Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

[Bill86]

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=620

Give that a read, should answer all your questions.

[guitar4001]

Hey,

I'm fairly new to cigars and my brother, who knows a lot, got me a humidor. How does one season a humidor?

And on a completely separate note, being relatively new to cigars, I have found that one of my favorites so far is the Brickhouse Churchill. I was wondering if the yall have any suggestions for cigars to try that are similar to the Brickhouse, or not, whatever is good.

Thanks
David

welcome to the site. whereabouts are you from in NC?

Head over to the "inmate processing area" and hit up the sampler thread for some new smokes.

[Ogre]

Hey,

I'm fairly new to cigars and my brother, who knows a lot, got me a humidor. How does one season a humidor?

And on a completely separate note, being relatively new to cigars, I have found that one of my favorites so far is the Brickhouse Churchill. I was wondering if the yall have any suggestions for cigars to try that are similar to the Brickhouse, or not, whatever is good.

Thanks
David

As for cigars, I would suggest: any Don Pepin Garcia, 601 blue, Arturo Fuente 858, AVO maduros, Oliva V. Thats just a start. There are way to many to list at once. I am sure this list will grow and grow.

[guitar4001]

As for cigars, I would suggest: any Don Pepin Garcia, 601 blue, Arturo Fuente 858, AVO maduros, Oliva V. Thats just a start. There are way to many to list at once. I am sure this list will grow and grow.

mr orge, you have listed many of my faves...good people smoke alike.

[CigarNut]

Out of curiosity just what is that band and what is the stick?Is it a good stick?In some cases...

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3020/partagas155b.jpg (http://img707.imageshack.us/i/partagas155b.jpg/)

[T.G]

Out of curiosity just what is that band and what is the stick?Is it a good stick?

It's a Partagas 155th Anniversary Salomones from 2000, they only came in the 155th humidors, of which only 155 were made, each containing 155 cigars of 4 different vitolas.


--
Addendum: Just looked up the numbers - there were 50 salomones per humidor, so 7750 Partagas 155th salomones released.

[guitar4001]

It's a Partagas 155th Anniversary Salomones from 2000, they only came in the 155th humidors, of which only 155 were made, each containing 155 cigars of 4 different vitolas.

in other words, send it to me.

[ylo2na]

"Also, I need a cutter ....."
My suggestion is to buy a packet of single edged blades in plastic dispenser from Lowes or Home Depot. Very cheap and give you a perfect cut each time. Directions: just make a slit across the top of the cigar, not very deep. Test that you can suck air through the cigar and if you can, toast and light the cigar as usual. The biggest advantage for me is that I dont get any stray bits of tobacco, which I hate. I think someone has made a similiar plastic product which does the same thing as a razor blade. As an aside, I own every punch or cutter known to man and the razor blade works the best for me.
Ylo2na

[davidletteney]

welcome to the site. whereabouts are you from in NC?

Head over to the "inmate processing area" and hit up the sampler thread for some new smokes.

I'm in southern pines and next year i will be at NCSU.

And thanks for the suggestions

[timj219]

"Also, I need a cutter ....."
My suggestion is to buy a packet of single edged blades in plastic dispenser from Lowes or Home Depot. Very cheap and give you a perfect cut each time.I used these for awhile until I was given a xikar as a gift. The xikar is undoubtedly safer but the single edge blade does do a beautiful job. I've even used a double edged razor blade (I shave with a DE) in a pinch but that takes a steady hand.

[staminator]

What is the reason that some cigars have cedar wrappings on them? Does this serve a purpose or is it just stylistic?

[Drez]

What is the reason that some cigars have cedar wrappings on them? Does this serve a purpose or is it just stylistic?


It could be for a few reasons really.

Some like the way it looks so it could be to make it more presentable.

Another reason could be it gives the stick a little protection.

Also it could also be so that the stick can marry some of the flavor/smell of the cedar.

[staminator]

It could be for a few reasons really.

Some like the way it looks so it could be to make it more presentable.

Another reason could be it gives the stick a little protection.

Also it could also be so that the stick can marry some of the flavor/smell of the cedar.

Cool. Thanks. Looking forward to smoking a My Father Cedros!

[guitar4001]

What is the reason that some cigars have cedar wrappings on them? Does this serve a purpose or is it just stylistic?

it looks pretty and gives a slight cedar taste to the smoke.

[timj219]

Not many people realize that in order to get the full benefit you need to leave the cedar on while smoking.

[icehog3]

Not many people realize that in order to get the full benefit you need to leave the cedar on while smoking.

Please let the noobs off the hook and tell them you are joking. ;)

[guitar4001]

SteveDMatt is a smart man. Toasting avoids overheating and gives a more even burn.

I've begun toasting the foot and blowing on it until I've got a good even cherry before I even take a draw. It makes for a much smoother smoke and a great burn. Try it.

BlackIrish

same here

[hscmit]

thats pretty funny

[timj219]

Please let the noobs off the hook and tell them you are joking. ;)My bad you're right. This isn't an appropriate thread for a joke like that. But I couldn't help myself. Every time I look at the R&J (non CC) cedros in my humi a picture flashes through my brain of lighting one with the cedar still on it. Not because I think it's a good idea but because I have an infantile mind. :)

The original question does bring another question to mind though. I wonder if those cedar wrappers would make good spills for lighting the cigars?

[hscmit]

The original question does bring another question to mind though. I wonder if those cedar wrappers would make good spills for lighting the cigars?

they do

[icehog3]

My bad you're right. This isn't an appropriate thread for a joke like that. But I couldn't help myself. Every time I look at the R&J (non CC) cedros in my humi a picture flashes through my brain of lighting one with the cedar still on it. Not because I think it's a good idea but because I have an infantile mind. :)

The original question does bring another question to mind though. I wonder if those cedar wrappers would make good spills for lighting the cigars?

Last summer I was pretty "lit" at a friend's home on his pitch black deck herfing with a few of the boys. He handed me a cigar, I tried to light it half a dozen times before I said that I couldn't get any kind of draw, the wrapper must be bad. Handed it to him, he lit up his flashlight and sure enough, showed me it was a Romeo y Julieta.....En Cedros. :D

[staminator]

Not many people realize that in order to get the full benefit you need to leave the cedar on while smoking.

Cute

[staminator]

it looks pretty and gives a slight cedar taste to the smoke.

Seems logical. The reason I ask is because I haven't really tasted that before. Maybe with some age, the cigars might take on that slight taste.

[T.G]

Last summer I was pretty "lit" at a friend's home on his pitch black deck herfing with a few of the boys. He handed me a cigar, I tried to light it half a dozen times before I said that I couldn't get any kind of draw, the wrapper must be bad. Handed it to him, he lit up his flashlight and sure enough, showed me it was a Romeo y Julieta.....En Cedros. :D

Good thing he didn't hand you a Romeo No. 2...


...or a hotdog.

[J.W.]

I have smoked 30/40 Hemingways by Fuente. What in his line would be next to these at a little less price?

J.W.

[T.G]

I have smoked 30/40 Hemingways by Fuente. What in his line would be next to these at a little less price?

J.W.

Nothing is going to be a direct match for the profile of the Hemingway line, and some of them are more unique than others due to their shapes (the Work of Art for example), but the 8-5-8 has some similar flavors at a slightly lower price.

[BryanB]

Tat Reserva 7th
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[icehog3]

Random witty response.
Posted via Osmosis

[jesseboston81]

Random witty response.
Posted via Osmosis

Oh no, the icehog bot is bugging out again--someone needs to restart it.

[Stephen]

If this question has been asked in here I apologize in advance. Been buying some five packs and, due to the design of my humidor combined with its current contents, I believe I'd be able to make some more room if I stood them on end rather than laying them flat like I do now. Haven't done this yet as I don't know how this would affect the cigars (if at all). Question is, would there be any harm in standing them on end or should I leave them lying flat as they are now? Thanks for all your help.

[pnoon]

In and of itself, standing them on end won't hurt them.
However, it might be more difficult to find things. And they might get damaged should they topple.
Posted via Mobile Device

[T.G]

If this question has been asked in here I apologize in advance. Been buying some five packs and, due to the design of my humidor combined with its current contents, I believe I'd be able to make some more room if I stood them on end rather than laying them flat like I do now. Haven't done this yet as I don't know how this would affect the cigars (if at all). Question is, would there be any harm in standing them on end or should I leave them lying flat as they are now? Thanks for all your help.

Barring any accidents... aside from possibly making identification difficult and running the likelihood of chipping up the feet of uncelloed cigars if you move them around much, nah, it won't hurt anything.

I don't personally care much for vertical storage of loose cigars because I find it clumsy, pull one or two out, the whole forest falls over. The exception in my case is that I do store sealed mazos (the cellophane wrapped bricks of 20-25 cigars) whichever way they fit better; on their side or on their foot, with longer cigars typically ending up on their side.

A jar humidor would allow you to store them vertically without the "forest falling over" (and possibly damaging cigars in the process) when you remove a cigar, but, all the other issues still remain.

[Chris.]

I store bundles vertically. Singles are a bit tougher like everyone said, with the likelihood of damage.

It shouldn't make them any less smokable than you horizontal cigars since they are all in the same, controlled environment.

[Stephen]

Thanks for the responses! Just to clarify, that the cigars themselves are cellophane wrapped together in bricks of five, as well as individually wrapped inside each brick. My plan was to store the five packs together, then when the five pack was open to distribute the other four elsewhere into the humidor.

[chippewastud79]

Thanks for the responses! Just to clarify, that the cigars themselves are cellophane wrapped together in bricks of five, as well as individually wrapped inside each brick. My plan was to store the five packs together, then when the five pack was open to distribute the other four elsewhere into the humidor.

That sounds like a grand idea. :tu

[WNY]

Hey guys, got a question I'm sure has been covered before but if you would not mind answering it again for me that would be greatly appreciated.

Humador set up.

