Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

[Route 66]

I'm sure this has been asked before but I couldn't find an answer.

What does Herf mean?

[RHerrington]

A herf is a gathering of BOTL and SOTL to relax, unwind and smoke cigars. A herf can be as simple as two BOTL getting together for a smoke after work or it can be a full blowout with music, food, games, etc. The main theme of any herf is relaxation and camaraderie, everything else is secondary - even the cigars.

(shamelessly stolen from UrbanDictionary with some edits, because it fits pretty well with how I would define herf)

[T.G]

Originally Posted by Route 66

I'm sure this has been asked before but I couldn't find an answer.

What does Herf mean?

Smoking cigars with friends.

[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.

[ziggy4112003]

Originally Posted by racerX

I know that opus x get better with a little age so I have started a stash. Do patron also age well or just about as good as any other?

I am a padron whore (excuse the lang); by no means a padron expert. So it is my experience that the 64's are best at right around 7 months rest in my humi, family reserves and 26 serie need no rest, save a week or so if I choose. The x000 I have only bought by singles and have not let rest for any amount of time, so am unable to relate any experience. I buy the PAM's and reserve by the box to save some on cost, so I shoot to have them smoked within the year, and if I find I can not I will gift em, but that is just me. So yeah family reserves and 26's have a better rounded and balance of the flavor profile, the 64's tend to be more sharp in the flavor profile I have found 7 months the perfect amount of time for my palate to create the a more perfect balance so to speak. But Padrons serie and family reserves are amazing rott and I have let a 45 age for a period of 2 to 2 1/2 years and it seemed to have lost a little something, not much at all mind you but a little, was still amazing so... yeah those are my two cents.

[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.