Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Route 66

Thanks for the reply. I don't feel that I know enough about it to know if I would prefer 70% or if I should try to get it down to 60-65%.

I was concerned that beetles may appear at 73 degrees and that would freak me out.

Some folks experience burn issues with RH at higher levels. If your cigars seem to you to be smoking fine, then don't sweat the RH. My concern would be that if your RH goes up even slightly, you will very likely experience burn problems. I prefer low to mid-60s RH not only for how they smoke but it provides a comfortable margin should the RH rise.

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to beetles appearing. From what I have read (and I believe) is that sustained temps above 80 are where you really need to be concerned. Think of the climates in the DR, Cuba and Central America. A lot warmer than 73.

I live in San Diego, have no temp control in my humidor and only use the central AC sporadically when needed.

[Route 66]

Originally Posted by pnoon

Some folks experience burn issues with RH at higher levels. If your cigars seem to you to be smoking fine, then don't sweat the RH. My concern would be that if your RH goes up even slightly, you will very likely experience burn problems. I prefer low to mid-60s RH not only for how they smoke but it provides a comfortable margin should the RH rise.

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to beetles appearing. From what I have read (and I believe) is that sustained temps above 80 are where you really need to be concerned. Think of the climates in the DR, Cuba and Central America. A lot warmer than 73.

I live in San Diego, have no temp control in my humidor and only use the central AC sporadically when needed.

Thanks. It sounds as if I can stop worrying about beetles because I have my central A/C set to come on at 76 degrees.

[Route 66]

I don't think my humidor is sealing the way it should. I seasoned it over time, prior to putting my cigars inside. Over the weeks, the RH just keeps dropping. Is there something I can apply to the edge of the lid where it meets the bottom portion to make it more air tight?

[Zanaspus]

Originally Posted by Route 66

I don't think my humidor is sealing the way it should. I seasoned it over time, prior to putting my cigars inside. Over the weeks, the RH just keeps dropping. Is there something I can apply to the edge of the lid where it meets the bottom portion to make it more air tight?

What are you using for humidification? Hint: the correct answer is beads. The second best is, "i'll soon have my beads."

[Route 66]

Originally Posted by Zanaspus

What are you using for humidification? Hint: the correct answer is beads. The second best is, "i'll soon have my beads."

I'm using 2 Xikar Cigar Bars filled with their PG solution. The Bars are filled with beads that expanded greatly when I poured the PG solution inside. The humidor is very small and will hold only about 30 cigars.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by Route 66

I'm using 2 Xikar Cigar Bars filled with their PG solution. The Bars are filled with beads that expanded greatly when I poured the PG solution inside. The humidor is very small and will hold only about 30 cigars.

Those are not beads -- they are a gel that releases moisture in an uncontrolled fashion -- that is they do not help at all to regulate RH.

If your humidor is not holding humidity you can check for leaks (lots of threads here about how to do that) but the two simple ways are the "dollar bill" test and the flashlight test. Passing these tests does not mean that there are no leaks -- they can just help you to find leaks.

Also, you might just try re-seasoning your humidor -- give it a good long time -- like two weeks. There are lots of threads on how to do this as well.

Once you are satisfied that your humidor is holding humidity you can keep using the gel and PG (not recommended) or you pick up some beads (Heartfelt or Shilala** -- both are good products) and be on your way.

[Route 66]

Originally Posted by CigarNut

Those are not beads -- they are a gel that releases moisture in an uncontrolled fashion -- that is they do not help at all to regulate RH.

If your humidor is not holding humidity you can check for leaks (lots of threads here about how to do that) but the two simple ways are the "dollar bill" test and the flashlight test. Passing these tests does not mean that there are no leaks -- they can just help you to find leaks.

Also, you might just try re-seasoning your humidor -- give it a good long time -- like two weeks. There are lots of threads on how to do this as well.

Once you are satisfied that your humidor is holding humidity you can keep using the gel and PG (not recommended) or you pick up some beads (Heartfelt or Shilala** -- both are good products) and be on your way.

You've given me a lot of good, useful information and I really appreciate it!

It sounds like I have some work to do.

[Eros]

In general, how long does it take for cigars to be ruined as a result of temp/humidity? I am super paranoid about my cigars for some reason. I am leaving on a trip tomorrow and I plan on taking my tupperdor. It's winter where I live so if they sit in a car for 3 hours that isnt exactly between 60-70 degrees will they be ok? I'll be driving so they won't freeze or anything but still.

