Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

[gliderryder]

I do not have a separate hygrometer. I thought that the electric humidifier was a hygrometer as well as a humidifier. So going forward I guess I will get a digital hygrometer and go from there.

[CigarNut]

I do not have a separate hygrometer. I thought that the electric humidifier was a hygrometer as well as a humidifier. So going forward I guess I will get a digital hygrometer and go from there.

Think of the control on the electric humidifier as a "suggestion"; some are more accurate than others, but I would never rely on that alone.

I'm a fan of the HygroSet hygrometers but the Xikar Hygrometers are also very good.

[gliderryder]

great I will order a digital Hygrometer and hopefully that will take care of my problem. Thanks so much for your suggestions. It is hard starting out. I have been smoking cigs on and off for years but only recently have been getting into storing my own.

[jjirons69]

Just my little piece of advice.

I got 65%RH beads from Heartfelt many years ago. Keep a fourth of the beads translucent and the RH sticks at 65%. I have a digital Western Caliber RH meter but since getting the beads, I really don't need it. It's just a weekly validation everything still works. My advice, get some good, reliable beads and the meter it really not needed. Less humid is getter than more.

[gliderryder]

Thanks Jamie, much appreciated. I will order some beads and give it a try.

[gliderryder]

are there any humidifier beads out there that are better than the other??????????????????

[CigarNut]

are there any humidifier beads out there that are better than the other??????????????????

It's a one of those "religious" issues -- everyone has their opinions and facts. I am biased in favor of HCM Beads, but Heartfelt beads are also very good.

As far as I know these are the only two good bead products on the market.

[CdnStogie]

are there any humidifier beads out there that are better than the other??????????????????

It's a one of those "religious" issues -- everyone has their opinions and facts. I am biased in favor of HCM Beads, but Heartfelt beads are also very good.

As far as I know these are the only two good bead products on the market.

If you want to consider silica kitty litter.... this works well too :-)

[pnoon]

Opinions vary.
:2

[Porch Dweller]

It's a one of those "religious" issues -- everyone has their opinions and facts. I am biased in favor of HCM Beads, but Heartfelt beads are also very good.

As far as I know these are the only two good bead products on the market.

+1
I use Heartfelt because they were the first beads I'd ever heard of and they work for me. Others prefer HCM. Really, you can't go wrong with either.

[Flynnster]

Just as long as it's one of those two, and some of the others ones only let water out, or only suck water back in. These do both.

[AdamJoshua]

KL is made to absorb not release moisture. :2

That's being said, I'm a Shilala (HCM) bead fan. :tu

[gliderryder]

thanks all for the input.

[Flynnster]

Hey Gliderryder, have you gotten a copy of our newsletter yet? If not send me a PM with your address and I'll get you on the mailing list.

[gliderryder]

OK I bought a digital hygrometer that also displays the temp. So my electric oasis humidifier is reading around 72%, my analog hygrometer is reading 69% and my new digital hygrometer is reading 57%. I am so baffled here. I haven't bought any beads yet but that is my next step. Any help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH BTW the temp on the digital hygrometer is right on the money.

[pnoon]

OK I bought a digital hygrometer that also displays the temp. So my electric oasis humidifier is reading around 72%, my analog hygrometer is reading 69% and my new digital hygrometer is reading 57%. I am so baffled here. I haven't bought any beads yet but that is my next step. Any help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH BTW the temp on the digital hygrometer is right on the money.

1. Have you calibrated the digital hygrometer?
2. Buy the beads
3. Ignore the analog hygrometer

[CdnStogie]

If you want to consider silica kitty litter.... this works well too :-)

Opinions vary.
:2

KL is made to absorb not release moisture. :2

That's being said, I'm a Shilala (HCM) bead fan. :tu

I have been using silica KL for a about 4 months now. My cooler has not moved from 68%. No maintenance. Made to asorb only or not is immaterial if it is holding the RH where you want it. :2

That being said, it does take up a bunch more space than the the HF or the like. I have my humidor with the KL as well (put the KL in a aquarium filter sock) and but going to be removing that and using boveda packs to get my space back.

[T.G]

Is it really necessary to have yet another beads vs KL debate here? There are dozens of threads elsewhere in the forum on it already.

[CdnStogie]

how long will a box of cigars last outside of a humidor w/o any humidification/ziplock etc?

Friend will be coming back from down South with a couple boxes and curious.

Not worried if they have to sit for a few weeks - more to when will they will not be back to full health.

[T.G]

how long will a box of cigars last outside of a humidor w/o any humidification/ziplock etc?

Friend will be coming back from down South with a couple boxes and curious.

Not worried if they have to sit for a few weeks - more to when will they will not be back to full health.

There's no real set/absolute answer here because there are many variables at play; how moist the cigars are at the beginning, are they in cello or not, does the box seal well, the material of the box, is the box wrapped in shrink wrap, what temperature and humidity the ambient conditions are, etc.

Cigars get shipped coast to coast in the back of a UPS truck by vendors here, that's 7-10 days in transit and often without the benefits of humidification or additional sealed bagging, and they are usually fine.

They could be out of the humidor for days and take months to recover, or vice versa, it's really hard to say.

All I can suggest is take a look at them when you get them. If the seem overly dry or too moist, then leave them in your humidor until they seem ok, then leave them there a bit longer. If they don't seem too dry or too moist when you get them, you can smoke one and see.

[gliderryder]

Hey Flynnster did you get the address I sent you? Just curious.

[icehog3]

Hey Flynnster did you get the address I sent you? Just curious.

PM might be more effective, just in case he doesn't check the thread.

[Byaah]

Hello folks!

I am having a hard time trying to find online places to buy "A" sized cigars. I am wanting to do prep work now for my bday in Aug so I can have a VERY solid weeks worth of cigars to smoke and I would love to have a bunch of A's. I have found a few cigars here and there but almost all are out of stock.

[WhiteMamba]

If you tell us what kind of cigars you are looking for some guys on here could probably help you track down almost anything. If the cigar is in fact called "A" then I am an idiot and I've never heard of them.

[CigarNut]

If I understand you correctly, "A" sized cigars are also called Gran Coronas / Grand Coronas / Giant Coronas. Famous Smoke, Cheap Humidors and CI all have a number of cigars in this size. I like the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Masterpeice.

[Byaah]

First, let me apologize for the spam of questions. These had been asked by me on another site and I did not get enough feedback to feel I understood the answers if any were given at all. With that said, let the learning begin!

QUESTION #1


With the high growth rate of tobacco how quick are the farmers able to turn around and use the fields without destroying the soil content by over farming? Or do they inject so much nutrients and micro manage soil content that they always are able to balance a proper soil composition.


QUESTION #2


Why should I join the CRA, what is it that they do and how are the different ways I can help?


QUESTION #3


What is the secondary band on Padrons with the serial number for? Is this just an ad gimmick?


QUESTION #4


When you shade grow tobacco it thins out and I understand part of this reason is for some wrappers, what are some other reasons to grow shade grown tobacco?


QUESTION #5


What are the reasons on the retrohale that my nose may get a burning sensation? Some cigars will do it while others will not. Sometimes the start of a Cigar will do it but the end wont and opposite of that.


On a final and unrelated note, I want to tell people/apologize if it appears I am not very active. I do lurk here almost every day and try to soak up as much as possible. I am still going very strong with Cigars and my palate is developing very nicely. I am so very happy that I got back into this.

[Porch Dweller]

I'll leave the others for more knowledgeable folks, but the answer to #3 is it's an anti-counterfeiting measure.

[T.G]

First, let me apologize for the spam of questions. These had been asked by me on another site and I did not get enough feedback to feel I understood the answers if any were given at all. With that said, let the learning begin!

QUESTION #1


With the high growth rate of tobacco how quick are the farmers able to turn around and use the fields without destroying the soil content by over farming? Or do they inject so much nutrients and micro manage soil content that they always are able to balance a proper soil composition.


QUESTION #2


Why should I join the CRA, what is it that they do and how are the different ways I can help?


QUESTION #3


What is the secondary band on Padrons with the serial number for? Is this just an ad gimmick?


QUESTION #4


When you shade grow tobacco it thins out and I understand part of this reason is for some wrappers, what are some other reasons to grow shade grown tobacco?


QUESTION #5


What are the reasons on the retrohale that my nose may get a burning sensation? Some cigars will do it while others will not. Sometimes the start of a Cigar will do it but the end wont and opposite of that.


On a final and unrelated note, I want to tell people/apologize if it appears I am not very active. I do lurk here almost every day and try to soak up as much as possible. I am still going very strong with Cigars and my palate is developing very nicely. I am so very happy that I got back into this.


Tobacco is a very nutrient intensive plant. I forget how many tons of fertilizer per acre are needed, but it's very high, at least according to Pepin when I visited one of his farms in Nicaragua years ago. Jeorge Padron said the same thing when we were over at his farms. I recall some rotation being mentioned, but I don't recall the specific details. I can't speak for what other growers do, but I suppose it's somewhat similar.

CRA is a political lobbying agency with the intent of protecting smokers rights and freedoms. They lobby congressional representatives to get their vote in preventing anti-tobacco legislation. Only you can decide if their efforts are worth your donation. Their website can provide more information and specifics.

The serial number band on higher end Padrons was added as an anti-counterfeiting measure.

That's really about it although different plants have evolved differently to prefer/require different growing conditions. Amount of sunlight is one of these conditions.

Different tobacco has different characteristics. Not all will burn the same.

[Byaah]

Tobacco is a very nutrient intensive plant. I forget how many tons of fertilizer per acre are needed, but it's very high, at least according to Pepin when I visited one of his farms in Nicaragua years ago. Jeorge Padron said the same thing when we were over at his farms. I recall some rotation being mentioned, but I don't recall the specific details. I can't speak for what other growers do, but I suppose it's somewhat similar.

CRA is a political lobbying agency with the intent of protecting smokers rights and freedoms. They lobby congressional representatives to get their vote in preventing anti-tobacco legislation. Only you can decide if their efforts are worth your donation. Their website can provide more information and specifics.

The serial number band on higher end Padrons was added as an anti-counterfeiting measure.

That's really about it although different plants have evolved differently to prefer/require different growing conditions. Amount of sunlight is one of these conditions.

Different tobacco has different characteristics. Not all will burn the same.

Thank you very much for your response. I will go ahead and check out the CRA website. I hope you have a good day!

[Flynnster]

Hey Flynnster did you get the address I sent you? Just curious.

So sorry about that. I did indeed! I'll get it out to you soon.

[icehog3]

gliderryder hasn't logged on since January.

Please use PMs, this thread is for beginner questions.

[idrankwhat]

Would you keep a different humidity in your long term storage humidor than in your short term waiting to be smoked humidor?

[pnoon]

Would you keep a different humidity in your long term storage humidor than in your short term waiting to be smoked humidor?

I don't. Low 60s for me works well for both.

[dijit]

Would you keep a different humidity in your long term storage humidor than in your short term waiting to be smoked humidor?

No I keep them both relatively the same.

[idrankwhat]

Was looking for a ring gauge discussion. I know there are all kinds of opinions out there. My math makes me think the wrapper would be proportional to the ring gauge since pi of the circumference is increased proportional to the amount of filler inside. However, I've found I'm trying some large ring gauges like the Nub and some lanceros. I think I'm sort of leaning toward the lanceros a bit more than the larger ring gauges. I'm not quite sure why, but I think I get fuller flavor or is it just the brand I happen to be smoking. I don't see as many lanceros available as I do the larger ring gauges. Also I'm still new and making opinions on only a few samples at a time.-(P

[icehog3]

Lanceros have less filler and binder than larger rg cigars, so the wrapper should play a most significant role in their flavor. Not necessarily in them being "fuller", that is likely more a product of the specific cigar than the size. A Joya de Nicaragua or LFD will likely be a fuller cigar in either a lancer or large rg format as compared to, oh say for an extreme example, a Macanudo of either format.