So I bought me a humador(50 count). Am in the process of setting it up by spraying the inside of it down with the distilled water. Once every 12 hours. This has been going on for 3 days now. i am noticing that the humador is hard as hell to open up now. I have to really pull on the top to get it opened up. Now I understand that this is simply the wood expanding to take in the water and that is fine. Today I woke up and went to check it to spray it down again but I did not as the humidity in there was at 75.

So here is the question.


Am I correct in doing the following:

I have not sprayed it down today due to the high humidity factor I found this morning. I am thinking maybe I leave the humador open a crack. Let the RH drop a bit and maybe give the wood a little time to breath and let the swelling go down a bit. I'm thinking keep a vigilant eye on it and when I notice the RH drop down to say 60 or 65 (hopefully the swelling has gone down) start the spray process again and bring the RH back up slowly. I think It swelled the way it did because I may have been over spraying the inside of it with water.

If the sticking is not even a problem at all that will eventually fix itself maybe this will not even be necessary, I can just leave the box closed and not add water again till I notice the RH drop to about 70 then see if it stabilizes at that for a couple of days.

I'm not trying to rush the process here I just want to do it right the first time before I go loading it up with cigars.

Thanks ahead of time guys I appreciate it.

[NCRadioMan]

Spraying the humidor down can be dangerous as you can warp the cedar. Hopefully you are ok in this situation. If I were you, I would go ahead and load the cigars in without humidification until the rh drops into the mid to low 60's. Then add the humidification media of your choice and go from there. I have seasoned most of my humidors in 2-3 days.

The lid should loosen up when the wood drys just a bit.


:2

[bobarian]

How to properly season your humidor. http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=620

There is also a sticky on calibrating your hygrometer. http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=619

[WNY]

Thanks for that link. I read that. However I did so after already having started the process so I just kept on with what I was doing. It just seems that I may have sprayed a bit too much into it the last time i sprayed it. It's nothing to bad It's just that now the lid is a bit tough to open.

[icehog3]

Thanks for that link. I read that. However I did so after already having started the process so I just kept on with what I was doing. It just seems that I may have sprayed a bit too much into it the last time i sprayed it. It's nothing to bad It's just that now the lid is a bit tough to open.

Did you warp the wood near the lid? This might create problems down the line hen it dries back out.

[WNY]

Looking it over I see no indication that the wood is warped. It just seems to have swelled a bit.

[Goose7232]

I seem to be having burn issues with my sticks. 3 out of the last 4 burned irregular, and I'm not sure if it's my humidor or not. I have a Western Caliber III that reads 62% RH and I have 2 Boveda packs (72%) in a 25-50 count humi. The sticks seem to burn on one side and eventually put themselves out. Anyone else have this type of problem?

Help

[pnoon]

I seem to be having burn issues with my sticks. 3 out of the last 4 burned irregular, and I'm not sure if it's my humidor or not. I have a Western Caliber III that reads 62% RH and I have 2 Boveda packs (72%) in a 25-50 count humi. The sticks seem to burn on one side and eventually put themselves out. Anyone else have this type of problem?

Help

It sounds to me like the sticks are too wet.
Have you calibrated/salt-tested the hygrometer? In a small humidor and 2 72% Boveda packs, I would think the hygrometer is way off. I think 72% is a bit on the wet side. That could definitely cause burn problems. Try dry boxing for a couple of days before smoking and see if that helps.

[jimdandy]

Has anyone tried the ave maria? :tu:td:sh
According to CI they are absolutely amazing, but I think the marketing guys over there would try to make you believe a dog turd was the best thing ever if they thought you'd buy it.

[smokinpeace]

According to CI, every stick they sell is amazing, limited, and a secret only known to them.

[Miket156]

by smokinpeace:

According to CI, every stick they sell is amazing, limited, and a secret only known to them

:D

I see that I am not the only one that doesn't care for CI. Not everyone will fall for their line of BS.


Cheers,



Mike T.

[Flynnster]

Quick question on travel Humi's. I know you are all gonnna say it isnt' gonna last, but at this point I think a 15 cigar travel humi would be plenty for me and I have a couple questions about it.

1) Since there is a "slot" for each cigar, are the capacity numbers for travel humi's usually more realistic?
2) Can I through some beads in a travel humi for relatively long term storage?

[pnoon]

Quick question on travel Humi's. I know you are all gonnna say it isnt' gonna last, but at this point I think a 15 cigar travel humi would be plenty for me and I have a couple questions about it.

1) Since there is a "slot" for each cigar, are the capacity numbers for travel humi's usually more realistic?
2) Can I through some beads in a travel humi for relatively long term storage?

Capacity on travel humidors are exact if you use the trays. Some of us, traveling to large herfs, remove the trays and pack the humidor with cigars in plastic bags.
You can get (or make) tubes with beads that will occupy one of the slots in one of the foam trays.

[bobarian]

A 15ct Cigar Caddy or Xikar will hold 15 cigars. But if they are all large ring gauge cigars it will be difficult to close the top. A small water pillow or Boveda pack will last at least a month in the caddy.

[hscmit]

in my experience be careful with humidity devices in travel humidors, with my 10 count I thought it would be important to use the small included humidity insert (one of the longer fits into one of the cigar slot kinds and the humidity jumped up quickly (about a day) in the air tight container. If it is going to be sealed most of the time I would think a device to get the humidity about where it should be and then remove it, before adding the cigars allowing the cigars to regulate themselves.

imo :2

[Flynnster]

Wouldn't beads help solve the issue of over humidifying the box?

[GreenieGriz]

I've done some searching here (as well as elsewhere) and i cannot find the answer to my question. Either my Kung-Fu is no good, or it doesn't matter.

My wife and I go to Casinos from time to time. She likes to gamble, and I like to smoke.

I usually take two cigars with me, both different kinds.

Question: Will smoking one cigar before another (with say 10-30 minutes in between) change how i will taste the second cigar?

Example: Week ago I smoked a Punch Elite (junk, didn't like it) and then after wards had an A. Fuente Double Chateau (which was fine and all). But, did smoking that Punch first change how I would taste the second cigar (A. Fuente in this case)? The second cigar tasted fine, but was my tongue "ruined"?

I suppose if i went ahead and smoked another Double Chateau by itself i would know... (if it tasted different)

If this has been answered before i apologize!

Thanks,

GG

[NCRadioMan]

Since it's a subjective thing, I would say it might. It doesn't happen to me but it's always a good idea to clense your palate between cigars. It's a normal thing for most of us to light a cigar as we are putting one out. :D

[CigarNut]

Since it's a subjective thing, I would say it might. It doesn't happen to me but it's always a good idea to clense your palate between cigars. It's a normal thing for most of us to light a cigar as we are putting one out. :DI find myself agreeing with you again! :) I think the world is going to come to an end!

Cleansng your palette between smokes is always a good thing to do if you want to get the best from your cigars.

[GreenieGriz]

Would the best way to cleanse the palette be drinking some water? Or perhaps soda (7up or the like)?

Thanks,

GG

[Damocles]

OK...so what's your favorite method to cleanse your palate between smokes? Rib-eye? Altoids? What?

[bobarian]

I usually dont purposely cleanse my palate. But if you do, something neutral that doesnt leave an aftertaste. Water, soda, whatever. :2

[md4958]

OK...so what's your favorite method to cleanse your palate between smokes? Rib-eye? Altoids? What?

I like a nice lemon sorbet intermezzo, courtesy of Bao :tu

:r:r

Like Bob said, I dont cleanse my palate either per se, but I might have some water in between. Unless you brush your teeth (I've heard some guys do) I really dont think you will be able to do much with a beverage or food. Thats why I try to smoke my most delicate cigar of the day first.

[bobarian]

I like a nice lemon sorbet intermezzo, courtesy of Bao :tu

:r:r

Like Bob said, I dont cleanse my palate either per se, but I might have some water in between. Unless you brush your teeth (I've heard some guys do) I really dont think you will be able to do much with a beverage or food. Thats why I try to smoke my most delicate cigar of the day first.

This is extremely important. I see many people making the mistake of lighting up a strong cigar early in the day. A long day of smoking or many days of herfing needs pacing.

[NCRadioMan]

Thats why I try to smoke my most delicate cigar of the day first.

I tend to agree with this as well however, if I plan on not having multiple cigars, I go with my favorite cigar to start the day no matter of strength because that is when the palate is freshest and can pick up all the nuances available.

[jimdandy]

I have a hard time choosing the best as the first smoke of the day, I feel like everything after will be a bit of a let down. I don't know if the same principles would apply but when sampling wines they usually give you some sort of bland crackers and maybe some chocolate to help cleans the palate between samples.
Maybe worth a try :sh

[Sion]

For a morning cigar, I normally choose a milder one, á la "la fontana".
it´s not even that good (but certainly not bad) so the rest would absolutely not be a "letdown".
While i´m at it, I might just ask my first question here:
do I still need a humidor, if the room, where I store my cigars has about 65% humidity and 18-21°C ?

[longknocker]

For a morning cigar, I normally choose a milder one, á la "la fontana".
it´s not even that good (but certainly not bad) so the rest would absolutely not be a "letdown".
While i´m at it, I might just ask my first question here:
do I still need a humidor, if the room, where I store my cigars has about 65% humidity and 18-21°C ?

Not Necessarily. Large Tupperware Containers With Beads Or "1" 65 RH Boveda Pack Work Very Well. 65 RH & 65 Temp. Seem To Work Well For Me.:tu I Don't Think I Would Trust The House You're In To Maintain A Constant RH.

[T.G]

I have a hard time choosing the best as the first smoke of the day, I feel like everything after will be a bit of a let down. I don't know if the same principles would apply but when sampling wines they usually give you some sort of bland crackers and maybe some chocolate to help cleans the palate between samples.
Maybe worth a try :sh

The same principles apply.

