had 2 back to back. Had a Macanudo Maduro Hyde Park and a Romeo/Julieta Love Story. Couldn't really tell a big difference in taste between them, newbie palate? The Love Story required more relighting.

My primary question is this:

While smoking them I felt great, great mood, energized, very clear thinking, and just basically feeling wonderful! Is this an effect of the nicotine??

Also, I don't currently have a humidor, (will get one soon) but currently my house seems to be at 70% humidity, is that okay for now?

And a special shout out to my wife for putting up with all my monkey business all these years!

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Gary

Newbie here, first post. (Hello!)

Had my first real cigar last night, okay, I had 2 back to back. Had a Macanudo Maduro Hyde Park and a Romeo/Julieta Love Story. Couldn't really tell a big difference in taste between them, newbie palate? The Love Story required more relighting.

My primary question is this:

While smoking them I felt great, great mood, energized, very clear thinking, and just basically feeling wonderful! Is this an effect of the nicotine??

Also, I don't currently have a humidor, (will get one soon) but currently my house seems to be at 70% humidity, is that okay for now?

And a special shout out to my wife for putting up with all my monkey business all these years!

Welcome to Cigar Asylum, Gary.
Let me suggest you head over to the New Inmate forum and introduce yourself. We're a friendly bunch here and would like to know a little bit about you.

On to your questions.

A discerning palate is one that is developed over time. I don't know if the 2 cigars you smoked are at all similar in flavor profile but there may be someone else here who could chime in on that. I would bet the nicotine (a stimulant) is responsible for your heightened mood. If your house is in the 60-70% humidity range you should be fine (temporarily). Any much over 70% could lead to burn issues and mold. It's good that you are in the process of purchasing a humidor.

Any man who has a wife that is supportive of our hobby/obsession is a lucky man, indeed.

Last year I moved from the San Francisco Bay area back to Salt Lake City, Utah. As I'm sure you know, Utah is much more arid than the coast and I've been having trouble keeping the humidity up in my humidor.

My humidor isn't big, just 4 drawers (I forget the capacity). I keep two of the silicon sticks in it and had no trouble keeping the humidity at about 60%. I don't get into the humidor much these days (it's too cold to go outside to smoke at night). Obviously I need to check the sticks and dunk them in water more frequently, but is there anything else I can do to help stabilize the humidity in this climate?

Should I re-season the humidor, add more sticks, change the sticks for higher-humidity ones or just check it more often?

[icehog3]

I would ditch the silicon sticks for some humidity beads, Dave.

Member shilala and company Heartfelt Industries both make quality ones.

[GreekGodX]

Dave, you need to move to beads like Tom said. Also consider adding more humidification to the humidor. Many people use more beads/humidification than required for a certain size humidor just to make sure it stays at a certain rH.

I think I must have used the wrong language, my humidity control are these plastic tubes with silica beads inside. I'll pick up two more and double my control.

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll certainly look for those brands you mentioned.

[Chris.]

Originally Posted by Blind_Io

I think I must have used the wrong language, my humidity control are these plastic tubes with silica beads inside. I'll pick up two more and double my control.

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll certainly look for those brands you mentioned.

http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/c...Humidity+Beads

Scotts:
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19160

[kalivoda87]

What the perfect humidity to keep your cigars at: 75%, 72%, 69% or 65%. Thanks.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by kalivoda87

What the perfect humidity to keep your cigars at: 75%, 72%, 69% or 65%. Thanks.

It's all a matter of personal preference. Although most would agree that anything over 70% is too high. Some actually prefer 60%.

[Jbailey]

Originally Posted by kalivoda87

What the perfect humidity to keep your cigars at: 75%, 72%, 69% or 65%. Thanks.

I use 65% beads and the coolers stay right around 63%-65%. I find it works pretty good and the cigars smoke great!

[akumushi]

Originally Posted by kalivoda87

What the perfect humidity to keep your cigars at: 75%, 72%, 69% or 65%. Thanks.

Humidity is as subjective a thing as you can get. Between 50% and 75% will not damage your cigars. I try to keep mine between 60-65%, which I have found to be perfect for Habanos. NC smokers seem to prefer the 70-75% range. The best advice I can give you is: if your wrappers are cracking, the cigars are too dry. If the cigars won't stay lit, then they're too wet. Beyond that only you can decide what's right for you!

[icehog3]

I would say that at 75% you are at serious risk of developing mold on your cigars.

[Snake Hips]

Originally Posted by icehog3

I would say that at 75% you are at serious risk of developing mold on your cigars.

Among other serious problems with your smokes.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Snake Hips

Among other serious problems with your smokes.

Absolutely.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Absolutely.

Right.

have a glass top humidor that seems to stay between 61 and 65 humidity with heartfelt 65 beads in it, do i just contribute the fluctuation to the great glass top or be worried, also where should i place the humidity tube for best results.

My cigars feel pretty firm which i tend to worry about didnt know if it was from the lower humidity and tempature around 64 in the humi or if i should do something different.