Unfortunately, the makers of cigars have downsized (no pun intended) their lines of smaller RG cigars, and upped the Jawbreakers. Sucks for those of us who know how good a smaller rg cigar can be.

[big_jaygee]

Lanceros have less filler and binder than larger rg cigars, so the wrapper should play a most significant role in their flavor. Not necessarily in them being "fuller", that is likely more a product of the specific cigar than the size. A Joya de Nicaragua or LFD will likely be a duller cigar in either a lancer or large rg format as compared to, oh say for an extreme example, a Macanudo of either format.

Unfortunately, the makers of cigars have downsized (no pun intended) their lines of smaller RG cigars, and upped the Jawbreakers. Sucks for those of us who know how good a smaller rg cigar can be.

i think he means "fuller" and not "duller"..but i agree with the above..and yes it is a shame that 56+ rg cigars are taking over the market.

i usually stick to a 46rg and down with a corona or corona gorda being my preferred vitola but i do love a good lancero

[icehog3]

i think he means "fuller" and not "duller"..but i agree with the above..and yes it is a shame that 56+ rg cigars are taking over the market.

i usually stick to a 46rg and down with a corona or corona gorda being my preferred vitola but i do love a good lancero

I did, Jason, thanks for the assist. :tu

[idrankwhat]

I got some empty boxes from my local B&M store to put some of the many samples I've bought in. I put them into my coolidor and now it smells more like the stale smoke of the B&M than the spanish cedar and cigars of my regular humidor. Any ideas how to get rid of the stale smoke smell without throwing out the nice boxes I got?

[Scottastic]

I got some empty boxes from my local B&M store to put some of the many samples I've bought in. I put them into my coolidor and now it smells more like the stale smoke of the B&M than the spanish cedar and cigars of my regular humidor. Any ideas how to get rid of the stale smoke smell without throwing out the nice boxes I got?

While i havent tried this with cigar boxes, you can get odor out of wood drawers by filling them with crumpled newspaper and charcoal for about a week.

[T.G]

I got some empty boxes from my local B&M store to put some of the many samples I've bought in. I put them into my coolidor and now it smells more like the stale smoke of the B&M than the spanish cedar and cigars of my regular humidor. Any ideas how to get rid of the stale smoke smell without throwing out the nice boxes I got?

Yeah, throw those pieces of **** in the trash. You just did almost the equivalent of putting a half smoked cigar back in your humidor. Nothing is going to make that smell go away with them in there.

[bobarian]

Use Tupperware or plastic trays to separate your samplers.:2

[WhiteMamba]

If I get a box of cigars and they are vacuum packed could I leave them in there to age or does there need to be air flow?

[T.G]

There has been a whole lot of debate on that. Restricted airflow long term aging vs normal aging. How long you plan to age also plays a factor. A year or three might not make a noticeable difference, yet a decade or two might. It's very subjective.

If nothing else, you probably should open the vacuum bag just to inspect the cigars then reseal them if desired.

[QUAZY50]

After I receive some orders of smokes in the mail, should I put them in a tupperware with a Boveda pack for a few days? Or what is the best process for them to make it into my humidor? I only have the one humidor.

[bobarian]

After I receive some orders of smokes in the mail, should I put them in a tupperware with a Boveda pack for a few days? Or what is the best process for them to make it into my humidor? I only have the one humidor.

If you dont have space a tupperware is fine. Otherwise they can go directly in your humidor. :2

[wesvan]

I guess this is the place to ask my first question instead of where I put it before. So here it is: Does the wrapper, binder, and filler leaves have to be of the same moisture content when rolling? And what would be a optimal moisture content. Not wet but maybe just barely moist or something like that?


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[wesvan]

Does the wrapper, binder, and filler leaves have to be of the same moisture content when rolling? And what would be a optimal moisture content. Not wet but maybe just barely moist or something like that?

[Byaah]

Does the wrapper, binder, and filler leaves have to be of the same moisture content when rolling? And what would be a optimal moisture content. Not wet but maybe just barely moist or something like that?

As I understand it the RH of the tobacco does not have to be exact b/w each leaf but when rolling starts they do need to be more wet than usual to keep the pliable and ready to be rolling without destroying the inventory.

Here is a great read on all of that that will give some explanation to your question:

http://www.tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_rolling.php

[jojoincali]

Hi all, new here, and have a box of cigars I am trying to identify. I received them as a gift in 2000. They are Montecristo Le Cigar des Arts 2000 Millennium collectors edition. It contains 12 sealed tubes and a cutter in a beautiful black lacquered box. They have been stored in a controlled environment and NEVER OPENED.

Can anyone tell me anything about these? I cannot find anything recent online.

[Remo]

Hi all, new here, and have a box of cigars I am trying to identify. I received them as a gift in 2000. They are Montecristo Le Cigar des Arts 2000 Millennium collectors edition. It contains 12 sealed tubes and a cutter in a beautiful black lacquered box. They have been stored in a controlled environment and NEVER OPENED.

Can anyone tell me anything about these? I cannot find anything recent online.



Montecristo Platinum Royale Delacroix
Posted on April 27, 2008 by cigarfan


It’s been a while since I fired up a Monte Platinum, and to tell the truth I was a little hesitant about this one. Back in the day they used an Indonesian wrapper that really put me off my oats, but they switched to a San Andrés maduro which has made a big improvement. Even so, this one has been languishing in my humidor for a couple years.

The “Cigare des Artes” line was introduced by Consolidated Cigar in 1998 (before the company was swallowed up by Altadis USA) as a fuller bodied version of the standard Montecristo. The original line had a Nicaragua wrapper, and the packaging was extravagant: cedar-wrapped cigars in aluminum tubes sold in specially decorated boxes or ceramic jars.

The art chosen for the line was unusual for the American cigar market: the paintings of French artist Michel Delacroix, most of which feature cityscapes of Paris and its environs prior to World War II. He paints in the “naif” manner — a simplistic, folksy style that ignores perspective and looks sort of like the art of Grandma Moses. Given the slick, cosmopolitan images used in cigar advertising today, this isn’t what I expect to see on a cigar box.

The painting commissioned for this line is called “Montecristo Royal,” a crisp looking winter scene of the city that includes a huge sign on a building that reads “Montecristo Fine Cigars” with the Montecristo logo. The sign looks out of place, just as the painting does on a box of cigars. It took a while, but eventually I began to see its charm.

When the original “Cigare des Artes” blend was discontinued in 2002 it was replaced by the Platinum blend, but the commercial vitolas and the artwork still bore the impression of Michel Delacroix. The 7.25 x 52 double corona up for review here is called the “Royale Delacroix.” This size was discontinued in 2004, so this stick has a few years on it. (I received it in a trade about two years ago.)

The wrapper on this slugger is a Habana 2000 grown in the San Andrés Valley of Mexico, normally known as a great producer of maduro wrapper. The binder is Nicaraguan, and the filler is a blend of leaves from the Dominican Republic, Peru and Nicaragua. And like most (if not all) Montecristos, it is rolled in the Tabacalera Garcia factory in La Romana, DR.

The wrapper on this cigar is dark, nearly maduro, with a lot of oil. The overall appearance is rough, but attractive nevertheless. The roll is solid and the draw is just right. It lights up easily and starts to build a solid light gray ash.

The first third is marked by a sweet hickory flavor and a mild body. For the first inch there’s just a hint of bite, but this vanishes as some cocoa flavors make an entrance. Into the second third the finish grows and leaves an earthy aftertaste. The flavors get a little more chocolatey but in a muted rather than a robust way. A good contrast is the RP Olde World, which has similar flavors but articulates them much better. The aroma up to this point is of sweet wood and is generally quite pleasant.

After an hour I find that I’m becoming bored with this cigar. It’s burning well and tastes fine, but it’s lacking in substance. Maybe if I were sitting in a Paris cafe, circa 1895, watching the snow fall on a horse drawn carriage while I sipped my coffee, perhaps then I might find the patience to smoke this big boy to the end. As it is now, in the twenty first century, watching the jets streak across the night sky bound for Nellis AFB, I’m ready to call it quits.

The Montecristo Royale Delacroix is fine cigar, no doubt. Fans of mild to medium bodied cigars will find this double corona very enjoyable, but if you’re looking for a little more flavor, you may want to look elsewhere.

I found this online that I think is them :sh

[icehog3]

Hi all, new here, and have a box of cigars I am trying to identify. I received them as a gift in 2000. They are Montecristo Le Cigar des Arts 2000 Millennium collectors edition. It contains 12 sealed tubes and a cutter in a beautiful black lacquered box. They have been stored in a controlled environment and NEVER OPENED.

Can anyone tell me anything about these? I cannot find anything recent online.

Welcome to the Asylum.

[T.G]

Hi all, new here, and have a box of cigars I am trying to identify. I received them as a gift in 2000. They are Montecristo Le Cigar des Arts 2000 Millennium collectors edition. It contains 12 sealed tubes and a cutter in a beautiful black lacquered box. They have been stored in a controlled environment and NEVER OPENED.

Can anyone tell me anything about these? I cannot find anything recent online.

Those are the original / limited run Montecristo Cigar de Arts cigar from 1999. IIRC, the aluminum tubed ones came later.

They were rare when they came out. I'm sure the are even more rare now. I think the last time I saw one was 10-11 years ago. I have no clue whatsoever as to their value nor do I know if the cigar got better or worse with age.

Welcome aboard.

[SipNpuff]

Hello, I'm new here and to cigars in general. I have spent an enormous time soaking up information but decided to join this forum so I don't read the same information multiple times.

Being so new I have not settled on what I prefer. A friend gave me a Gurkha Euphoria that I did enjoy. I've searched high and low but can't find anything about it. Can anyone enlighten me about them?

Thanks and I am looking forward to the day I enjoy the right cigar with a good glass of whiskey.

[icehog3]

Gurkha makes about 400 different cigars, give or take a few baker's dozens, Bill....but I can't find a single thing about a "Euphoria".

[SipNpuff]

That is what puzzled me Tom. The only thing I found was a picture of one. I have found no mention of it anywhere via google. This is the picture that was posted. Any idea where else I might look?

[T.G]

Might have been a one off for an event or a specific shop. Could try emailing Gurkha cigars directly, they might be able to help.

[SipNpuff]

Have not been too lucky with that so far Adam. I was hoping someone here was familiar with them so that if I couldn't locate any then maybe they could steer me towards something comparable.

I do plan on trying a few sampler packs but being OCD I am trying to find out some more about the Euphoria.

[dave]

SnP,

I am among those that would typically give you a snarky response to a Gurkha inquiry, despite the fact that I sheepishly admit to having enjoyed some in years past.

Snarkiness aside, there is a strong case to be made for abandoning your quest. Even if it is a GREAT cigar...and even if you can find the lone source....and even if they don't charge you an exorbitant price....very few Gurkha cigars are long for this world. You may find your holy grail of cigars early in your adventure...but you will be disappointed because it is highly unlikely you will access a reliable, recurring supply. Worse, you may find Euphoria again a year or two later, and find that while it has the same name, it could be a totally different blend, crushing your enthusiasm for Gurkha and turning you into the same crotchety, cynical Gurkha basher that so many of us have become.