Every factory I visited in Nicaragua had crackers, chocolate, tea and water available for palate cleansing when blending and testing cigars alongside the sodas, gatorade, coffee, wine and beer.

[Powers]

It seems like the two lighters I use do not work nearly as well in cold weather. Anybody else have that problem or is it just a coincidence?

[Kreth]

It seems like the two lighters I use do not work nearly as well in cold weather. Anybody else have that problem or is it just a coincidence?
My JetLites do that. I just hold the lighter in my palm for a minute or so and it fires up fine.
Posted via Mobile Device

[chachee52]

It seems like the two lighters I use do not work nearly as well in cold weather. Anybody else have that problem or is it just a coincidence?

Always keep my torches in my pocket in the winter because butane "doesn't like" the cold.

[Powers]

My JetLites do that. I just hold the lighter in my palm for a minute or so and it fires up fine.
Posted via Mobile Device

Always keep my torches in my pocket in the winter because butane "doesn't like" the cold.

Thanks for the advice guys :tu

[CigarNut]

It's a standing joke among my fellow Stumptown herfers that I always have problems with my lighters in the cold weather. My lighters are a little larger and have large butane tanks and they are impacted by the cold... If I remember to put them in my pocket early enough then they light fine, but otherwise it takes a little work :)

They worked great on my vacation in the Bahamas :D

[Tyler]

Hey guys I have two more questions if you fellas could help me out that would be great.

1. I just got a new herf-a-dor 15 count traveldor. I was wondering if I can store cigars in there like I would a normal humidor? My plan is to keep 10 or so cigars in there that I will be smoking that week and then just take the whole traveldor with me outside to smoke. It has a small humidification device in the top so should I just put a few drops of distilled water in that every so often or should I use this humi-care pack that I have?

Also, I have never owned one of these before so I was wondering if you leave two layers of the foam on the bottom or is one enough?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/reptman34/DSC_0011.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/reptman34/DSC_0010.jpg


2. I am about to ship a pipe to brother from a different forum and I wanted to include some cigars. I was wondering if they will be okay in a padded envelope? I separated the stem and bowl of the pipe and individually wrapped each in bubble wrap so they won't move around in the padded envelope. Everything fits in nicely I just didn't know if the post is hard on cigars in padded envelopes and they might snap?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/reptman34/DSC_0008.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/reptman34/DSC_0007.jpg

I hope I am not asking too many questions.

[kydsid]

1. I do exactly that all the time and often for much longer. I would of course use a water pillow or something other than crappy florists foam puck humidifier in the lid.

2. It will work but I would add a piece of cardboard for stiffness on either side of the cigars. I have had cigars shipped to me like that several times without problems.

[N2Advnture]

In my opinion, if you intend on storing cigars in a travel humidor for an extended period of time, you should use a brr humidification device than the one that came with it.

I would not shop the cigars on a passed envelope. if you must, cut some corrugated cardboard from a box and slip it on above and below them for extra protection.

I hope this helps.

Mark

[Tyler]

Thanks for the quick responses guys.

With the traveldor, is a water pillow like this Humi-Care one? And if so then where do I put it in the traveldor or does it not matter if it touches the cigars?

With the envelope, my only reasoning behind shipping them in an envelope is because I don't have another box on hand besides really oversized ones. I guess I will try the cardboard trick.

[T.G]

If your cigars are properly humidified before being placed in the traveldor, under most conditions, they will be fine for weeks, if not months without adding any humidification to the box. If you must use a humidifier in a traveldor like that, keep in mind that the box does not breathe and is airtight, so ideally you want something that can both absorb and release moisture to avoid potential problems, using that credo is begging for mold or over humidification. 2-way Boveda packs or Heartfelt humidity sheets are ideal as they are flat and can slide in vertically or be placed above cigars and not reduce your capacity. Heartfelt and HCM beads would also work, although they might take up some space that could have been used to hold cigars.

As for the padded envelope, I wouldn't. Too much risk of damage. By the time you add in the cost of a DC number for 1st class mail, and taking the extra weight of the pipe into account, you can probably ship it in a priority mail small flat rate box for only a small amount more.

[icehog3]

Tyler, you can get free Priority boxes (Video sized) delivered to your house for free, from USPS.com....I use them for the majority of cigars I send.

[bobarian]

Tyler, you can get free Priority boxes (Video sized) delivered to your house for free, from USPS.com....I use them for the majority of cigars I send.

You can also get small Flat Rate($4.95) boxes at the Post Office for free.

[Tyler]

You can also get small Flat Rate($4.95) boxes at the Post Office for free.

I was thinking of doing that but when I reuse boxes and ship them they almost always end up costing less than $4.95. I guess because I have only been sending out 5 cigars in the newbie trades though so they have been light?

[T.G]

I was thinking of doing that but when I reuse boxes and ship them they almost always end up costing less than $4.95. I guess because I have only been sending out 5 cigars in the newbie trades though so they have been light?

If you are shipping a first class parcel, yes, it will be less expensive if you use the USPS Ship Manager software to print a label with a reduced cost DC # (0.19 vs 0.75), but you are limited to 13 oz, which, in my experience, when you include the weight of the box, equals a maximum of about 8 cigars give or take.

If you ship priority mail, the minimum variable rate is $5.10 (IIRC) which makes the flat rate boxes a great option, and if you print the label from the USPS website, you get a discount on the price and free DC number.

[icehog3]

I was thinking of doing that but when I reuse boxes and ship them they almost always end up costing less than $4.95. I guess because I have only been sending out 5 cigars in the newbie trades though so they have been light?

Are you sending them Priority, or merely first class?

[Tyler]

Just first class so for three packages today it was $8 total.

[icehog3]

Just first class so for three packages today it was $8 total.

That's the difference, Tyler, the vast majority here send their cigars Priority mail. :)

[Tyler]

Whats the difference? It arrives in the same time?

[14holestogie]

Whats the difference? It arrives in the same time?

Priority Mail gets there in 2-3 days max. (I've seen a lot of mine in state or nearby get there next day) First class can take up to a week.

[NCRadioMan]

Whats the difference? It arrives in the same time?

It's a courtesy to the person you are sending it to, to use priority mail w/ dc#.

[bobarian]

I use Priority unless it is in the same zone. In the same zone First Class takes 1 day. For bombs FC is also ok IMHO, unless you want a DC then Priority is the only option. But most MAW's and passes should be sent Priority so you can provide a confirmation number.

[T.G]

Whats the difference? It arrives in the same time?

1st class can take up to 5 working days to cross the country, typically, though it takes 2-3. Priority takes 2-3 days, and often arrives in 2. Priority mail will trump 1st class bins for space on the planes and trucks too.

!st class is limited to 13oz, Priority is 80lbs max. There are some new A-rate and B-rate boxes that are limited to lower weights and cost less to ship.

If you purchase priority postage online from the USPS website, not only do you get a discount on the rate, you get the DC number included for free. The USPS does not offer the ability to purchase 1st class postage online, you have to go to a 3rd party for that, and there are typically setup or equipment fees and/or the requirement to maintain a funded account balance with them. DC numbers also cost extra for 1st class - $0.75 at the counter and $0.19 if applied via the USPS ship manager standalone software.

Priority is just very convenient for a lot of people. USPS will give you flat rate boxes for free, deliver them directly to your house if you want, whatever fits in the box ships, weight is generally irrelevant, so you don't need a scale, you can print the paid postage label from any computer with no special hardware and no extra fees, and, since it's a traceable label, you do not need to hand packages weighing over 13oz directly to a postal service employee, you can simply drop them in the big blue parcel boxes or parcel drop at the post office.

I use both, it just depends on the situation and how much I'm sending. 1st class costs me less, but it can be a PITA.

[icehog3]

Whats the difference? It arrives in the same time?

Priority Mail gets there in 2-3 days max. (I've seen a lot of mine in state or nearby get there next day) First class can take up to a week.

This.

It's a courtesy to the person you are sending it to, to use priority mail w/ dc#.

And this.

[Flynnster]

I'm feelin dumb asking this, but that's what this thread is for right?

So I was wondering how I light this? Since the foot is covered. And how do I cut it since it has a little pig tail type thing on it.
Thanks yall!
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn146/livetocrash1992/IMG_1016-1.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn146/livetocrash1992/IMG_1021.jpg

[pnoon]

Ignore the pigtail. Cut it like you would if the cap were like any other cigar.
Light the foot like you would any other cigar.

[nayslayer]

yeah, cut the tail end off

[CigarNut]

Sometimes these "first-draw-wrapper" cigars are quite good as you get an extra burst of flavor from the wrapper when you light it.

[Tyler]

I have my boxes of cigars in a 52QT coolerdor and recently the humidity has been showing up on the hygrometer as over 70%. I use KL instead of beads so please do not respond to this if you are against KL or anything and will take this off topic or whatever. My question is that since I removed the KL it is now at 65% humidity.

My question is would it be okay to not have any humidification device in the cooler or eventually would it need something to sustain it as the humidity lowers and drops due to the weather? I prefer my humidors at 63-65% and it seems to me that is maintaining at that humidity right now.

[NCRadioMan]

Yes. I have several coolers where the cigars themselves provide enough humidity that they need nothing else. Coolers hold humidity better than humidors. Eventually you may need to add the humidification media back but I have gone about a year with no problems and rock steady 64%.

[nayslayer]

well, i guess i'd have to say to limit the kl in your humidor, or just monitor the rh when the kl isn't in the cooler.Maybe try a smaller container for your Kitty litter..less surface area

[Bill86]

IMO the problem is you want consistent humidity. Do whatever you can to keep the humidity between 60-65 that is all I will say. I prefer RH beads yada yada yada yada.

With those covered foots it may just be me but I get annoyed torching them for an extra 10-15 seconds so I just take Xikar MTX scissors and cut off the covered foot. Makes lighting them quicker.

