Newbie Questions - HELP

[Chainsaw13]

Originally Posted by Coach Dave

I have looked around and cant find an answer to these question, so I am posting it as a new thread.

1. I have been keeping my cigars in a ceramic montecristo jar with a round disk with beads. Cigars seem to be fine. My question is how do I know for sure they are fine. They smell great they are a little soft to the touch, nothing real hard or dry that I can see. Am I making the right assumptions? Are they ok?

2. My humidor comes in monday. i have seen many resopurces as to how to treat them before using. I am going with the one that has me treating it 5 times then letting it sit overnight with sponge, then use. Does anyone know, is this five times in one day? or five days? If it is in one day how long before treatments? Like I said i have search for this answer but could not find it and the guy who did the youtube video didnt answer.

3. I have a shed that i use as a office. temp definitely fluctuates in there. my humidifier be okay in this environment?

thanks in advance for you time

Hey Dave, welcome to CA. I'll try and answer your questions.

1. Sounds like your cigars in the jar are fine. They should have some give, but not be overly squishy, nor should they crack if you squeeze the foot end. The big question is, how we'll do they smoke for you? Is the draw tight (possibly a sign of over humidified), or is the draw really easy (possibly too dry).

2. How big is your humidor that you're getting? Not sure about what instructions you saw but a easy way is to fill a small bowl/glass half way with distilled water. Set inside, close the lid and let it sit for about two weeks. The wood inside will absorb the moisture and season your humidor. You can check the hygrometer to see how it's doing. Once it stabilizes, remove the bowl/glass and your all set. What are your plans for humidification after?

3. Humidity in your office/shed should be fine, although with you being in FL, it might run high due to the humidity in the air. Is the room air conditioned? I'd be more concerned about temp. Once you start going higher than 75 or so, you could have beetles hatch. You can always freeze your cigars to help with that possibility. Search for the thread on freezing for more info on that.

Hope this helps.