[T.G]

Dave is wise.

[SipNpuff]

Thank you gentlemen. I appreciate the advice.

[stearns]

Worse, you may find Euphoria again a year or two later, and find that while it has the same name, it could be a totally different blend, crushing your enthusiasm for Gurkha and turning you into the same crotchety, cynical Gurkha basher that so many of us have become.

:tu

[jroszhart]

I have a three drawer Humidor and its hard to keep the humidity at 70 percent. Any suggestions? I have Xikar Crystal Humidifier 100 Count and two Xikar Crystal Humidifier 50 Count.

My wife got me a humidor that has four glass sides and the top and bottom is wood as well as the drawers. I did season the humidor before the cigars went in.

thanks

[pnoon]

I have a three drawer Humidor and its hard to keep the humidity at 70 percent. Any suggestions? I have Xikar Crystal Humidifier 100 Count and two Xikar Crystal Humidifier 50 Count.

My wife got me a humidor that has four glass sides and the top and bottom is wood as well as the drawers. I did season the humidor before the cigars went in.

thanks

IMO:
70% is a bit high
Ditch the crystals and get beads or Boveda packs
Ensure the seals along the glass panels are intact.

Also, what kind of hygrometer (analog or digital) do you have and has it been salt-tested and calibrated?

[jroszhart]

IMO:
70% is a bit high
Ditch the crystals and get beads or Boveda packs
Ensure the seals along the glass panels are intact.

Also, what kind of hygrometer (analog or digital) do you have and has it been salt-tested and calibrated?

The hygrometer an analog and I have a small digital one in the humidor, has not be salt-tested how do I do that? I was thinking about the beads. I have close to 50 cigars in my box lots of good gifts from friends.

any suggestions on earthy full cigars?

[pnoon]

The hygrometer an analog and I have a small digital one in the humidor, has not be salt-tested how do I do that? I was thinking about the beads. I have close to 50 cigars in my box lots of good gifts from friends.

any suggestions on earthy full cigars?

Ignore the analog.

Salt test - http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6183&highlight=salt

As for cigar suggestions, all I can tell you is to read the Cigar Discussions and Reviews here. Tons of information.

[jroszhart]

Ignore the analog.

Salt test - http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6183&highlight=salt

As for cigar suggestions, all I can tell you is to read the Cigar Discussions and Reviews here. Tons of information.

thanks

[jroszhart]

If you have to pick ten cigars to live off of what would you pick and why?

[icehog3]

Bolivar Petite Coronas
Cohiba Siglo IIs
H. Upmann Connnie 1s
Montecristo #4s
Partagas Shorts
PSD4s
Quai D'Orsay Coronas
RASCC
San Cristobol El Principes
Trinidad Reyes

Why? 'cause they're all so ****ing delicious!

[remdoc10]

I have a question. Not to change the subject. I heard that an igloo cooler with crystals and a hygrometer can make for an effective humidor for long term storage. Is this accurate? Does not having the Spanish cedar make a difference?

I was planning on using the cooler system for bulk storage and then transferring to my square box cedar humidor as space allows.

Thoughts?

[remdoc10]

Just saw the bit about beads vs crystals. Sad because I just upgraded from the sponge and standard hygrometer to the xikar digital hygrometer and crystals thinking I was getting the best setup. I had never heard of beads...

[remdoc10]

Also, I have the hygrometer magnesium adhered to the lid but it keeps falling down. Thinking of using gorilla glue or epoxy to get it to stay...

[remdoc10]

hygrometer "magnet". sorry.. autocorrect

[big_jaygee]

Just saw the bit about beads vs crystals. Sad because I just upgraded from the sponge and standard hygrometer to the xikar digital hygrometer and crystals thinking I was getting the best setup. I had never heard of beads...

Get these HCM BEADS (http://www.cigarbeads.com/)


Also, I have the hygrometer magnesium adhered to the lid but it keeps falling down. Thinking of using gorilla glue or epoxy to get it to stay...

Just toss it in and leave it on top... no need for it to be glued on the top. Hell i don't even use one.

[CigarNut]

I have a question. Not to change the subject. I heard that an igloo cooler with crystals and a hygrometer can make for an effective humidor for long term storage. Is this accurate? Does not having the Spanish cedar make a difference?

I was planning on using the cooler system for bulk storage and then transferring to my square box cedar humidor as space allows.

Thoughts?

Coolers make great humidors. They seal well and hold lots of cigars and are relatively inexpensive.

Spanish cedar aids in humidification, and can impart some scent or flavor to your cigars, but it is not needed. More like a nice-to-have -- which you can still have by taking Spanish cedar from cigar boxes and placing it in your cooler.

Finally, if you do add cedar, consider seasoning the cedar first, otherwise if the wood is dry (or wet) it is likely to play havoc with your RH.

[RWhisenand]

Just saw the bit about beads vs crystals. Sad because I just upgraded from the sponge and standard hygrometer to the xikar digital hygrometer and crystals thinking I was getting the best setup. I had never heard of beads...

Not sure where you live, but where I live we average 11% Ambiant RH so two way humidification is less necessary. I used crystal for quite awhile before switching to beads. Beads are unmistakably better, but with some playing around I was able to make the other methods work fine.

[idrankwhat]

Remdoc10 I have a coolidor and I use the hearfelt beads. So far they work fantastic. That doesn't mean there isn't something better out there.

On a different topic, I'm wanting to understand all these other descriptions people use for cigars. I understand the hay bail smell, several cigars I've had, had that smell when I got them. I know chocolate and coffee of course, but when you say leather, or earthy, I'm not exactly sure what that means. Does it smell like dirt? I'd like to get a list of a few cigars that are good examples of these different flavors. Hopefully some not very expensive ones if they have off flavors, but good examples. I've had some peppery ones and I do like the peppery flavored ones too. Can you guys give me some examples of cigars that would be good examples of these descriptive or off flavors?

[Porch Dweller]

I don't have some recommendations, but this might help:


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t239/carsandcigars/cigartastingwheel.gif (http://s161.photobucket.com/user/carsandcigars/media/cigartastingwheel.gif.html)

It's a good reference on flavor categories and can help you look for more nuanced flavors in your cigars. So when someone describes a stick as "spicy" or "woody" it can get you thinking more how those break down further.
There are dozens of these out there; just google "Cigar tasting wheel" if you want more options.

[idrankwhat]

Thanks Porch Dweller, that's a good start for me I think. That will kind of help me know what to look for. I do that with craft beer all the time.

[AdamJoshua]

Mark if you have people to herf with it's always great to have someone smoking a cigar they are picking up such and such a flavor or tasting note, then you get to hit that same cigar and try to pick up the same flavor notes, everyone has a different palate (I personally have the palate of a goat), but you can learn a lot and learn what to look for, sometimes ... rarely but sometimes I'm able to pick something out that others are struggling to name. (Ok maybe twice :lr ).

[Tio Gato]

I put this question here because this is new for me.

I was reading somewhere a post by a "cigar expert" that "one should expect a tubed cigar to have burn issues". I have never heard of this nor experienced this before.

Anyone has any insight on this idea? Thanks.

[T.G]

I put this question here because this is new for me.

I was reading somewhere a post by a "cigar expert" that "one should expect a tubed cigar to have burn issues". I have never heard of this nor experienced this before.

Anyone has any insight on this idea? Thanks.

Is the expert smoking Gurkhas? The cognac infused ones in the glass tubes with the wax seals are the only ones that I've consistently heard of burn problems with and it seems to be because the cigars are packed too moist and then sealed up. No air exchange happens at all so the cigar stays overhumidifed until it's opened and smoked. The people who I knew who had the burn issues with the tubed Gurkhas started pulling them out of the tubes a few days early and dryboxing them, once they did that, the burn issues went away, so that definitely points to humidity/moisture.

This is not an exclusive problem and could happen with any cigar, boxed, bundled, loose or tubed.

[Tio Gato]

Thanks Adam, that makes sense. I hadn't considered the glass tubes being so tightly sealed.

[JonnyThunder]

I recently purchased the humidor posted bellow, but I only used distilled water to fill the humidifier, not propylene glycol. The instructions say to use a 50/50 solution of both. I have some propylene glycol on its way by mail. The humidifier isn't over filled, but it is close to it. Would it be a bad idea to wait until the humidifier dries before using propylene glycol on the second fill, or should I be a little more proactive about getting the proylene into the humidifier?



http://www.amazon.com/Mantello-Desktop-Humidor-Royale-Glasstop/dp/B009Y8FESM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1452058968&sr=8-3&keywords=humidor

[JonnyThunder]

Is the expert smoking Gurkhas? The cognac infused ones in the glass tubes with the wax seals are the only ones that I've consistently heard of burn problems with and it seems to be because the cigars are packed too moist and then sealed up. No air exchange happens at all so the cigar stays overhumidifed until it's opened and smoked. The people who I knew who had the burn issues with the tubed Gurkhas started pulling them out of the tubes a few days early and dryboxing them, once they did that, the burn issues went away, so that definitely points to humidity/moisture.

This is not an exclusive problem and could happen with any cigar, boxed, bundled, loose or tubed.

So you are saying tubed cigars are okay? My go to cigars at the moment are tubed Ashtons. What are those tubes all about? So far I've found them useful for putting cigars out for saving, if one must be saved. Depriving the cigar of oxygen with the closed tube seems to produce a bit of moisture in it from the heat of the ember. I open it after the cigar goes out to blow the smoke out, then recap for saving. I don't save them for very long though. They usually get smoked the next day. I know cigars aren't generally saved for later after being lit, but this method seems to work relatively well.

I don't have a comfortable setup for smoking cigars. I prefer to smoke only half, sometimes less. This is why I gravitated towards tubed cigars. It contains the cigar quickly, even if it's lit, with no smell.

[icehog3]

I would suggest pitching the humidifer and getting some humidty beads. Member CigarNut sells them and has a link in his signature for purchasing them. They can absorb humidity as well as giving it off, keeping your humidor more stable. There are several threads on the advantages of beads over other forms of humidification.

Not a fan of relighting cigars, but to each his own.

[pnoon]

I would suggest pitching the humidifer and getting some humidty beads. Member CigarNut sells them and has a link in his signature for purchasing them. They can absorb humidity as well as giving it off, keeping your humidor more stable. There are several threads on the advantages of beads over other forms of humidification.

Not a fan of relighting cigars, but to each his own.

Agree wholeheartedly on both points.

[T.G]

So you are saying tubed cigars are okay? My go to cigars at the moment are tubed Ashtons. What are those tubes all about? So far I've found them useful for putting cigars out for saving, if one must be saved. Depriving the cigar of oxygen with the closed tube seems to produce a bit of moisture in it from the heat of the ember. I open it after the cigar goes out to blow the smoke out, then recap for saving. I don't save them for very long though. They usually get smoked the next day. I know cigars aren't generally saved for later after being lit, but this method seems to work relatively well.

I don't have a comfortable setup for smoking cigars. I prefer to smoke only half, sometimes less. This is why I gravitated towards tubed cigars. It contains the cigar quickly, even if it's lit, with no smell.


Tubed cigars ok for what? I don't understand what it is that you are asking.

[JonnyThunder]

Tubed cigars ok for what? I don't understand what it is that you are asking.

What I mean is, are they generally at a good humidity level? I started rambling a bit.

Those beads sound great. I'll check them out, thanks. What size would you recommend for the humidor I posted above?