[Brutus2600]

I don't blame you for clipping the covered foot Bill, however personally for me I like that initial puff of 100% wrapper. It gives you an interesting flavor profile of JUST the wrapper, although it is annoying having to light it twice ;)

[Bill86]

I don't blame you for clipping the covered foot Bill, however personally for me I like that initial puff of 100% wrapper. It gives you an interesting flavor profile of JUST the wrapper, although it is annoying having to light it twice ;)

:tu I mean I only recently got that idea of cutting the covered foot off. I've tried it both ways and it's interesting to smoke with the covered foot on for the first time. After that eh....I'd rather just get to the smoke and save some time.

I kinda got it from the Viaje Summerfests, with the huge uncovered foot. Took the MTX scissors and lopped that off making a summerfest only last 1.5 hours instead of 2 hours. Great cigar but 2 hours is a bit much for me.

[Flynnster]

With those covered foots it may just be me but I get annoyed torching them for an extra 10-15 seconds so I just take Xikar MTX scissors and cut off the covered foot. Makes lighting them quicker.

Thank for the heads up! I think on this one I will try it with the covered foot, but i'll try the other option on the next one!

[Tyler]

Thanks for the advice fellas. I was a little weary about storing the cigars without a humidification device but it sounds like they will be fine on their own and I just have to monitor it. Thanks again.

[thecatch83]

What's the logic behind leaving cigars in a sealed box inside your humidor, coolidor or taking them out and letting them age in a cedar tray for example? In addition, what about sealed tubos? Leave them in, take only the caps off etc.........thanks in advance!

[icehog3]

Logic? None, IMHO, just personal preference.

[Bill86]

I personally like boxes because I know the cigars won't get banged up. Same goes for Tubos, I leave the cap on and keep them protected.

Sometimes leaving singles in trays will get them banged up over time with tetris and all the other games we play to keep from buy more humidors.

:2

[sam a]

like the other guys have said, it largely comes down to personal preference. some people like to limit airflow especially for long term storage and others don't. in the end i recommend to do what works best for you.

[thecatch83]

So in regards to humidification, nothing wrong with this approach? Thanks guys!

[icehog3]

So in regards to humidification, nothing wrong with this approach? Thanks guys!

Not a thing. :)

[T.G]

So in regards to humidification, nothing wrong with this approach? Thanks guys!

Nope nothing wrong with leaving them in the boxes or tubes and placing them in the humidor. Humidity will get in there in the case of boxes and tubes that aren't 100% airtight. For the tubes that are, they will be at the appropriate humidity for the moisture content of the cigar.

I would recommend opening and inspecting everything on receipt, since no vendor will take the cigars back after you've had them for awhile and open them, only to discover damage or a problem (such as mold or beetles).

[Tyler]

Is all mold on cigars white? I have noticed a sort of green discoloration on one of my cigars that was kept at too high of a humidity.

[Bill86]

Google or use the CA search for Plume and mold. White "stuff" on your cigars isn't always mold.

[Tyler]

Thanks for being quick to respond Bill. As far as mold and plume goes I understand the differences but I was wondering if cigars ever get green mold or if it is just a discoloration of the wrapper? I can post a few pictures if need be. I have a picture of one that is really bad that I suspect is mold but the others seem like they could just be discoloration.

[Bill86]

I've had that green discoloration on the wrapper before usually if it doesn't wipe off I just smoke it and nothing bad has happened to me. Kind of a $hit answer as I'm not sure the reason it is there but I saw no issue and just lit them up.

Hell if you've ever smoked a candela wrapper it is always green, kind of odd at first but ever so tasty. :dr

[Tyler]

Haha well thanks for the quick answer. I guess if I die this week you guys know the cause :P.

Here is the picture just to see if it is the same thing. I freaked out and threw this one away though because it was a $1 budget cigar I got from Cbid. The other ones have the similar thing but they are not as bad and I realize now that I probably could have been able to keep this one.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/reptman34/IMG_0811.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/reptman34/IMG_0812.jpg

[NCRadioMan]

Is all mold on cigars white? I have noticed a sort of green discoloration on one of my cigars that was kept at too high of a humidity.

Looks like water spots on cheap wrapper. Come to think of it, the wrapper was probably cheap because of the excessive spots. Nothing to worry about. Green discolorations are very common and are caused by water being trapped between leaves during the fermentation process.

[Bill86]

Yeah that's a goofy looking color, not the green color I've seen on cigars before. If it was $1 on Cbid toss it out. I've seen green on $10-$15 cigars and I just smoke them. The green I'm use to seeing is more of a light grass color.

[Tyler]

Thanks fellas. I have already tossed this one out but I will check the others. I bought these for fishing/working cigars and at $1 each I don't mind tossing them. I didn't really expect much from them anyway. Thanks again for your quick responses this late/early in the night/morning.

[guitar4001]

maybe the wrapper tobacco wasn't fermented long enough?

[Zeuceone]

is there a downside to relighting a cigar, lets say 5 or more times?

[T.G]

is there a downside to relighting a cigar, lets say 5 or more times?

It might affect the flavor a bit, although I've had many cigars that tasted better after a relight or two. As long as you are enjoying it, relight away.

I'd be more concerned with the reasons why that many relights were needed. Sure, some of them are mundane and ignorable, like you kept putting it down and letting it go out, for example: you were working on something that you needed both hands for and it wasn't practical to keep the cigar in your mouth the whole time; or others are unavoidable, like smoking in a high humidity climate, where the cigar will go out quickly no matter what you do. It's the ones where the cigar is too moist and keeps going out and is that due to your humidor, as this could be the tip of a bigger problem, that I would be more concerned with.

[pnoon]

is there a downside to relighting a cigar, lets say 5 or more times?
Over the course of 2 weeks? Absolutely. ;)



Seriously. As long as you are enjoying it, who cares? I've had troublesome cigars that I've relit multiple times. I purge each time but after working at it over and over I usually get frustrated and just pitch it and light another one.
:2
Posted via Mobile Device

[OLS]

Make sure you scrape out the grey ash before you re-light it and you will find
that it can actually
taste better. After an OVERNIGHT, nah, move on. I find re-lights that have gone cold have a very
sharp bite on the nose and should be tossed. If you can tolerate it, go for it.

[Chris.]

Usually for me any ciagr that I have to relight tastes terrible afterwards. I had one good experience when I first started smoking. Was smoking an Opus X at the beach and it was so windy I had to let it go out. Came back to it at least TWO WEEKS later and it was phenomenal!

[thecatch83]

Never been a fan of a relight cigar, and in most instances, the flavor profile is very harsh, hot and peppery. If I know I will be in windy conditions, cold etc. I will try not to smoke something too top shelf. If you can't avoid relighting, try cutting past the burned foot so you don't get any burnt binder, filler etc.

[OLS]

Thanks fellas. I have already tossed this one out but I will check the others. .
Safety is an individual concern for sure, but I would not have tossed that cigar for that discoloration,
nor would I toss any others. Like others have said, it doesn't look like the result of some exhaustive
wrapper sorting process by any means, but when you are smoking dried up leaves to begin with, it's
not like a little discoloration is going to kill you. ACTUALLY it looks like some kind of treasure map. Based
on the band appearance, that's not something I would take lightly. Is there an "X" ?

[qsalinas]

I was wondering where to post a question I have on prices. I'm thinking of buying a box of OpusX LostCity Toro from my local B&M but don't know if I'm getting a good price.

[NCRadioMan]

All cigar discussion would work if somebody doesn't answer you here.

[qsalinas]

All cigar discussion would work if somebody doesn't answer you here.

Thanks...

[alfredo_buscatti]

What are the taste and color attributes of a "natural wrapper?"

[NCRadioMan]

What are the taste and color attributes of a "natural wrapper?"

The term natural wrapper is used very broadly. "Natural wrappers" run from very light to very dark and from creamy to spicy. It depends on the particular strain of wrapper tobacco being used as to the taste.

Usually when an ad says it's a natural wrapper, that means it's not a maduro. As long as it't not maduro it could be any strain.

[Flynnster]

Question for today, what is the point of the nicer more expensive cutters? Do they cut better or are they just for looks? I've been using my $4 dual blade from my B&M for the past few months and never had any problems with it.

[kickerb]

Question for today, what is the point of the nicer more expensive cutters? Do they cut better or are they just for looks? I've been using my $4 dual blade from my B&M for the past few months and never had any problems with it.just because it is $$$ doesnt mean its better. but I am a Xikar fan, I own the X1 and it just feels great in my hand. i think you will find it smoother and easier cut with something higher-end like a Xikar. plus that will last a lifetime, and they have a very solid lifetime warranty. :2

[Powers]

Question for today, what is the point of the nicer more expensive cutters? Do they cut better or are they just for looks? I've been using my $4 dual blade from my B&M for the past few months and never had any problems with it.

In my opinion it's a little bit of both but mainly it's just for show. The best cutter IMHO is a Palio. It's around 40 bucks, it's not flashy and they have a great warranty. I can't justify paying much more than that for a cutter

You basically want the sharpest blade available and one that won't loose it's edge. :tu

[kickerb]

actually, ive been using a punch more often, its starting to be my cut of choice.

[guitar4001]

I was wondering where to post a question I have on prices. I'm thinking of buying a box of OpusX LostCity Toro from my local B&M but don't know if I'm getting a good price.

I don't want to post the link or name of another popular cigar fourm, but I am pretty sure that if you google Arturo Fuente, you can find their web community. The guys on that site are RIDICULOUS when it comes to Fuente cigars, but very knowledgeable about prices and availability of Opus X and related sticks.

[guitar4001]

In my opinion it's a little bit of both but mainly it's just for show. The best cutter IMHO is a Palio. It's around 40 bucks, it's not flashy and they have a great warranty. I can't justify paying much more than that for a cutter

You basically want the sharpest blade available and one that won't loose it's edge. :tu

yep. Sharp and portable is what I need.