[bobarian]

In most parts of the US, a cigar can be placed out on the counter for several weeks with no negative effects.

[Eros]

Weeks? Really?

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by bobarian

In most parts of the US, a cigar can be placed out on the counter for several weeks with no negative effects.

Originally Posted by Eros

Weeks? Really?

Bob is wise! Cigars are much more resiliant than people given them credit for.

[Eros]

So I removed my beads from my tupperdor and the humidity went from 76 to 70 and is holding. Is this ok or should I put the beads back in?

[The Poet]

Originally Posted by Eros

So I removed my beads from my tupperdor and the humidity went from 76 to 70 and is holding. Is this ok or should I put the beads back in?

Even if this gets your cigars a bit too "wet", you can solve the problem by "dryboxing" them for a few days before you smoke 'em. By this I mean stick a few sticks into an empty cigar box to allow the extra moisture to dissipate.

[Eros]

Don't have any cigar boxes:/ I only buy singles or 5 packs.

[The Poet]

Originally Posted by Eros

Don't have any cigar boxes:/ I only buy singles or 5 packs.

Life's a b*tch, ain't it.

Do you get your smokes at a local B&M? Ask them to sell, or give you, one of their empty boxes. For your purpose, there's not much diff between a wooden cabinet or a dress box.

Some of the websites (like CI) also sell empty boxes too.

P.S. - You COULD ask nicely for one of the brothers here to send you something, but be forewarned: It is likely to come with escorts.

[bobarian]

Originally Posted by Eros

So I removed my beads from my tupperdor and the humidity went from 76 to 70 and is holding. Is this ok or should I put the beads back in?

Thay'll be fine at 70 or even lower. I keep mine at 62-65%. But honestly I dont even have hygrometers in either my vinotemps or desktops. They'll be fine without the beads. After a week or so, if the Rh drops below 60 just throw the beads back in for a few days.

At the higher Rh(76) you risk mold forming. I rarely drybox my cigars, I find that proper storage eliminates the need to ever drybox.

[Carlos.Talavera]

How do i get my humidor to the right humidity?

[Zane]

Originally Posted by Carlos.Talavera

How do i get my humidor to the right humidity?

With a well seasoned humidor and a humidification device it should stabilize around 65 to 70. If you post your current situation I am sure we can help.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by Carlos.Talavera

How do i get my humidor to the right humidity?

Originally Posted by Zane

With a well seasoned humidor and a humidification device it should stabilize around 65 to 70. If you post your current situation I am sure we can help.

As Zane said we need a little more information:

-- What kind of humidor?
-- How big is your humidor?
-- Is it seasoned already?
-- And most important, how OCD are you about this whole thing?

First, the "right" humidity is a matter of personal choice. Some people like sticks wet (>= 70% RH), some like them dry (<= 65% RH).

If you are going to be OCD over this then there are lots of things to do. You can search the threads here -- there is a lot of good information.

If you are not OCD, then season your humidor, get some 65% RH beads (Heartfelt or HCM), get a hygrometer and put it all together and sit back and have a cigar

The one thing I cannot stress enough (regardless of whether or not you are OCD): take the time to properly season your humidor. Do not rush this -- give it at least a week. Preferably two weeks.

(BTW, I don't mean anything negative when I say "OCD"; some people obsess about their cigar storage (OCD) and some don't (not OCD). Don't make a big fuss over cigar storage unless you want to and enjoy making a big fuss over it. Cigars are very resilient.).

[Bondo 287]

Originally Posted by Carlos.Talavera

How do i get my humidor to the right humidity?

Hello Carlos. Hey your question is somewhat generic. The guys need some information here. Let me explain.

You need to properly season your humidor, or it will steal humidity from your cigars.
Tell us what kind of humidor you have.

You use the humidification device to maintain the humidity. It will be beads, packets, or a plastic puck ( or bar ) with a sponge in it.
Tell us what kind of humidification device you have.

You use the hygrometer to read and monitor the humidity inside your humidor. It may be a mechanical one, ( analog ) or a digital one.
Likely it will have to be calibrated or at least verified accurate.
Tell us what kind of hygrometer do you have.

Whatever you are doing over there, my friend, make sure you are using distilled water, not tap water.

Sorry if you know this stuff already, but we need the input. I see it's almost midnight over there. So let us know.
All this is relatively easy. It's like a terrarium, once you're set up, you then can enjoy your hobby and occasionally maintain it.