[T.G]

What I mean is, are they generally at a good humidity level? I started rambling a bit.

Those beads sound great. I'll check them out, thanks. What size would you recommend for the humidor I posted above?

Anyone's guess really. Generally speaking in my experience, the Gurkha wax sealed tubed cigars are packed moist with the cognac infusion. This might be intentional so that the pre-light aroma hits you hard, but I don't know for certain. "Normal" cigars, in "Typical" tubes can be high or low, or spot on - kind of depends on the day and the cigar batch. In my experience, if you put them in your humidor for a few years with the cap sealed, you are often rewarded with a very delicately aged smoke.

I'm not sure what size your humidor is, but you can put the dimensions in at the vendor website: www.hcmbeads.com it will give you the weight you need. I would recommend oversizing by 50% or so to give yourself extra capacity, better buffering and margin for error. The owner of the company is a member here, he goes by "CigarNut" he can answer any of your questions via PM. Don't tell him I sent you though, I think he might still be upset at me about the time I accidentally ran over and smooshed his pet llama with my taxidermy penguin skateboard.

[JonnyThunder]

Anyone's guess really. Generally speaking in my experience, the Gurkha wax sealed tubed cigars are packed moist with the cognac infusion. This might be intentional so that the pre-light aroma hits you hard, but I don't know for certain. "Normal" cigars, in "Typical" tubes can be high or low, or spot on - kind of depends on the day and the cigar batch. In my experience, if you put them in your humidor for a few years with the cap sealed, you are often rewarded with a very delicately aged smoke.

I'm not sure what size your humidor is, but you can put the dimensions in at the vendor website: www.hcmbeads.com it will give you the weight you need. I would recommend oversizing by 50% or so to give yourself extra capacity, better buffering and margin for error. The owner of the company is a member here, he goes by "CigarNut" he can answer any of your questions via PM. Don't tell him I sent you though, I think he might still be upset at me about the time I accidentally ran over and smooshed his pet llama with my taxidermy penguin skateboard.

1 ounce is just about right, thanks. As per the instructions that came with my humidor I've currently got a shot glass of water sitting in it along side the filled humidifier. I was worried I might break the box popping out the hygrometer, and at the time I wasn't sure if it was designed to come out, so I didn't test it. I have a digital one arriving monday. Would it be a bad idea to put my cigars in the humidor now with the shot glasses of water still inside? It's had about 5 days to humidify. The hygrometer has stopped rising at 67 percent. I'm not sure if it's accurate, but it's level. And no worries, I won't say a word.

[T.G]

1 ounce is just about right, thanks. As per the instructions that came with my humidor I've currently got a shot glass of water sitting in it along side the filled humidifier. I was worried I might break the box popping out the hygrometer, and at the time I wasn't sure if it was designed to come out, so I didn't test it. I have a digital one arriving monday. Would it be a bad idea to put my cigars in the humidor now with the shot glasses of water still inside? It's had about 5 days to humidify. The hygrometer has stopped rising at 67 percent. I'm not sure if it's accurate, but it's level. And no worries, I won't say a word.

5 days for one of the small humidors you could probably take the shot glasses out and just put your cigars and beads in. Generally speaking, the built in analog hygrometers that come with inexpensive humidors are typically junk, don't even waste your time with them.

[JonnyThunder]

5 days for one of the small humidors you could probably take the shot glasses out and just put your cigars and beads in. Generally speaking, the built in analog hygrometers that come with inexpensive humidors are typically junk, don't even waste your time with them.

You were sure right about that. The analogue hygrometer was way off. Unfortunately my humidor is also a piece of junk. It will not hold humidity even after seasoning it three times. When I look at the seal I can visibly see that the wood does not make contact. I've ditched the entire thing for a sealable glass jar the owner of a smoke shop near me recommended.

Recently, when I've been smoking my cigars I've noticed something peculiar. I try to keep my cigars from burning too hot by keeping the ember low, but in the process of doing that what seems to happen is that only the center of the cigar burns. It winds up burrowing a hole into the cigar. Only the filler burns, not the binder or outer leaf. When I try to remedy this situation by keeping the ember burning hotter, I find that I get too much smoke and heat.

Once, I noticed that the hole burrowing itself through the cigar was tending to one side, and I also noticed that it seemed to take the shape of the cut I had made in the cigar. What I mean is, it seemed that I had made an insufficient cut and this was the source of the problem. However, making a larger cut did not resolve the problem. The cigar burned too loose and hot, and gave out too much smoke for my liking.

I enjoy a "cool" smoke. Sometimes when I smoke a cigar just right, I notice that it leaves a cooling sensation in the mouth that I love. What measures can I take to encourage this? Also, how can I discourage only the filler from burning?

[CigarNut]

This burrowing is called "Tunneling" and often happens when the cigars are too wet. You might try dry-boxing your cigars for a few days before smoking them to see if that helps.

[Diver41]

My wife got me a nice Lotus lighter a while back. It is the one with a cutter as part of it.

When I fill the lighter I do not see the bubble that says it is filled and it does not seem to last near as long as it should. I am using quality fuel, and doing the routine of purging, turning volume off, filling then letting it sit.
No bubble to show fuel level is ever visible and after toasting and maybe relighting maybe 3 or 4 sticks it needs to be filled again.

[FBing]

I understand that the proper way to refill a butane lighter is to bleed it of all gas that is in it and fill after the old gas is out. I do this and it seems to fill nicely and last a long time.

[Diver41]

Thanks FBing, I have ensured the lighter is empty and turned all the way down as instructed. Don't know what else to try. Maybe Lotus fuel? If not send it in I guess

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

This might sound really dumb but what the heck...

Is it ok to stack a ziplock baggie with 1 non-Cuban cigar and one 69% Boveda pack in it (that I've been using for almost a month) on top of another Ziploc baggie with 5 Cubans in it and a new 69% Boveda pack (that I just activated) and got today???

Having 2 ziplocks laying on top of each other (with Bovedas and cigars in each) on my desk (until I get my tuppador) wouldn't do anything bad would it??

[area51]

Nothing bad will happen

[Brlesq]

Your cigars will be fine for a long time

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Thanks fellas :)

[WhiteMamba]

Just smoke them now then you will know they're good :)

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Just smoke them now then you will know they're good :)

Shhh...I'm trying to learn patience. :)


At least I know (by their own verbal admission when I was in there on Monday talking with the owner in their walk-in humidor) that my local B&M sells their sticks pretty moist. So I'm trying to be patient for at least a few weeks, and am attempting to let my Boveda packs in my ziplock baggies do their thing.

Which brings me to another question. I know that once I get my Tuppador (hopefully next month) up and going that I will need to "burp" (or leave it open for like an hour) once a week to let the gasses out and let fresh air in.

Should I open my ziplocks to let gasses out or fresh air in once a week (until I get my Tuppador) or do I just leave them sealed with my sticks and Boveda inside and open them only if I want a cigar??

[AdamJoshua]

Shhh...I'm trying to learn patience. :)


At least I know (by their own verbal admission when I was in there on Monday talking with the owner in their walk-in humidor) that my local B&M sells their sticks pretty moist. So I'm trying to be patient for at least a few weeks, and am attempting to let my Boveda packs in my ziplock baggies do their thing.

Which brings me to another question. I know that once I get my Tuppador (hopefully next month) up and going that I will need to "burp" (or leave it open for like an hour) once a week to let the gasses out and let fresh air in.

No leave everything sealed until you are going to smoke something. The only thing opening a humidor, winador, tuppador, etc., does is change the humidity.

Should I open my ziplocks to let gasses out or fresh air in once a week (until I get my Tuppador) or do I just leave them sealed with my sticks and Boveda inside and open them only if I want a cigar??

Same as above, no need to open anything.

Some comments inline.

Also if your B&M sells the sticks too moist you might actually want to dry box them for a bit so they actually come down in humidity and aren't too wet for you. There are many threads on dry boxing here.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Would having two 69% Boveda packs be overkill for a ziplock bag with only 5 cigars currently resting inside it???

I ask because I just smoked my last stick from the baggie of various sticks I bought a month ago at my B&M (with a 69% Boveda pack) and now it's just the Boveda pack left in that bag. Should I put that month old Boveda pack in my other ziplock bag with the 5 cigars that I bought a week ago?

The bag I bought last week already has another 69% Boveda in there so would adding that second one from a month ago be too much? I don't wanna waste the month old Boveda (if I don't have to) so I thought I'd ask here...

[Wharf Rat]

Would having two 69% Boveda packs be overkill for a ziplock bag with only 5 cigars currently resting inside it???

I ask because I just smoked my last stick from the baggie of various sticks I bought a month ago at my B&M (with a 69% Boveda pack) and now it's just the Boveda pack left in that bag. Should I put that month old Boveda pack in my other ziplock bag with the 5 cigars that I bought a week ago?

The bag I bought last week already has another 69% Boveda in there so would adding that second one from a month ago be too much? I don't wanna waste the month old Boveda (if I don't have to) so I thought I'd ask here...

It should be fine to put both Bovedas together. Look at it this way - each bag has to work half as much.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Yep I went ahead and did it lol.

[luther]

I just purchased a second humidor (small Savoy) and am currently seasoning it with two 84% Boveda packs. I have never used the Boveda packs before. They have been in the new humi for two days and the hygrometer has not moved past 60. Normal? I plan on leaving the 84% packs in for two weeks and then switching to 72%. Thx!

[AdamJoshua]

Sounds about right, is it the seasoning kit or whatever they sell?

Welcome to the Asylum!

[luther]

There wasn't a start up kit. The guy at the shop just said to leave the 84% in for two weeks and then switch. I assume the humidity will eventually creep up?

[pnoon]

Is your hygrometer analog or digital? If it's analog, trash it and get yourself a digital.
Then calibrate it using the salt test.

[luther]

It is analog and built into the humidor. I have a digital in my other humi. Will probably get another digital. Do you know if I can take the built in analog out and replace it with a digital or am I better off leaving it and simply putting the digital one inside the humidor? Thx folks-appreciate the feedback.

[pnoon]

It is analog and built into the humidor. I have a digital in my other humi. Will probably get another digital. Do you know if I can take the built in analog out and replace it with a digital or am I better off leaving it and simply putting the digital one inside the humidor? Thx folks-appreciate the feedback.

Leave the analog alone. Just get yourself another digital.

And make sure you calibrate them.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Well I got my 7L Klip-It and cedar trays from Amazon yesterday to make my first tupperdor.

Should I season the trays today or do I (or should I) wait until I get my 65% Bovedas that I will be using from now on as well as the hygrometer that I ordered from Canada Humidor? My package with the 65% Bovedas and hygrometer from Canada Humidor should be here on Monday....

See to season the trays I was gonna spray them with a spray bottle of DW just enough for the wood to darken (I think) then you let them dry and then you spritz them again don't you???

That's how you easily season the trays am I right??

[CigarNut]

You should season the trays -- treat them like you would treat a wooden humidor. Season the trays inside your Tupperware container using a damp sponge (distilled water). There are a number of threads here that can provide more details on seasoning, but the key point is not to rush it -- give the trays a week or two to properly season.

[Zane]

CigarNut Nailed it. If you don't season them they will absorb all the humidity they can the moment you introduce them to the enviroment.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

When spritzing the trays and wiping them down I assume I spritz and wipe down absolutely all of it right?

The sides, all of the outside, every part of the inside inside, even the bottom of the tray right??