-Paul

[OLS]

The guys on that site are RIDICULOUS when it comes to Fuente cigars, but very knowledgeable about prices and availability of Opus X and related sticks.Haha, yu said it. Man there are some that....well, I won't go there, since I am the CA equivalent.

[icehog3]

Question for today, what is the point of the nicer more expensive cutters? Do they cut better or are they just for looks? I've been using my $4 dual blade from my B&M for the past few months and never had any problems with it.

While there are some decent cheap cutters, and even one excellent one I am aware of (though discontinued), a majority of cheap cutters I used early on tending to pinch the cigar at the head because the blade(s) were not sharp enough. This lead to wrapper damage, unraveled cigars, tight draws, etc. I am happy with the money I spent on my Palio.

[timj219]

Question for today, what is the point of the nicer more expensive cutters? Do they cut better or are they just for looks? I've been using my $4 dual blade from my B&M for the past few months and never had any problems with it.I used a cheap cutter when I first started. Actually I used a razor but then I got a cheap cutter. The cheap cutter worked very well for awhile but then began to cut less cleanly and easily and to pinch the cap as it cut. It seemed clear that eventually the cheap cutter was going to ruin a good cigar. I got a xikar xi2 at the devil site for ~ $20 that makes a nice clean cut every time and feels better in the hand.
Good tools are a pleasure to use.

[TheFool]

I'm still pretty new to cigars, but I've noticed that some cigars don't really get an ember. The end will burn, and you can smoke them, but there's no ember. What's going on here? I think I've also been noticing that these cigars will go out much more easily and don't tend to taste as good. Am I doing something wrong, what is this?

[joeobx]

Too wet. I TRY to let mine sit in the humi for a while.....doesn't always work out that way though.

[BnBTobacco]

I never toast. Never found that it made a difference.

:2

I haven't tried toasting too..

[NCRadioMan]

I'm still pretty new to cigars, but I've noticed that some cigars don't really get an ember. The end will burn, and you can smoke them, but there's no ember. What's going on here? I think I've also been noticing that these cigars will go out much more easily and don't tend to taste as good. Am I doing something wrong, what is this?

I agree that it sound like they are too wet. At what rh% do you keep your cigars?

[guitar4001]

I'm still pretty new to cigars, but I've noticed that some cigars don't really get an ember. The end will burn, and you can smoke them, but there's no ember. What's going on here? I think I've also been noticing that these cigars will go out much more easily and don't tend to taste as good. Am I doing something wrong, what is this?

I might be reading this wrong, but...

when you say ember, do you mean like a cigarette cherry? If you expect the end of a cigar to stay bright red, keeping the cigar lit (or do we say lighted instead of lit?) without puffing, it just ain't gonna happen. Handmade cigars are packed too tightly, unlike cigarettes and machine made cigars which are relatively loosely packed - kinda like burning a tightly rolled newspaper vs. a loose page. If I am off the mark, please ignore.

[sparkboss]

whats one of the best or easiest ways (other than smoking countless cigars) to warm my taste buds up to the minute tastes in a cigar?

i've been smoking for a few months and i can pick up a few of the little tastes in a cigar but havent been able to distinguish some key tastes in different types of cigars.

and lastly, would it help to get into some lighter cigars for a start?

[TheFool]

Too wet. I TRY to let mine sit in the humi for a while.....doesn't always work out that way though.

I agree that it sound like they are too wet. At what rh% do you keep your cigars?

I tend to keep them between 65 and 70 give or take a little.

I might be reading this wrong, but...

when you say ember, do you mean like a cigarette cherry? If you expect the end of a cigar to stay bright red, keeping the cigar lit (or do we say lighted instead of lit?) without puffing, it just ain't gonna happen. Handmade cigars are packed too tightly, unlike cigarettes and machine made cigars which are relatively loosely packed - kinda like burning a tightly rolled newspaper vs. a loose page. If I am off the mark, please ignore.

I understand that I need to keep puffing a cigar to keep it lit (i think it's lit), but my problem is with the initial lighting. Sometimes I find that my cigars don't get a cherry at all. Instead the foot get a bit black, and turns to ash (without a cherry) I can smoke the whole cigar like this, but it seems strange.



Seems like people are saying they are too wet, I'll look into dropping the RH to arounf 60? and maybe dry boxing my cigars if I can.

[Flynnster]

Cigars usually won't have an ember, that black that turns to ash is normal. Sometimes when you ash falls of and you are taking a puff they will glow a bit.

[T.G]

whats one of the best or easiest ways (other than smoking countless cigars) to warm my taste buds up to the minute tastes in a cigar?

i've been smoking for a few months and i can pick up a few of the little tastes in a cigar but havent been able to distinguish some key tastes in different types of cigars.

and lastly, would it help to get into some lighter cigars for a start?

The way I look at it, this hobby is about enjoying yourself and the cigars, being able to name every nuance of flavor is not requisite to that enjoyment. Not being able to describe the taste in exacting terms doesn't mean that you can't/don't enjoy the cigar as much as someone who might be able to name the nuances. Eventually being able to pick out the flavors will come in time, just smoke cigars you enjoy and don't worry about it.

[TheFool]

Cigars usually won't have an ember, that black that turns to ash is normal. Sometimes when you ash falls of and you are taking a puff they will glow a bit.

Hmm interesting. I was curious because I've noticed such a difference. Some cigars get this very nice ember at the end (which get hidden by ash, but is still there) while other don't have it at all. Just made me wonder I guess.

[NCRadioMan]

The way I look at it, this hobby is about enjoying yourself and the cigars, being able to name every nuance of flavor is not requisite to that enjoyment. Not being able to describe the taste in exacting terms doesn't mean that you can't/don't enjoy the cigar as much as someone who might be able to name the nuances. Eventually being able to pick out the flavors will come in time, just smoke cigars you enjoy and don't worry about it.

:tpd: Agreed.

[Kreth]

The way I look at it, this hobby is about enjoying yourself and the cigars, being able to name every nuance of flavor is not requisite to that enjoyment. Not being able to describe the taste in exacting terms doesn't mean that you can't/don't enjoy the cigar as much as someone who might be able to name the nuances. Eventually being able to pick out the flavors will come in time, just smoke cigars you enjoy and don't worry about it.
:tpd: I think some of the "experts" go overboard at times: "The initial 64th has a vegetal taste reminiscent of Appalachian moss in early October."
Having said that, you might want to explore pairings. The right drink can bring out flavors. There's several of us that like to pair a maduro with root beer as it complements the flavors very well. For a milder cigar, water might be best so you don't overpower the subtler flavors. :2
Posted via Mobile Device

[Whee]

whats one of the best or easiest ways (other than smoking countless cigars) to warm my taste buds up to the minute tastes in a cigar?

i've been smoking for a few months and i can pick up a few of the little tastes in a cigar but havent been able to distinguish some key tastes in different types of cigars.

and lastly, would it help to get into some lighter cigars for a start?

I worried about that too when I started smoking. Listening to people talk about flavors and all I tasted was---well I wasn't sure!

Like anything, practice makes perfect. The more you smoke, the more your palate will develop.

I don't worry too much about the flavors, or at least identifying them as I smoke, but if you want to help develop your palate, write reviews.

I started doing this and jotting notes down for each cigar. If i tasted a flower, I wrote it down, if I tasted chocolate, I wrote it down. Then post 'em up. And read reviews that you find here. Some of the reviews at other sites and in certain magazines may be skewed to present a certain viewpoint.

Now I wouldn't do this for every cigar. You can search for my reviews here. I also did some for another site as well. But every now and then I would set aside the time to really focus on the cigar and what it tasted like. I read other reviews to see if it was a common taste.

You'll find you'll be tasting that "vegetal taste reminiscent of Appalachian moss in early October", in no time.:D

Keep in mind, if you have never experienced a flavor, it will be hard to identify it. I kept hearing cigars that had a leather taste. Couldn't figure it out until someone described the flavor as "chewing on a ball glove in left field". While not appetizing, it gave me a reference point.


Good Luck

[Miket156]

Obviously, cigars from different companies taste different, as well as cigars from the same company. Me, I'm a simple guy, I want a cigar that has a solid tobacco taste. I wouldn't get a rise out of "vegetal taste reminiscent of Appalachian moss in early October". :tt

I do buy cigars that have a different taste than some of my regular favorites. Example, I recently bought some Montecristo Platinum Churchills so I would have something a little lighter than most of my smokes. I sensed a bit of a nut flavor as well as a "woody" after taste. Very pleasant and completely different than that La Flor Dominicana Double Ligeros I smoke all the time.

Its good to try different things, that's what makes cigar smoking so enjoyable. So, I encourage you to try different cigars as time goes on too.


Cheers,


Mike T.

[sparkboss]

very helpful information guys, i just got a little scared when the taste of the wrapper on an acid cigar tasted just like the wrapper on a completely different category of infused cigar, as well as the smoke. thanks guys :)

[guitar4001]

very helpful information guys, i just got a little scared when the taste of the wrapper on an acid cigar tasted just like the wrapper on a completely different category of infused cigar, as well as the smoke. thanks guys :)

it's always good to separate the flavors from the non-flavored.

[Average Joe]

:tpd: I think some of the "experts" go overboard at times: "The initial 64th has a vegetal taste reminiscent of Appalachian moss in early October."


My favorites are when someone describes the cigar of having a hint of a manure taste then ends the review by saying they liked it and would purchase again.

hmmmm.... I think my tastes are a little different than theirs.

[pnoon]

Let's try and keep this thread to Q&A and resist the temptation for commentary. :2

[Miket156]

by pnoon:

Let's try and keep this thread to Q&A and resist the temptation for commentary.

Why? Sparkboss just commented on how helpful the answers he is getting were to him. Yes and no answers to questions don't help much. :sh


Cheers,


Mike T.