[AdamJoshua]

I've never sprayed water directly on shelves, I've only seasoned them like a small humidor with distilled water. I put them in an airtight area with a shot glass (or more) of distilled water. I'll let someone more knowledgable answer, but for me personally I was always worried about too much water being absorbed and the wood warping or swelling too much to where there isn't a good fit.

Again, I'm sure someone with more knowledge will post :tu

[Brlesq]

I've never sprayed water directly on shelves, I've only seasoned them like a small humidor with distilled water. I put them in an airtight area with a shot glass (or more) of distilled water. I'll let someone more knowledgable answer, but for me personally I was always worried about too much water being absorbed and the wood warping or swelling too much to where there isn't a good fit.

Again, I'm sure someone with more knowledge will post :tu

I've seasoned about 2 dozen desktops and a couple of cabinets by wetting a papertowel with distilled water and rubbing them down, then using the shot glass method. It has never caused a problems for me, and you can tell they are much cleaner by the amount of red micro sawdust that is collected on the wet papertowel. (Spanish cedar sawdust has a reddish hue to it.)

[AdamJoshua]

I've seasoned about 2 dozen desktops and a couple of cabinets by wetting a papertowel with distilled water and rubbing them down, then using the shot glass method. It has never caused a problems for me, and you can tell they are much cleaner by the amount of red micro sawdust that is collected on the wet papertowel. (Spanish cedar sawdust has a reddish hue to it.)

See i knew someone that knew better would post, thanks for the input :tu

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

If I was to do the shot glass method do I need to wait until I get my Bovedas tomorrow or can I go ahead start tonight by putting DW in a shot glass or two with the trays stacked on top of each other in my Klip-It?

Would both trays season properly at the same time if I have one stacked on top of the other inside my Klip-It??

[CigarNut]

You do not need to wait for the Boveda packs. A sponge is better than a shot glass, if you have one as the sponge has more surface area.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

See i knew someone that knew better would post, thanks for the input :tu

You do not need to wait for the Boveda packs. A sponge is better than a shot glass, if you have one as the sponge has more surface area.

Ok so how do I do this sponge method? Walk me through step by step please. :)

My brain hurts from all these different methods for different folks. I'm confused lol.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

I assume these sponges would work perfect yes?

http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/scotch-britehandy-sponge/6000016953173

I've never bought sponges in my life so I wanna make sure those would work lol.

[AdamJoshua]

Yes any sponge, as long as they aren't pre-soaped. All you do is soak the sponge in distilled water and put it on a small plate inside whatever you are trying to season. Close it up and leave it closed, check the sponge in a couple days to see if it dried out, if it did re-soak it. The reason sponges are better than the shot glass method is that there is more surface area on the sponge.

:tu

[Grey Goose]

I've seasoned about 2 dozen desktops and a couple of cabinets by wetting a papertowel with distilled water and rubbing them down, then using the shot glass method. It has never caused a problems for me, and you can tell they are much cleaner by the amount of red micro sawdust that is collected on the wet papertowel. (Spanish cedar sawdust has a reddish hue to it.)

Paper towels get torn up on the grain of the wood IME, and leave paper towel residue bits, even on the smooth cedar in humidors, I prefer wiping them down with cotton rags like they sell for gun cleaning patches, etc...

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Yes any sponge, as long as they aren't pre-soaped. All you do is soak the sponge in distilled water and put it on a small plate inside whatever you are trying to season. Close it up and leave it closed, check the sponge in a couple days to see if it dried out, if it did re-soak it. The reason sponges are better than the shot glass method is that there is more surface area on the sponge.

:tu

Oh ok cool.

So I soak the entire sponge, wring it out a bit, and put it on a plate in one of my cedar trays?

Since I'll be using 2 cedar trays inside a 7 litre Klip-It as a Tupperdor will both trays season at the same time if I have one stacked on top of the other??

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

So I just got my Western Caliber IV hygrometer in the mail plus my Boveda hygrometer calibration kit.

How do I use them? I haven't taken the hygrometer out of the box yet.

[Dux]

So I just got my Western Caliber IV hygrometer in the mail plus my Boveda hygrometer calibration kit.

How do I use them? I haven't taken the hygrometer out of the box yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBEQ2jdwIHU

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBEQ2jdwIHU

Got it going on my own before I saw this.

I think now I will start seasoning my trays tonight with the "sponge soaked in DW on a plate" method.

How wet do I wet the sponge? I assume I wring it out a bit before putting it on the plate?

[Wharf Rat]

Got it going on my own before I saw this.

I think now I will start seasoning my trays tonight with the "sponge soaked in DW on a plate" method.

How wet do I wet the sponge? I assume I wring it out a bit before putting it on the plate?

It's not critical. The plate is meant to catch any water that drips out, right?

[AdamJoshua]

I was going to say, a shot glass of water is pretty wet :lr

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

So I ended up going to Canadian Tire and grabbing these:

http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/CanadianTire/0420169_1?$medium$&defaultImage=image_na_EN&wid=250&hei=250

I wet one very well with DW and put it on a plate and put the plate in the top tray in my Klip-It

Here's how it looks now...

http://i65.tinypic.com/206d64g.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/11bt6rb.jpg

And here it is resting beside my bed on my CD storage box/nightstand for stuff resting and doing its thing.

http://i63.tinypic.com/347zdx4.jpg

One question though, given at how thick the sponge is (it's basically
touching the inside of the lid of the Klip-It when I put the lid on it and sealed the Klip-It shut) will that mess up the seasoning process if its touching the inside of the lid???

[T.G]

One question though, given at how thick the sponge is (it's basically
touching the inside of the lid of the Klip-It when I put the lid on it and sealed the Klip-It shut) will that mess up the seasoning process if its touching the inside of the lid???

Nope, not at all. If it were contacting the wood, it might oversaturate it, but plastic doesn't have that problem.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Nope, not at all. If it were contacting the wood, it might oversaturate it, but plastic doesn't have that problem.

Thank you :)

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Slightly stupid question regarding sponges but I figured I'd ask so I'll know for future reference.

I just noticed that on the pack of my package of sponges it says "rinse before and each use."

Now obviously I didn't wanna rinse the sponge under the tap with tapwater, so I just soaked it with DW and wrung it out with my hand before soaking it very well again and putting it on a plate on the top tray in my Tupperdore to let it start seasoning the trays. That should be ok right since I didn't "rinse" the sponge in the conventional sense under a hot water tap with soap?

[icehog3]

Yes, it should be just fine. :tu

[Porch Dweller]

Slightly stupid question regarding sponges but I figured I'd ask so I'll know for future reference.

I just noticed that on the pack of my package of sponges it says "rinse before and each use."

Now obviously I didn't wanna rinse the sponge under the tap with tapwater, so I just soaked it with DW and wrung it out with my hand before soaking it very well again and putting it on a plate on the top tray in my Tupperdore to let it start seasoning the trays. That should be ok right since I didn't "rinse" the sponge in the conventional sense under a hot water tap with soap?

You could always take the sponge out and give it a sniff. If it has any strong odor to it, wring it out really well under some hot water, let it dry, then start the DW process again.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

So my new Western Caliber IV hygrometer that I just got yesterday has now been sitting in the Boveda calibration pack for 24 hours exactly.

It's currently reading at 29 degrees Celcius and 77%

Should I leave it in the calibration bag for another 12 hours as the calibration kit says to leave the hygrometer in there anywhere from 24-36 hours.

[Dave128]

No idea what that Celsius thing is that you speak of, but if it's in a Fahrenheit range that you like I think you're GTG. Also, it wouldn't hurt to leave it in the bag for another day or so.

[Dux]

So my new Western Caliber IV hygrometer that I just got yesterday has now been sitting in the Boveda calibration pack for 24 hours exactly.

It's currently reading at 29 degrees Celcius and 77%

Should I leave it in the calibration bag for another 12 hours as the calibration kit says to leave the hygrometer in there anywhere from 24-36 hours.

There should be a button to switch between Celsius & Fahrenheit

If the Hydro has been in the bag for 48 Hrs the you can assume it's
calibrated. Just remember to -7 from the reading when checking humidity.
Unless you have the ability to adjust it.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

No idea what that Celsius thing is that you speak of, but if it's in a Fahrenheit range that you like I think you're GTG. Also, it wouldn't hurt to leave it in the bag for another day or so.

We Canadians use Celsius instead of Fahrenheit.

[Dave128]

We Canadians use Celsius instead of Fahrenheit.

I know. I was just being a sarcastic American.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

I know. I was just being a sarcastic American.

Noted. Although sarcasm doesn't translate well on the internetz.


How many of you wipe down your Spanish cedar trays with a cloth (I.E. to get rid of dust or sawdust etc.) before seasoning??? As I just realized that I didn't do this and my trays are busy seasoning for their 3rd day.

Should I be concerned??

[T.G]

Noted. Although sarcasm doesn't translate well on the internetz.


How many of you wipe down your Spanish cedar trays with a cloth (I.E. to get rid of dust or sawdust etc.) before seasoning??? As I just realized that I didn't do this and my trays are busy seasoning for their 3rd day.

Should I be concerned??

The wipe down is so that you aren't smoking the cedar dust, you can go ahead and do it at any time.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

The wipe down is so that you aren't smoking the cedar dust, you can go ahead and do it at any time.

Perfect.

What should I use to wipe the tray down with?? Does the thing need to be wet or dry??

Anyways my initial question was since I'm sure that by tomorrow afternoon my trays will be seasoned...I'm assuming that when I add my hygrometer in there (to see if it maintains a constant humidity before adding my sticks) that I can also add my 65% Bovedas in there then as well when I put my hygro in???

[T.G]

Perfect.

What should I use to wipe the tray down with?? Does the thing need to be wet or dry??

Anyways my initial question was since I'm sure that by tomorrow afternoon my trays will be seasoned...I'm assuming that when I add my hygrometer in there (to see if it maintains a constant humidity before adding my sticks) that I can also add my 65% Bovedas in there then as well when I put my hygro in???

No different to wipe the trays than how one would wipe up sawdust, or just dust, in any other situation. A very lightly dampened cloth, flipped/folded often so that you are using a clean side most of the time, and that's about it.

I have no idea how long it will take your trays to season, too many variables. I would put the hygrometer in and see what it reads, see if you need more time. Add the Bovedia packs at the same time as the cigars. :2

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

No different to wipe the trays than how one would wipe up sawdust, or just dust, in any other situation. A very lightly dampened cloth, flipped/folded often so that you are using a clean side most of the time, and that's about it.

I have no idea how long it will take your trays to season, too many variables. I would put the hygrometer in and see what it reads, see if you need more time. Add the Bovedia packs at the same time as the cigars. :2

Would using one of those Swiffer duster thingies work?

[T.G]

I don't really know what is on those, but I would be concerned that it might introduce perfumes and other chemicals. I'd stick to a clean cloth moistened with water.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

I don't really know what is on those, but I would be concerned that it might introduce perfumes and other chemicals. I'd stick to a clean cloth moistened with water.

Regular or distilled?

Anyways, about 10-15 minutes ago I finally removed my sponge on a plate and tossed my hygrometer in my Tuppador to see if my trays are fully seasoned now.

Right now I'm sitting at 72% RH although it was 68% when I put the hygro in there initially.

How long should I monitor my RH levels before adding my cigars and 65% Bovedas??

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

And at what RH level will I know that my Tupperdor is ready??

It's at 74% RH now.

[CigarNut]

A seasoned humidor should hold a steady RH for at least 24 hours, preferably 48 hours before adding your cigars.

[T.G]

Being plastic tupperware, ti's probably fine now. Once you add your cigars and boveda packs, give it a week to stabilize.

[AdamJoshua]

To answer an earlier question, always use distilled water for everything.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Due to another ridiculously high heatwave here in Kitchener, my poor 7L Klip-It tupperdor was sitting at like 85F according to my hygrometer yesterday despite being at 65% RH.

Now I know 85F is insanely hot for my tupperdor and my sticks and I needed to cool it down. Worst of all, I live in an apartment with no A/C as I've said before.

So based on the advice from another BOTL, yesterday I grabbed a Coleman cooler and a few of those Rubbermaid blue ice block thingies and put my tupperdor in the cooler with the ice blocks (once I froze them) to try and cool it down.

So I put 3 of the frozen ice block things in my cooler this morning and I checked them a few minutes ago.

I'm sitting right now between 73-74F but my hygro says I'm at 59% humidity despite my using 65% Bovedas.

Should I be worried??

[hammondc]

You will be fine. Keep the RH good and it'll all be ok. Relax and have a cigar

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

You will be fine. Keep the RH good and it'll all be ok. Relax and have a cigar

When should I begin to worry about my RH as I'm at 58% now

[AdamJoshua]

It get's hotter than 85 where the leaves are grown and rolled. The issue with it being too hot is beetle eggs hatch in higher temps. There are many threads about that here, a few sticks in a tupador probably would have been fine without putting frozen chem packs in with them, or if you were really worried you could have put the tupador in the fridge (sealed of course), that is if it fit (phrasing).

[pnoon]

When should I begin to worry about my RH as I'm at 58% now

If it dips below 50%. I know some cigar folks who prefer 58-60% RH. I target 63%.

The real test is "Are you happy with the way your cigars are smoking?" If the answer is yes, don't worry about the number.

[hammondc]

If it dips below 50%. I know some cigar folks who prefer 58-60% RH. I target 63%.

The real test is "Are you happy with the way your cigars are smoking?" If the answer is yes, don't worry about the number.

Yep!! Hail, if you are very new to cigars, the best advice I can give is to not over think the humidity/temp.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Gotcha.

So a little while ago, I went to swap out the new not as cold ice blocks from yesterday morning in my cooler with the other 3 that I had freezing in my freezer yesterday (to get them ready to alternatively swap out once they froze).

When I swapped them out, I noticed a bit of fog/condensation and water droplets on the inside corner of the side my tupperdor. Was this just because the ice blocks have been stacked beside it?

I assume it's nothing to worry about right as my tupperdor is a 7L Klip-It with a very good seal. I opened it up, wiped it off with a tissue and sealed it back up. Should I be worried about condensation getting in there as I have 2 Spanish trays in my tupperdor...my bottom one being currently empty aside from a Boveda and the top one is the one I'm using for my sticks right now, another Boveda pack, and my hygro.

[CigarNut]

I would make sure that the ice blocks are not touching your tupperdore -- the condensation can cause problems unless you have some beads to absorb it.

[Wharf Rat]

The condensation in your 'dor is being caused by the cold blocks you put in. If the air or any of the surfaces in your 'dor get below 15 or 16 C, they will get condensation on them. It's the same principle as morning dew on the grass. When you get that sweat condensation, it's pulling water out of the air. So, that's why you saw your rH drop too.

I agree with other who said you shouldn't obsess on temperature. It'll be alright as long as you keep your humidity control devices going.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Thanks for the info friends.

Based on that, I rearranged my blocks by stacking them on top of each other in the corner of my cooler so that they are not touching my tupperdor anymore. I then took a few Ziploc freezer bags, folded them, and put them in the space between my Tupperdor and the blocks in my cooler as kind of like a little condensation/melting mess barrier thingie.

I'm at 72F and 59% RH at the moment. I'm just beyond happy that my sticks and Tupperdor are actually at a normal temperature now lol. And I'm sure that if I add more sticks, my RH will go up. Which will be easy as I have an order of cigars on its way to me as we speak.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Well last week I placed my first ever online order with CP and today it arrived:

http://i65.tinypic.com/k2yeqo.jpg

:)

The sticks are now in my Tupperdor. But how do I use the travel humi??

I assume I can remove the cardboard inserts on top of the cedar linings (that tell you what each cigar in the sampler is) inside the humi right??? But then do I need to season it or anything???

[AdamJoshua]

Is that like a sampler pack deal with some sticks in a humi that's made to hold them? Does it' have foam inserts or something to hold the sticks? I'm sure you can take the cardboard out, seems that was if you were going to keep the sticks in that box, as far as seasoning, I think for most travel humidors you can just toss some beads or a humi pack in there and it will be fine.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Is that like a sampler pack deal with some sticks in a humi that's made to hold them? Does it' have foam inserts or something to hold the sticks? I'm sure you can take the cardboard out, seems that was if you were going to keep the sticks in that box, as far as seasoning, I think for most travel humidors you can just toss some beads or a humi pack in there and it will be fine.

It had thin disposable plastic thingies to hold each stick during transport from the manufacturer to the B&M/people's homes I assume.

http://i68.tinypic.com/vpw8cl.jpg

See?

And yes it's the CAO Champions II sampler of 10 CAO sticks plus the travel humi

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Is anywhere from 71-75.5F a good temperature for my Tupperdor if I have it in a cooler with some ice blocks due to my apartment having no A/C???

My RH will be anywhere from 60-65% as I'm using 65% Bovedas

[AdamJoshua]

Yes that is a fine temperature, you just don't want it soaring pas the 80s.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

So I just smoked and really enjoyed a CAO Colombia Magdalena (which was also my first torpedo cigar I've had) but I noticed on one part of the stick there were a few little brown-ish black dots (kinda like freckles or acne) on the wrapper.

What were they? Mold? Waterspots?? Should I be concerned as I smoked the entire stick to the nub since it was so delicious.

[CigarNut]

Most likely nothing to worry about -- next time take a pic and post it so that we can get a better idea of what they might be.

[Ripplingh2o]

Morning inmates. So I ran into a situation the other day that had me scratching my head. Stopped by our local B&M (I take pause to actually call them that because of the other paraphernalia they sell). Anyway, spent 10 minutes in their walk-in looking at various cigars when I noticed the digital hydrometer read 74. Needless to say, I didn't buy anything but should I have said something to the fella behind the counter or leave it alone? Thanks. -(P

[T.G]

That's a difficult one to give a general answer for. It doesn't hurt to say anything, but it's hard to say what kind of response you will get when you do. Some owners/clerks do care, some don't know or don't care, others are clinging to the "70/70" fallacy. And of course there are external factors that might be causing a temporary 74 reading and things are actually ok in there, and you glanced over at that moment.

[CigarNut]

Adam is correct. It could also be a case where the 74% digital readout actually means 68% because the hygrometer is off and cannot be adjusted. Lots of reasons good and bad for that reading...

You could say something like "I noticed that the hygrometer is reading 74% relative humidity. Is that what you keep your cigars at?" Asking a question rather than implying anything wrong is often the safest way to go.

[Ripplingh2o]

Mailman brought me another variety of cigars this morning. Was so looking forward to trying this single Baccarat stick. Just toasted it up after supper and it's so loose it's like drawing air thru a straw. Can't hardly keep it lit & it seems to be burning down small pathways along parts of the wrapper. Ended up pitching it. So what would cause such a loose draw? I assume just a loose/poor roll. Oh well, will buy another later and try again. Spose that happens from time to time. -(P

[CigarNut]

It could be that the tobacco is dry -- you might try to store the remaining cigars in your humidor for a while and try one again in a few months.

[Porch Dweller]

Yep, what Michael said. I order a lot of sticks online and I always try to let them rest in my humi for at least 30 days before trying one in order to let them acclimate to my preferences.

Sometimes I've even patient enough to make it the whole 30 days. ;)

[icehog3]

Yep, what Michael said. I order a lot of sticks online and I always try to let them rest in my humi for at least 30 days before trying one in order to let them acclimate to my preferences.

Sometimes I've even patient enough to make it the whole 30 days. ;)

I got some El Principes in today and waited almost 15 minutes. :D

[AdamJoshua]

I got some El Principes in today and waited almost 15 minutes. :D

oh aged! :tu

[Ripplingh2o]

As a relative newb, I don't yet have an aged inventory of cigars. Seems as I get new cigars (like the Baccarat) I can't wait 30 days before trying it. I'm with Tom here, 15 minutes sounds about right. -(P

[icehog3]

As a relative newb, I don't yet have an aged inventory of cigars. Seems as I get new cigars (like the Baccarat) I can't wait 30 days before trying it. I'm with Tom here, 15 minutes sounds about right. -(P

I almost always try one from a box "Right Off The Truck (ROTT), Robb, sets a benchmark so I'll know if they're improving, or hitting a sick period, etc., as times goes by.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

So I finally figured out how to retrohale yesterday (woohoo) but had yet to decipher any additional nuances and flavours from the stick I finally "got it" and learned with. It was a CAO Lx2 Toro

Now was I unable to pick up additional flavours from my stick through my nose because my pallet to begin with is still unrefined as a noob...and I've just just figured out retrohaling??? Like do I need to retrohale more to "train" my nose over time??

Also for what it's worth, I've smoke cigarettes (though am trying to quit) for 17 years so could that also be why no other flavours jumped out at me?? Like could my tastebuds be already too fried to the point that retrohaling a stick wouldn't make much of a difference for me??

[GrouchoM]

Ok, sitting w two guys after hours drinking fine score and good cigars at my BnM. My bd present a day late, but I very drank some great scotch and whiskeys-one guys a distributor for Glenlivet. I'm having a ball. Smoking new cigars Flor de Las Antillas, San LaTano Oval and Alec Bradley Post embargo. BOTL is a culture.

[bonjing]

Also for what it's worth, I've smoke cigarettes (though am trying to quit) for 17 years so could that also be why no other flavours jumped out at me?? Like could my tastebuds be already too fried to the point that retrohaling a stick wouldn't make much of a difference for me??

No, I wouldn't say that your taste buds are fried. People are all different. Some can taste everything and pick up subtle flavors, others can't.

I fall in, the can't.

I mainly smoke at HERFS, about once a month, and I still only really pick up flavors that are more pronounced. I wish I could pick up on all the subtle flavors and be able to describe them, but I'm not really able too. I still fall under basic category's; eww, not bad, good, hella good, OMG this is really good and where can I get this :D

[Dave128]

No, I wouldn't say that your taste buds are fried. People are all different. Some can taste everything and pick up subtle flavors, others can't.

I fall in, the can't.

I mainly smoke at HERFS, about once a month, and I still only really pick up flavors that are more pronounced. I wish I could pick up on all the subtle flavors and be able to describe them, but I'm not really able too. I still fall under basic category's; eww, not bad, good, hella good, OMG this is really good and where can I get this :D


:tpd:

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

How long do Bovedas generally last in a tupperdor before I should change them???

Basically I have two Spanish cedar trays stacked on top of each other in my 7 litre Klip-It tupperdor container with one 65% Boveda in each tray. My top tray is full of sticks and the bottom tray has 1 stick in it.

However my hygro hasn't been going anywhere over 58% RH for awhile even though I just added 6 more sticks from my local B&M to my top tray this past Friday.

Yet neither of my Bovedas feel dry or crunchy. What gives??