[pnoon]

Why? Sparkboss just commented on how helpful the answers he is getting were to him. Yes and no answers to questions don't help much. :sh


Cheers,


Mike T.
Why?
I made the suggestion because I have seen many a useful thread devolve into useless banter and clutter. I don't want that to happen with this one. The post was meant to make folks think before posting.
Posted via Mobile Device

[oooo35980]

So I have 2 questions.

1. I had a cigar today which I think was plugged. It was hard to draw and I got barely any smoke at all. I understand the concept of plugged, what I don't understand is why after 5-10 seconds of sucking for all I was worth the smoke started to billow out the wrong end... Was this cigar plugged or something else going on?

2. I bought a couple humidors (one for flavored, one for unflavored) and I am in the process of seasoning them. I read that I should wrap the Hygrometers in a wet cloth for 5 minutes and then adjust them to read 95-100. Sounds easy enough. But when I put them in the wet cloth they only get up to 85, which makes sense, but they both get to 85, they are different hygrometers, from different manufacturers, and they both read the same thing (85) when wrapped in the cloth. They also both read about 65 when I just leave them on the counter. Do I need to adjust them and just figure they both came from different companies with the exact same degree of inaccuracy? Or is the 95-100 just bad information?

[Trent0341]

Isaiah,
I can't answer your first question. I'm sure there are many on this forum whose knowledge far exceeds mine that can give it a go.

As far as your second question I'm not familiar with that form of calibrating your hygrometer (and it seems fairly inaccurate) but I'd search on this forum for how to do a salt test. That or use a boveda pack.

Good luck in your seasoning. The most important thing I can tell you is don't rush it. And from one noob to another head on over to the new inmate area and introduce yourself;-)

[bobarian]

So I have 2 questions.

1. I had a cigar today which I think was plugged. It was hard to draw and I got barely any smoke at all. I understand the concept of plugged, what I don't understand is why after 5-10 seconds of sucking for all I was worth the smoke started to billow out the wrong end... Was this cigar plugged or something else going on? That is the definition of a plugged cigar.

2. I bought a couple humidors (one for flavored, one for unflavored) and I am in the process of seasoning them. I read that I should wrap the Hygrometers in a wet cloth for 5 minutes and then adjust them to read 95-100. Sounds easy enough. But when I put them in the wet cloth they only get up to 85, which makes sense, but they both get to 85, they are different hygrometers, from different manufacturers, and they both read the same thing (85) when wrapped in the cloth. They also both read about 65 when I just leave them on the counter. Do I need to adjust them and just figure they both came from different companies with the exact same degree of inaccuracy? Or is the 95-100 just bad information? Here is a sticky on calibrating your hygrometer. http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=619
and seasoning. http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=620

[N2Advnture]

What humidity level are your storing your cigars in?

What humidifier are you currently using?

Is this a fairly new humidor or one that's been in use for some time?

What are the interior dimensions of your humidor?

How often do you open and close your humidor?

Have you added new cigars recently?

To troubleshoot, I would suggest doing a proper hygrometer calibration (including replacing the batteries if they are digital).

~Mark

[guitar4001]

Isaiah,
I can't answer your first question. I'm sure there are many on this forum whose knowledge far exceeds mine that can give it a go.

As far as your second question I'm not familiar with that form of calibrating your hygrometer (and it seems fairly inaccurate) but I'd search on this forum for how to do a salt test. That or use a boveda pack.

Good luck in your seasoning. The most important thing I can tell you is don't rush it. And from one noob to another head on over to the new inmate area and introduce yourself;-)

The salt test is my method of choice. I have wrapped a hygrometer is a wet paper towel as you've specified and it read 100%. I bumped it down to 98% to ensure that it wasn't overly saturated. I do not know how accurate this method is, but it seemed reasonably useful...never had a problem with that hygrometer.

One reason that your hygrometers are out of whack could be this: there are alot of cheaply made hygrometers out there that are flimsy and worthless. If you bought these cheap or if they came with a humidor, then be leary. The digital hygrometers are the way to go IMO.

[sparkboss]

it's always good to separate the flavors from the non-flavored.

apologies to pnoon but this could possibly solve another riddle in my mind

are you referring to having cigars in the same humidor? if so they were only in there temporarily and the tobacco wasnt actually touching:sh

[OLS]

very helpful information guys, i just got a little scared when the taste
of the wrapper on an acid cigar tasted just like the wrapper on a completely different category of
infused cigar, as well as the smoke. thanks guys :)
Sometimes it is the contact and sometimes it is just in your nose. Once that infusion stuff gets
up into your sinuses, it can color everything for some time. Sniff one of those Extra Ordinary
Larrys deeply then try to go eat breakfast. Notice anything funny about your eggs?
Another thing to think about is how little the cigar smoke actually tastes like infused herbs.
75% of the taste is like cigars, but there is something extra in the smoke. Some of it is infusion
and some of it is in your nostrils. Smoke a cigarette after and it will have traces of that dang
Acid flavor. I don't really smoke em, but just like my pipe tobacco, I keep it separate.

[NCRadioMan]

apologies to pnoon but this could possibly solve another riddle in my mind

are you referring to having cigars in the same humidor? if so they were only in there temporarily and the tobacco wasnt actually touching:sh

Yes, flavored cigars should be kept in their own humidor. Acids, imo, should have a separate humidor altogether. They are so pungent, they can even influence the taste of other non-Acid flavored cigars.

It will not take long at all for Acids to affect other cigars.

[OLS]

Hmm interesting. I was curious because I've noticed such a difference. Some cigars
get this very nice ember at the end (which get hidden by ash, but is still there)
while other don't have it at all. Just made me wonder I guess.

I had a cigar last night that made me think of this. It was a long and thin cigar that
I should have dried out a bit before smoking, and there was smoke going on but it was
happening inside the unburned wrapper out of sight. When it would go out, which it did
frequently, I would light it and a half an inch of cigar would turn to ash. It seems like
what you might be describing is 'tunneling' which usually indicates that your humidor is
getting too high in the humidity dept. Your hygrometer may SAY 65, but the actual humidity
could be MILES from there. Check the hygrometer calibration stickie posted at the bottom
of page 58 and I bet you have a better time of it.

[BnBTobacco]

I've just received a Capri Mahogany Humidor from my friend.

[pnoon]

I've just received a Capri Mahogany Humidor from my friend.

:confused:
Did you have a question?

[bobarian]

I've just received a Capri Mahogany Humidor from my friend.

Nice review. :rolleyes:

[thenewguy]

I am currently deployed, and on my last deployment we used to have a ritual of having a cigar after each successful mission. I had a buddy that had a shop back home that he would buy them for us, but this go around, he's with another unit. Where are the best places online to shop, and ship overseas where the cigars arrive the freshest? And I am generally new to the cigar world, minus friends recommendations.. Any help is appreciated.

[T.G]

I am currently deployed, and on my last deployment we used to have a ritual of having a cigar after each successful mission. I had a buddy that had a shop back home that he would buy them for us, but this go around, he's with another unit. Where are the best places online to shop, and ship overseas where the cigars arrive the freshest? And I am generally new to the cigar world, minus friends recommendations.. Any help is appreciated.

Here's a list of vendors that members here have had good experiences with:
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1612

You'll have to check the shipping policies for the individual vendors though, most will ship to APO/FPOs, but there are a few exceptions.

You can also get in touch with Hugh ("hotreds") or Richard ("rrplasencia") see if they can get you on the rotation of cigars that they ship out to troops.

Why not drop in over in the new inmates section and post an introduction and tell us a bit about yourself too:
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=7

Thanks for your service and welcome.

[guitar4001]

I am currently deployed, and on my last deployment we used to have a ritual of having a cigar after each successful mission. I had a buddy that had a shop back home that he would buy them for us, but this go around, he's with another unit. Where are the best places online to shop, and ship overseas where the cigars arrive the freshest? And I am generally new to the cigar world, minus friends recommendations.. Any help is appreciated.

PM on the way.

From my experience, the big name online retailers can get sticks to BN-level FOBs in about 8-10 days. Depending on your mail delivery system, COPs have about a 15 day wait. The condition of the cigars wasn't an issue - nothing arrived dry or unsmokable. We kept most cigars in ziplock bags or tupperware. It all worked well for us.

This was in 2009 and we didn't have as many folks there then as they do now so I dunno how things have changed.

[timj219]

What does it mean if a cigar "flames" when you purge it? A member here who writes some of my favorite reviews usually mentions whether the cigar he's smoking does this but I can't figure out why it matters.

[bobarian]

Purging is a method of ridding the cigar of tar and other impurities that can affect the taste as you get down past half way. Some will purge through a lighter flame, this often results in a large 2-4" flame as the impurities burn off.
Whether or not you use a lighter the effect is the same, but the lighter yields more spectacular results. :2

[NCRadioMan]

Purging is a method of ridding the cigar of tar and other impurities that can affect the taste as you get down past half way. Some will purge through a lighter flame, this often results in a large 2-4" flame as the impurities burn off.
Whether or not you use a lighter the effect is the same, but the lighter yields more spectacular results. :2

Bob is wise. :tu Usually, the fresher the cigar, the more the flame.

Whatever you do, don't purge with a lighter for the first time when smoking while driving at night. The fireball will blind you for a few seconds........so I am told! ;):D

[thenewguy]

If I do not currently have a humidor, until I get one (mail coming overseas takes a while) what is the best way to rig something up to preserve my cigars?

[pnoon]

If I do not currently have a humidor, until I get one (mail coming overseas takes a while) what is the best way to rig something up to preserve my cigars?
tupperware would be my suggestion
Posted via Mobile Device

[bobarian]

tupperware would be my suggestion
Posted via Mobile Device

:tpd: You can also pickup a Boveda pack or water pillow from your local shop if you are storing for more than a few weeks. I prefer Tupperware over ziplocks for the added protection. :tu

[Cornrow_Wallis]

I was just screwing around on a website and decided to check out the FAQ because I'm bored and can't go to sleep. I ran across this quote talking about whether to leave the cello on or take it off.

"It also is great to cut your cigars with the wrappers on as it keeps the blade clean and sharp much longer."

Do people cut cigars with the cello on?

[Bill86]

Some people do, I tried it once and didn't like the result. With cutters like Xikar and Palio and their fantastic warranties I see no issue in the blades inevitably dulling. They replace/repair their cutters.

[Tyler]

I think that method is only used for dull cutters. I have a cheapie free cutter that I use this method with as it creates a clean cut. If I use it normally without the cello on then it is a bad cut and pulls on the wrapper.

[Chris.]

I was just screwing around on a website and decided to check out the FAQ because I'm bored and can't go to sleep. I ran across this quote talking about whether to leave the cello on or take it off.

"It also is great to cut your cigars with the wrappers on as it keeps the blade clean and sharp much longer."

Do people cut cigars with the cello on?

I read that same thing somewhere before. I can't remember where. Was it on cheaphumidors?

I've tried cutting a cigar with the cello on still. Didn't like the result...

[chachee52]

I would think that by cutting with the cello on that if the blad is that dull it would pull on the cello and just pinch the cigar more because it wouldn't cut through anyway? I've never tried this and maybe i'm looking too much into this. Just doesn't make sense to me to even try it.

[hscmit]

make the investment in a good cutter and, as long as you dont loose it, you will have a sharp cutter for many, many years

[BnBTobacco]

Has anyone tried Macanudo Miniatures? How was it?

[sparkboss]

what are the different types of tobaccos used to make most cigars? i know of dominican and nicaraguan but not many others.

[Chris.]

Actually, what you call types, are actually different regions. Types would be te different leaves of the plant such as seco and ligero. To answer your original question, there is tobacco grown all over the world. Mexico is another region that several brands use tobacco from. Personally, I prefer Nicaraguan cigars.

[NCRadioMan]

I would think that by cutting with the cello on that if the blad is that dull it would pull on the cello and just pinch the cigar more because it wouldn't cut through anyway? I've never tried this and maybe i'm looking too much into this. Just doesn't make sense to me to even try it.

I've done it a hundred times with dulling cutters and the opposite is true. Since the dulling cutter first touches the cello, that is what will pull as opposed to cut, then it will cut the cap and hits the cello last so the cello is pulled, not the cigar.

If you have a dulling cutter, you will get a cleaner cut by going through the cello.

what are the different types of tobaccos used to make most cigars? i know of dominican and nicaraguan but not many others.
Off the top of the old noggin'

Cuba
Dominican
Nica
Honduras
Mexico
US (Connecticut)(DE uses Perique from Louisiana)
Brazil
Cameroon
Peru
Indonesia
Ecuador
Philippines
Costa Rica
Columbia
Jamaica

[sparkboss]

amongst all of these i've heard of dominican, nicaraguan, guban, and honduran mostly - is it quality that makes these stick out more to some people, or just the same 'ol fate of preference?

[icehog3]

Most of the higher end NCs seem to be of Dominican or Nicaraguan origin, and many think their quality is superior to many of the other regions.

Posted via Mobile Device

[NCRadioMan]

amongst all of these i've heard of dominican, nicaraguan, guban, and honduran mostly - is it quality that makes these stick out more to some people, or just the same 'ol fate of preference?

I would say it's flavor preference along with the quality. Each growing region provides tobacco with different flavors. Most growers think that tobacco from the Dominican and Nica is very comparable to Cuban tobacco, that's why many of today's cigar families that fled Cuba went there to grow baccy.

[Angus]

What vitola do you smoke while golfing?

[chippewastud79]

What vitola do you smoke while golfing?

First off, this question will have answers as varried as "Whats your favorite cigar?"

Personally, I prefer consistent, longer smokes, that don't require touch-ups or relights, are lighter and milder. Some of my favorite smokes on the course are anything AVO, Pepin Blue, and Oliva. Mostly churchills, averaging about 1 cigar per 9 holes, sometimes 3 if we play 18. :2

[Drkns]

Hello, I am newby here and if this question is out of line please feel free to delete or if answered somewhere else please direct me to it. I am looking for online cuban cigar retailers. In some reviews a price for Romeo Y Julieta short churchill is stated 8$ per stick and I wonder where on earth that seller is?

Thanks,
Mehmet

[T.G]

Hello, I am newby here and if this question is out of line please feel free to delete or if answered somewhere else please direct me to it. I am looking for online cuban cigar retailers. In some reviews a price for Romeo Y Julieta short churchill is stated 8$ per stick and I wonder where on earth that seller is?

Thanks,
Mehmet


Public discussion of Cuban cigar vendors between members is not permitted on this site per the site rules. (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/announcement.php?f=104)

Participate, go to herfs, meet people, develop friendships, earn trust and eventually your new friends can privately help guide you.

[muhren]

My wrapper was burning slowly and I can't recall what that is indicative of. The scoop...

A buddy and I were smoking some Padilla '32s while golfing today. I store at 67% humidity and 70*. Weather today was low 60s and overcast/threatening rain all day. I would assume higher humidity, but because it was cooler, it didn't feel too humid. It was also fairly windy.

So, what's the story with the burn?? I didn't get any cone in the filer post ash drop and had to keep re-lighting the wrapper as it was burning slowly and kept going out on me.

Can any of you aficionados help me out here?

M

[Drkns]

Thanks T. G.

[themachine]

What is your opinion on relighting a cigar, that has been let go out not smoothered out, later in the day or even the next day? Does this change the flavor of the cigar? Is it even worth it to smoke the rest of this cigar or just grab a new one?

[pnoon]

What is your opinion on relighting a cigar, that has been let go out not smoothered out, later in the day or even the next day? Does this change the flavor of the cigar? Is it even worth it to smoke the rest of this cigar or just grab a new one?
For me, I will relight if it's wthin 10-15 minutes. I will purge before relighting. After that, I light up anew cigar. Hours later or the next day? Never.
Posted via Mobile Device

[NCRadioMan]

Cigars are meant to be smoked in one sitting. I never pick up a cold cigar as it usually tastes like arse. However, I have heard stories of a cigar that sat out for days, half smoked, and they come back to it and it's still really good.

So, as in most things, it's up to your preference but I would never consider it again after trying it.

:2

[CigarNut]

What is your opinion on relighting a cigar, that has been let go out not smoothered out, later in the day or even the next day? Does this change the flavor of the cigar? Is it even worth it to smoke the rest of this cigar or just grab a new one?

For me, I will relight if it's wthin 10-15 minutes. I will purge before relighting. After that, I light up anew cigar. Hours later or the next day? Never.
Posted via Mobile Device

Cigars are meant to be smoked in one sitting. I never pick up a cold cigar as it usually tastes like arse. However, I have heard stories of a cigar that sat out for days, half smoked, and they come back to it and it's still really good.

So, as in most things, it's up to your preference but I would never consider it again after trying it.

:2
If you know you have to leave your cigar for a short time (long enough that it will go out) it helps to purge it when you set it down. Then as Peter and Greg have noted sometimes you can come back within a short time and the cigar will smoke well after (purging again and) relighting. Even so, this is risky -- it might just not taste as good as the first time around...

[themachine]

So a follow up question to the relighting one is how do you purge a cigar.

[CigarNut]

So a follow up question to the relighting one is how do you purge a cigar.Instead of drawing air in through the cigar you gently blow out through the cigar.

[chachee52]

I've actually gone back to a cigar the next day. As previously stated, doesn't taste quite as good. What I've done is purge it before I leave it and then cut the end of the cigar so that there is no burnt part of it showing.
Now saying this, I haven't done this in a long time, now that I actually am smoking better cigars and am starting to enjoy the entire flavor of the cigar and not just the smoke.

[VACigarSmoker]

When I go to the lounge I see people leave the ring on when they have a smoke. I always take it off. Is there a reason to leave it on or is it personal preference?

[NCRadioMan]

Do whatever you want to do.

[Cornrow_Wallis]

Personal preference. I smoke down to the band and then take it off.

[chachee52]

Personal preference. I smoke down to the band and then take it off.

I second this. Some just tend to be tough to get off at first, so I leave them on till the end, than I save them. Planning on making something out of all of them when I have the time.

[Brutus2600]

It honestly doesn't matter. Etiquette used to be that you didn't leave the band on else you were "gloating" or showing off about what cigar you were smoking. Now it doesn't matter so much. I take the band off when the cigar burns down close to it. Some bands if you take them off too early (before the glue gets heated up) they will tear the wrapper. Then if you took it off at the beginning, you ruined the whole cigar. At the very least if you take it off later and it still tears, you've smoked most of the cigar :)

[Chingas]

It's all personal preference, like stated above. Do whatever makes you happy Brother, makes no difference either way.

[longknocker]

I Usually Take All My Bands Off As Long As I'm Careful To Not Tear The Wrapper Because I Always "Plan" To Smoke Each Stick Down To The Nub!:tu

[hscmit]

It honestly doesn't matter. Etiquette used to be that you didn't leave the band on else you were "gloating" or showing off about what cigar you were smoking. Now it doesn't matter so much. I take the band off when the cigar burns down close to it. Some bands if you take them off too early (before the glue gets heated up) they will tear the wrapper. Then if you took it off at the beginning, you ruined the whole cigar. At the very least if you take it off later and it still tears, you've smoked most of the cigar :)

:tpd:

[mfarre03]

Ok, I just can't find the answer, lol. BABOTL Herf??? Is it a "bring a bottle" herf?? Maybe its working third shift but I just don't get it, LOL>

[longknocker]

Ok, I just can't find the answer, lol. BABOTL Herf??? Is it a "bring a bottle" herf?? Maybe its working third shift but I just don't get it, LOL>

The Cali Boys. Bay Area Brother Of The Leaf.:)

[mfarre03]

Ok, I don't feel so dumb now, lol. I saw it used on other forums that's why I was so confused. Thanks

[bobarian]

There are several groups of regular herfers in various regions.