Also for what it's worth if this matters any, my tupperdor is inside a Coleman cooler with 3 of those refreezable ice block thingies to keep my cigar temperature between 67-72F according to my hygro since I live in an apartment with no A/C and our superintendent turned the heaters on for winter now. The ice blocks aren't touching my tupperdor though.

Should I switch to 69% Bovedas for awhile?? With winter coming soon I probably won't be smoking much now...if anything, until next spring as I smoke outside.

[bobarian]

How long do Bovedas generally last in a tupperdor before I should change them???

Basically I have two Spanish cedar trays stacked on top of each other in my 7 litre Klip-It tupperdor container with one 65% Boveda in each tray. My top tray is full of sticks and the bottom tray has 1 stick in it.

However my hygro hasn't been going anywhere over 58% RH for awhile even though I just added 6 more sticks from my local B&M to my top tray this past Friday.

Yet neither of my Bovedas feel dry or crunchy. What gives??

Also for what it's worth if this matters any, my tupperdor is inside a Coleman cooler with 3 of those refreezable ice block thingies to keep my cigar temperature between 67-72F according to my hygro since I live in an apartment with no A/C and our superintendent turned the heaters on for winter now. The ice blocks aren't touching my tupperdor though.

Should I switch to 69% Bovedas for awhile?? With winter coming soon I probably won't be smoking much now...if anything, until next spring as I smoke outside.

That is your problem Ice packs will create condensate and that water has to come from somewhere. Maintaining a low temp is not necessary. Only constant temps above 70-72 could lead to a problem. Ditch those packs!

[AdamJoshua]

Also did you season the cedar trays?

[Ripplingh2o]

Now that winter has reared its ugly head, and our temps will begin to plummet to readings well below zero should my days of ordered sticks (being delivered via USPS or UPS) be halted? Even our RH hovers between 40-50 in the winter and the normal 5-7 days transient time concerns me. -(P

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

That is your problem Ice packs will create condensate and that water has to come from somewhere. Maintaining a low temp is not necessary. Only constant temps above 70-72 could lead to a problem. Ditch those packs!

Without the ice packs though, the temperature in my room where I store my sticks will hit over 80F easily.

That's why I bought the cooler and ice packs to try and cool everything down in the first place (as per the advice of another BOTL)....as we either don't have A/C in the summer, or our heaters are on in the winter.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Also did you season the cedar trays?

Of course

[CigarNut]

I've always been more concerned about RH than temperatures. Finished cigars sit in high temps alll the time during transport from the manufacturer with no or little problems.

[icehog3]

Now that winter has reared its ugly head, and our temps will begin to plummet to readings well below zero should my days of ordered sticks (being delivered via USPS or UPS) be halted? Even our RH hovers between 40-50 in the winter and the normal 5-7 days transient time concerns me. -(P

Cigars are very resilient. They will be fine for 5-7 days.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Update on my potential conundrum: I'm thinking about either switching out my Bovedas to two other brand new 65% ones that I have here, or recalibrating my hygrometer if I have to.

Although I'm 99.9% sure my hygrometer is fine as I calibrated it with one of those Boveda calibration kits when I got it in August and all was well. And no my trays have been in my tupperdor since I seasoned them when I made this first tupperdor of mine back in August as well.

Hmmmm....

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Update: Well I haven't switched out my now melted refreezable ice blocks (they are a few inches away from my tupperdor and not touching it, as usual...in my cooler) for my other frozen ones as I'm at like 69.5F right now.

My RH is now at 61% according to my hygrometer right now.

Hmm...

[Ripplingh2o]

Ok, back to the beginner questions thread...ordered my first box of cigars last week (Monte's crafted by AJ Fernandez), received them this afternoon. Now, do I open the sealed box and put them in my humi to rest for two weeks OR can they rest the two weeks in the original box (outside of the humi)? Room RH hovers in the low 50's. Thanks. -(P

[pnoon]

Ok, back to the beginner questions thread...ordered my first box of cigars last week (Monte's crafted by AJ Fernandez), received them this afternoon. Now, do I open the sealed box and put them in my humi to rest for two weeks OR can they rest the two weeks in the original box (outside of the humi)? Room RH hovers in the low 50's. Thanks. -(P

Low 50s, while not ideal, will be fine for 2 weeks.
Putting them in your humidor at your preferred RH is even better.

:2

[Weelok]

Now that winter has reared its ugly head, and our temps will begin to plummet to readings well below zero should my days of ordered sticks (being delivered via USPS or UPS) be halted? Even our RH hovers between 40-50 in the winter and the normal 5-7 days transient time concerns me. -(P

I will add just a little to what has already been stated which is don't worry about the cold for transport as it's short but here is my addition.

Many on this board will deep freeze cigars to ensure no tobacco beetle eggs survive and the cigars taste and smoke just fine. Consider sub-zero transport helping ensure your cigars are beetle free. I jest a bit on beetle free but I'm sure you can see that deep freezing has not harmed the avid collectors supply or they would be the first to complain.

[Ripplingh2o]

Thanks Dave & Peter for your insight and advice. Appreciate it. -(P

[Brlesq]

I will add just a little to what has already been stated which is don't worry about the cold for transport as it's short but here is my addition.

Many on this board will deep freeze cigars to ensure no tobacco beetle eggs survive and the cigars taste and smoke just fine. Consider sub-zero transport helping ensure your cigars are beetle free. I jest a bit on beetle free but I'm sure you can see that deep freezing has not harmed the avid collectors supply or they would be the first to complain.

^^This

[RevSmoke]

I will add just a little to what has already been stated which is don't worry about the cold for transport as it's short but here is my addition.

Many on this board will deep freeze cigars to ensure no tobacco beetle eggs survive and the cigars taste and smoke just fine. Consider sub-zero transport helping ensure your cigars are beetle free. I jest a bit on beetle free but I'm sure you can see that deep freezing has not harmed the avid collectors supply or they would be the first to complain.

What he said.

In fact, just got an order and put it in the freezer where it will stay for a couple days. Then into the humidor in the box as they came.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Update: Well I haven't switched out my now melted refreezable ice blocks (they are a few inches away from my tupperdor and not touching it, as usual...in my cooler) for my other frozen ones as I'm at like 69.5F right now.

My RH is now at 61% according to my hygrometer right now.

Hmm...

Extra Update: The other day I switched out my two 65% Bovedas for two 69% Bovedas that I have and now even with my refreezable ice blocks in my cooler (sitting stacked beside and not touching my tupperdor) being completely melted right now, I'm hovering between 62-64% RH.

So it looks like I'll just use 69% Bovedas if I'm gonna be dropping a few percentages of RH due to my ice blocks (which I need) anyways.

[luther]

Any of you know of a way to get a cigar store Indian? Does not need to be an antique.

[AdamJoshua]

Any of you know of a way to get a cigar store Indian? Does not need to be an antique.

Practice? Oh wait that's how you get to Carnegie Hall.


http://lmgtfy.com/?q=I+want+to+buy+a+cigar+store+Indian

[icehog3]

Lots of them on eBay. ;)

[G-Rex42]

Anyone have any tips for dealing with dry mouth?

Thank you everyone.

[icehog3]

Anyone have any tips for dealing with dry mouth?

Thank you everyone.

As simple as it sounds, I just try to have some water or other beverage with mr when I smoke.

[N2Advnture]

Well last week I placed my first ever online order with CP and today it arrived:

http://i65.tinypic.com/k2yeqo.jpg

:)

The sticks are now in my Tupperdor. But how do I use the travel humi??

I assume I can remove the cardboard inserts on top of the cedar linings (that tell you what each cigar in the sampler is) inside the humi right??? But then do I need to season it or anything???

Yes to removing the cardboard inserts and no seasoning required.

Typically, you don't need to add a humidification device if. Your cigars are humidifier properly unless your traveling for more than a few days.

I hope this helps

~Mark

[LemonJimmy]

I'm pretty new myself, try the Macanudo Hyde park , the AVO classic, Baccarat Rothschild and/or Griffins

[Billydolphin33]

Can you please help me out with some information

[Billydolphin33]

Thanks

[CigarNut]

What are you looking for?

[T.G]

What are you looking for?

A buyer.

[Porch Dweller]

A buyer.

I hear this guy buys older stuff.

https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.npr.org%2Fassets%2Fimg%2F201 1%2F06%2F07%2Fpawnpublicityshot-2b909f293b57344cdb75833d6421c5bb5fa0c777-s6-c30.jpg&f=1

[AdamJoshua]

Yah but he's going to have to have a friend of his come in and look at it.

[icehog3]

I hear this guy buys older stuff.

https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.npr.org%2Fassets%2Fimg%2F201 1%2F06%2F07%2Fpawnpublicityshot-2b909f293b57344cdb75833d6421c5bb5fa0c777-s6-c30.jpg&f=1

My, he has a gigantic clock......-(P

[Porch Dweller]

Yah but he's going to have to have a friend of his come in and look at it.

Dick Hacker? :D

[pnoon]

Hack Dicker?

[Luke1486]

I am looking for recomendation for electric humidor that holds 150 or less cigars not looking to go to big

[AdamJoshua]

I am looking for recomendation for electric humidor that holds 150 or less cigars not looking to go to big

Can’t say I’ve seen one that small with an electric humidifier, usually a desktop humidor is just fine with beads or a humidity pack, any reason you want it to be electric? Not to mention the fact that even a small cigar oasis would probably be too much for a 150 count box.

[T.G]

Maybe he means a temperature controlled humidor?

This is about the smallest one I can think of offhand.
Back in August of last year they could be had for $125 (free shipping) with a coupon code at air-n-water.com.
http://www.newair.com/products/cc-100/

I steered a friend who was looking for his first humidor towards that deal back then along with some HCM beads and he is super pleased with everything. No problems so far and rock solid humidity levels.

Lukas, keep in mind that the capacity estimates are just that, estimates. Based on the size of the cigar and the boxes, a 150 count might only hold 80. The above "250 count" is probably much closer to 150 actual storage.

[Luke1486]

Yes thats what i was looking to get the tempatures in my place vary a lot so i want something that will be set to certain temps and keep the cigars fresher longer. Thanks

[Wharf Rat]

Yes thats what i was looking to get the tempatures in my place vary a lot so i want something that will be set to certain temps and keep the cigars fresher longer. Thanks

I think most of us would worry about maintaining the humidity first and worry about the temperature second. The cigars were rolled in a tropical climate and survived a sea voyage in a shipping container before you started to worry about them.

[CigarNut]

I think most of us would worry about maintaining the humidity first and worry about the temperature second. The cigars were rolled in a tropical climate and survived a sea voyage in a shipping container before you started to worry about them.

:tu :tu

[pnoon]

I think most of us would worry about maintaining the humidity first and worry about the temperature second. The cigars were rolled in a tropical climate and survived a sea voyage in a shipping container before you started to worry about them.

:tpd:

[hwgoesit]

Yes thats what i was looking to get the tempatures in my place vary a lot so i want something that will be set to certain temps and keep the cigars fresher longer. Thanks

Fresher longer?
Low temp is ok for cigars, high temp (actually just above 63 degrees or so) can hatch beetle eggs.
Freshness is generally not a desirable quality. Properly aged is.

[markem]

Yes thats what i was looking to get the tempatures in my place vary a lot so i want something that will be set to certain temps and keep the cigars fresher longer. Thanks

Keeping both the humidity and the temperature in a desirable range will keep the cigars smoking great for years. I think that is what you meant by 'fresher'.

Many of us keep our cigars around 64% humidity but up to 70% seems fine for a whole lot of people as well. I keep the temperature of my cigars below about 76 degrees, although it only gets that warm in August and September. Most of the time, my cigars are around 66 degrees. Beetles are a real problem for both Cuban and Non-Cuban (NC) cigars. Above about 70 degrees can cause some issues. See the sticky on the science of freezing cigars for more information.

If you get a system that is electronically cooled, ask about it on this board before you buy. There are several vendors that make great systems but also make systems that can destroy the cigars, since most of the systems are designed for wine. It's a buyer beware world when it comes to buying temperature control for cigars, unless you want to spend serious money.

As for humidity control, beads are the way to go. Look up cigarnut on this board as be manufactures the best of the best, in my opinion.

[Beklage]

Is there a for sale forum here? I have a bunch of stuff I need to unload to make room

[CigarNut]

Is there a for sale forum here? I have a bunch of stuff I need to unload to make room

Time and participation will grant you access to the WTS/WTB threads.

If you have not already done so, please introduce yourself here: http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=7

[icehog3]

Time and participation will grant you access to the WTS/WTB threads.

If you have not already done so, please introduce yourself here: http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=7

I think he's got the time, member since 2010 and an old CS gorilla.

[Razorhog]

I'm not a beginner but have been away from the hobby long enough that I've forgotten some things. Made my way over here from the Jungle but then life happened (twins).

I have a winador and it holds humidity like a champ. Over the years I just made sure to wet the beads once or twice a year to keep RH in the 60's.

Smoked a few here and there and it's getting sparse in there so I'm organizing. I've noticed that the humidity is higher at the bottom, which doesn't make sense. 72 on bottom and 68 on top after a re-wetting a few days ago. I have about 3 lbs of 65% beads spread throughout - some on bottom, middle and top. Both hygrometers are Caliber III. I just swapped them to see if they read the same after a while.

So some questions -

1) Should I have the wine fridge plugged in and set to 66 (highest it goes) for some air movement, or just leave it off? I'm not sure how the thermoelectric cooling works but I'm afraid of drying things out.

2) Won a box of Legends by Pepin Garcia from cbid (super stoked about those) and was wondering if I should store the box in the humidor with the lid open or closed? Does it really matter?

[Razorhog]

Well now both are reading 70% so I guess it's balanced itself out. Beads will bring it back down to 65% after a few openings so all is good.

[AdamJoshua]

Unless it gets extremely hot where the winador is most people don’t bother plugging them in, just make sure it’s sealed at drain hole.

Boxes closed are fine!

[Razorhog]

Unless it gets extremely hot where the winador is most people don’t bother plugging them in, just make sure it’s sealed at drain hole.

Boxes closed are fine!

Thanks! Feels like I'm getting into the hobby for the first time.

[icehog3]

Glad it seems to have worked out, Beau. :tu

I store all my boxes closed, but it's personal preference.

[scudda]

Ok I am Newbie. I started with Infused Cigars like Nub , Acid and Java and still like them.

Recently I purchased 5 pack of Gurkha Doble Maduro and really like them.

Based on this , can someone make a few suggestions for my next purchase?

[CigarNut]

The best thing I can recommend is to go to your local cigar shop, tell them what you have tried and liked, and ask them for recommendations -- they usually have some samplers can make recommendations based on what you like. If you don't have a local shop, then pick up some sampler packs from one of the online sites.

I am not a huge fan of the Acid and Java, but I do love Maduro's. My favorites are the Padron x000 series -- a little spendy but I think that they are the best non-Cuban cigars out there.

For an inexpensive smoke, I like the Oba Oba Robusto Maduro by Perdomo. The Surrogates by L’Atelier are good. I like the Cracker Crumbs (Petitle Corona) and Animal Crackers (Robusto).

Try as many different marcas, vitolas and wrappers as you can and you will be able to hone in on what you like.

[Wharf Rat]

Ok I am Newbie. I started with Infused Cigars like Nub , Acid and Java and still like them.

Recently I purchased 5 pack of Gurkha Doble Maduro and really like them.

Based on this , can someone make a few suggestions for my next purchase?

(Please excuse the broad generalities)

Skipping the forbidden island, there are 3 main countries that produce cigars and they tend to have distinctive tastes. So, you might want to try some cigars from each and that’ll help you develop your personal preferences. Below are a few manufacturers from each.

Dominican Republic

Fuente
La Aurora
Montecristo

Honduras

El Rey del Mundo
Rocky Patel
Torino

Nicaragua

Oliva
A J Fernandez
Don Pepin Garcia.

[Roger T]

I buy cigars on line, and I've found some great deals (JR cigar, CI Cigars etc) and these were really great tasting smokes. But after about 6 mo. (I've got quite a few in my humidor) the great tasting ones become pretty vial tasting and unsmokable. I use a mixture of Propoline Glycol and distled water (1 to 5 parts water) in the humidification bars, to prevent mold, and wonder if that has anything to do with it. I also have left the celophane sleeves on them, and am told that isn't a good idea either. Is there just a time limit on how long you can keep your sticks in limbo even if the humidity is maintained before they develop this vial tasting charictaristic? After a while does the oil just turn bad or dry out etc...I'm at a total loss here.

My humidor is the kind with 8 pull-out drawers and a plastic window type front opening door on hinges that doesn't really have a tight sealing door. I'm told that this is not a good type humidor for maintaining a proper level of humidificaiton, but the digintal humidity meeter says it's alwyas about 60 - 65%.

THEN...I have gone for periods of a week without lighting up, so I wonder if it's just my taste buds have gotten too sensitive without smoking.

[T.G]

I buy cigars on line, and I've found some great deals (JR cigar, CI Cigars etc) and these were really great tasting smokes. But after about 6 mo. (I've got quite a few in my humidor) the great tasting ones become pretty vial tasting and unsmokable. I use a mixture of Propoline Glycol and distled water (1 to 5 parts water) in the humidification bars, to prevent mold, and wonder if that has anything to do with it. I also have left the celophane sleeves on them, and am told that isn't a good idea either. Is there just a time limit on how long you can keep your sticks in limbo even if the humidity is maintained before they develop this vial tasting charictaristic? After a while does the oil just turn bad or dry out etc...I'm at a total loss here.

My humidor is the kind with 8 pull-out drawers and a plastic window type front opening door on hinges that doesn't really have a tight sealing door. I'm told that this is not a good type humidor for maintaining a proper level of humidificaiton, but the digintal humidity meeter says it's alwyas about 60 - 65%.

THEN...I have gone for periods of a week without lighting up, so I wonder if it's just my taste buds have gotten too sensitive without smoking.

Let me guess, by vile, you mean bitter and tar like?

I'm thinking that you might be dealing with over humidification. The timeline is about right and water/pg combo likes to sit around 70% when you mix it 50%/50%. You are mixing 80% water, 20% PG, so it's basically unregulated water which will go to in the 80's or 90's for humidity.

You can take a few cigars and put them in an old wooden cigar box and leave it on the counter for a few days or more, or even just leave them on the counter and let them dry out a bit, see if the flavor comes back. If they are really wet, it could take a week, or longer if you live in a higher humidity area.

I would look into beads from HCMbeads.com, and check the calibration on your hygrometer. Also, your humidor might just leak like a sieve, so it appears to be 65% where the hygro is, but the cigars are soaking up a lot of moisture.

Lastly, cello doesn't really harm the cigars. If anything it affords them protection from being damaged by handling, moving around, mold spores, can serve as a buffer against humidity changes etc.

[Wharf Rat]

T.G. has about covered the humidity issue. I've used both PG and HCM beads over the years. They both work OK, but beads give you the option to store slightly drier.

The other possibility is that the cigars you bought were very young and are just going through a bad period in their aging process. So, I would let a few dry out a few days in the room and see if that helps. If not, you can wait a few months and try again.

If neither of those options work, you can always grind them up and make an insecticide tea... (hope not!)

[markem]

I buy cigars on line, and I've found some great deals (JR cigar, CI Cigars etc) and these were really great tasting smokes. But after about 6 mo. (I've got quite a few in my humidor) the great tasting ones become pretty vial tasting and unsmokable.

I love this post! What a great question for this group. Many, many years of solving humidor issues here at CA.

Welcome to the board, Roger. I didn't want to interrupt your question being answered but wanted to point out that you can post over in the New Inmate Processing Area (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=7) to let us know a bit more about yourself. Also, there is a wealth of information in the "stickies" at the top of the forum.

Welcome and I hope that you are able to get the flavor profile for those cigars back soonest.

[gomeitsmybday]

Hey everyone!

So I've recently made the transition from wooden humidors to coolidors (the heavens parted and harp playing cherubs serenaded me when I finally came to this revelation.)
The coolidors are for longer term storage and I move cigars to smaller, more portable lock & lock boxes (air tight tubs, in other words...) to sit for at least a week @ 62 before smoking, works PERFECT for humidity!
However, I've noticed that some of the cigars are loose enough to move & bunp around when being handled and/or transported...
So what I'm wondering is, can anyone recommend any kind of material I can safely pack/stuff in to the tubs that will prevent the cigars from moving freely, but at the same time, also allow the air & humidity to be able to continue moving freely throughout the tub, as well as being neutral in smell/taste? I'm pretty sure they use glassine in some cigar boxes but that appears to be pretty expensive so I'm hoping you guys can suggest something else...thanks to anyone who provides any suggestions and/or info! :D

[Wharf Rat]

Hey everyone!

So I've recently made the transition from wooden humidors to coolidors (the heavens parted and harp playing cherubs serenaded me when I finally came to this revelation.)
The coolidors are for longer term storage and I move cigars to smaller, more portable lock & lock boxes (air tight tubs, in other words...) to sit for at least a week @ 62 before smoking, works PERFECT for humidity!
However, I've noticed that some of the cigars are loose enough to move & bunp around when being handled and/or transported...
So what I'm wondering is, can anyone recommend any kind of material I can safely pack/stuff in to the tubs that will prevent the cigars from moving freely, but at the same time, also allow the air & humidity to be able to continue moving freely throughout the tub, as well as being neutral in smell/taste? I'm pretty sure they use glassine in some cigar boxes but that appears to be pretty expensive so I'm hoping you guys can suggest something else...thanks to anyone who provides any suggestions and/or info! :D

Air popped popcorn? And, if you get the munchies...

[gomeitsmybday]

Air popped popcorn? And, if you get the munchies...

Haha I like where your head is at! I prefer legit movie theater though, particularly with extra heart attack butter on top! :su

[bonjing]

Can you describe your cigar lock boxes, otter box style?

You can check out the foam cigar trays or I just use the 5 finger bags from Michael, cigarnut, and just leave the ends open. With the bags at least, they are protected and you can stuff more cigars in the container without the loss of room from the foam.

[gomeitsmybday]

Can you describe your cigar lock boxes, otter box style?

You can check out the foam cigar trays or I just use the 5 finger bags from Michael, cigarnut, and just leave the ends open. With the bags at least, they are protected and you can stuff more cigars in the container without the loss of room from the foam.

https://i.postimg.cc/V6fB0Pqf/8-FBEE5-E0-CD8-A-4-D56-8-C5-E-7-BED505-FB3-EA.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Lock & Lock boxes, basically seal at the top with 4 locks on each side to clamp the top down...the finger bags aren't a bad idea! I'll be sure to check the price on them, because they might just work....still open to suggestions though! :)

[bonjing]

Lazy to link from my phone, google foam cigar trays.

[AdamJoshua]

I have a question, what's a "bonjing" ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[bonjing]

I have a question, what's a "bonjing" ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

That’s not cigar related :gary