BABOTL-Bay Area(SF) Brothers of the Leaf
S.H.I.T-So Happy It's Thursday crew in San Diego :noon
CFRH-Colorado Front Range Herfers
Stumptown Herfers-Washington State
MoB-Chicago/Milwaukee guys
Palmetto-NC
Massholes-Who cares they're all dicks! :mh
VCM-Virginia
Patio Posse-SoCal
Deck Boys-Elitist SoCal crew :D

I know there are many others but those come to mind right now. :sh

[CigarNut]

Some corrections:There are several groups of regular herfers in various regions.

BABOTL-Bay Area(SF) Brothers of the Leaf
S.H.I.T-So Happy It's Thursday crew in San Diego :noon
CFRH-Colorado Front Range Herfers
Stumptown Herfers- Portland, Oregon Metro area (includes SW Washington)
MoB-Chicago/Milwaukee guys
Palmetto-NC
Massholes-(Seattle/Tacoma -Washington State) Who cares they're all dicks! :mh
VCM-Virginia
Patio Posse-SoCal
Deck Boys-Elitist SoCal crew :D

I know there are many others but those come to mind right now. :sh

[bobarian]

I think the Seattle/Tacoma boys are the Mossbacks.
Massholes are MA the Northeast.

[357]

Black Ops / DHC (Detroit Herf Crew) are both Metro Detroit inmates

S.O.B. = well you'll have to ask the right inmate in a funny accent eh!

[jesseboston81]

I think the Seattle/Tacoma boys are the Mossbacks.
Massholes are MA the Northeast.

That's correct, :mh = Massachusetts... 4 lyfe!... ;s

[CigarNut]

I think the Seattle/Tacoma boys are the Mossbacks.
Massholes are MA the Northeast.I'm so focused on the PNW that I read that as Mossbacks.... Not enough coffee today :rolleyes:

[mfarre03]

Ok, I keep hearing about guys making trades and buying stuff on here but I can't for the life of me find where, lol. Is there an area hidden from these newb eyes? How do I unlock this magical place...???
Thanks,
Mike

[bobarian]

Ok, I keep hearing about guys making trades and buying stuff on here but I can't for the life of me find where, lol. Is there an area hidden from these newb eyes? How do I unlock this magical place...???
Thanks,
Mike

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14254

The stickies at the top of each subsection are a wealth of information. :2

[icehog3]

Ok, I keep hearing about guys making trades and buying stuff on here but I can't for the life of me find where, lol. Is there an area hidden from these newb eyes? How do I unlock this magical place...???
Thanks,
Mike

Patience and participation. ;)

It doesn't take long with those.

[mfarre03]

Thanks Bob, I already had my cherry popped there with my first trade.

So Tom, your saying there is such a place...lol. Ok

[icehog3]

Thanks Bob, I already had my cherry popped there with my first trade.

So Tom, your saying there is such a place...lol. Ok

Won't be long for you, Mike, trust me. :tu

[Chris.]

What do you do when a cigar's draw is too loose? So loose that a normal puff would cause the smoke to be harsh; keeping you from enjoying the cigar...

[nayslayer]

Chris, I don't know of much you can do at that point. Besides being rolled improperly, it may be dry. This is why people do a predraw on the cigar. You have more options for a plugged, or loose cigar before you set it on fire.

[pnoon]

What do you do when a cigar's draw is too loose? So loose that a normal puff would cause the smoke to be harsh; keeping you from enjoying the cigar...

Draw delicately or pitch it and light another one.

[mfarre03]

I vote on pitching it, just sucks when the damn things loose, just don't get the right flavor.

[Chris.]

Draw delicately or pitch it and light another one.

I'm with you here. But drawing delicately usually causes burn issues for me. Usually won't stay lit that way.

[simplechords]

Hello all!. I had gotten into cigar smoking a few years ago, but made the stupid choice of starting to smoke cigarettes. I basically completely stopped smoking cigars for 4 years. I finally quit smoking cigs 2 months ago, and now that its getting warmer, i'd like to get back into cigars again. I'm just a little overwhelmed by all the choices! I all ready have my humidor re-seasoned, my hygrometer calibrated, so I just need some sticks to get started!

Can anyone give me any suggestions on where to get started? I remember a few cigars I really liked. I believe my 2 favorites where a monticristo white, and a CAO black. Maybe recommend a good sampler. Thanks in advance.
__________________

[bonjing]

Welcome!

I'd say take a look at the reviews section and also try whatever catches your eye.

[chachee52]

Welcome!

I'd say take a look at the reviews section and also try whatever catches your eye.

I still do this!! Also go to a local B&M and if they are good and nice ask what they are enjoying for a regular stick. I've had some really good sticks that way.

[smokepuff]

What type of wrapper is usually the sticks that have a very spicy flavor. The more I smoke the more I notice that I love that spice flavor more and more. Often times wishing other cigars had that flavor.

My question is how can one tell if a cigar has this type of flavor, is there a certain wrapper/filler that has this flavor?

Just asking so I can stock up on this type of stick as my everyday smoke.

[Cornrow_Wallis]

Not as much info as you're looking for, but Don Pepin Garcia sticks are usually described as being spicy.

[bobarian]

What type of wrapper is usually the sticks that have a very spicy flavor. The more I smoke the more I notice that I love that spice flavor more and more. Often times wishing other cigars had that flavor.

My question is how can one tell if a cigar has this type of flavor, is there a certain wrapper/filler that has this flavor?

Just asking so I can stock up on this type of stick as my everyday smoke.

Spiciness is usually associated with Nicaraguan tobacco and to a somewhat lesser extent Honduran. But there are many shades of grey and about a million manufacturers/blenders using Nicaraguan tobacco. So the best thing is to try as many different brands/blends as you can and then start to focus. Dont go too overboard with a single brand, you may find in 6-12months your tastes have changed and you have a pile of smokes that no longer suit your palate. :2

[longknocker]

Spiciness is usually associated with Nicaraguan tobacco and to a somewhat lesser extent Honduran. But there are many shades of grey and about a million manufacturers/blenders using Nicaraguan tobacco. So the best thing is to try as many different brands/blends as you can and then start to focus. Dont go too overboard with a single brand, you may find in 6-12months your tastes have changed and you have a pile of smokes that no longer suit your palate. :2

I Agree!:tu

[smokepuff]

Spiciness is usually associated with Nicaraguan tobacco and to a somewhat lesser extent Honduran. But there are many shades of grey and about a million manufacturers/blenders using Nicaraguan tobacco. So the best thing is to try as many different brands/blends as you can and then start to focus. Dont go too overboard with a single brand, you may find in 6-12months your tastes have changed and you have a pile of smokes that no longer suit your palate. :2

Thanks :D

[St. Lou Stu]

snip
I believe my 2 favorites where a monticristo white, and a CAO black. Maybe recommend a good sampler.
/snip

From those two, I make a suggestion to try a Rocky Patel blend called American Market Selection that, I believe, is sold solely through Famous.
To this day, I still always keep at least 5 on hand.

[sparkboss]

so i've recently seen on the backs of my boveda packs that they should be replaced every 2-3 months, but since they're rechargable and could be run ragged for a longer time this surprised me! is this just a suggestion saying that you should replace them IF you dont recharge them, or no matter? thanks!! :)

~Mr. Sparkboss.

[NCRadioMan]

so i've recently seen on the backs of my boveda packs that they should be replaced every 2-3 months, but since they're rechargable and could be run ragged for a longer time this surprised me! is this just a suggestion saying that you should replace them IF you dont recharge them, or no matter? thanks!! :)

~Mr. Sparkboss.

They want you to buy more, naturally. But if they are still working....................

The same is said on water pillows. They say they can be used (recharged) 2-3 times then you need another one. I have used the same ones for years. As long as they don't completely dry out, they keep on truckin.

[Bill86]

I personally keep my Boveda packs about 4-6 weeks. After that they start to get hard, IMO a good time to replace them. They are relatively cheap too.

[longknocker]

I Used To Replace Them Every 3 Months, Now I Just Recharge Them In A Sealed Tupperware With A Sponge Soaked In Distilled H20 Laying Close To But Not Touching The Packs. Works Great!:tu

[T.G]

so i've recently seen on the backs of my boveda packs that they should be replaced every 2-3 months, but since they're rechargable and could be run ragged for a longer time this surprised me! is this just a suggestion saying that you should replace them IF you dont recharge them, or no matter? thanks!! :)

~Mr. Sparkboss.

Just marketing, if you never threw the product out, they'd only be able to sell it to you once.

I've been recharging the same 4 packs for about 5-6 years now...

[CigarNut]

I personally keep my Boveda packs about 4-6 weeks. After that they start to get hard, IMO a good time to replace them. They are relatively cheap too.You can recharge your Boveda packs Bill. It takes time, but it is not difficult. If you recharge rather than replace you have more money for cigars :D

[thenewguy]

has anyone had problems with humi-crystals putting out too much humidity? i bought some for my humidor over here in afghanistan, but im having a lot of trouble with it getting too humid. it is only a 30-50 cigar humi, however i was under the impression that the jar would only emit a certain amount of humidity, regardless of the size of my humi. any suggestions?

[Bill86]

You can recharge your Boveda packs Bill. It takes time, but it is not difficult. If you recharge rather than replace you have more money for cigars :D

What I forgot to mention is....I never spend money on the packs. I use them from vendors that ship humidified. Recycling at it's finest.

[bobarian]

has anyone had problems with humi-crystals putting out too much humidity? i bought some for my humidor over here in afghanistan, but im having a lot of trouble with it getting too humid. it is only a 30-50 cigar humi, however i was under the impression that the jar would only emit a certain amount of humidity, regardless of the size of my humi. any suggestions?

How high is "too high"? Do you have mold forming on your cigars or are they smoking badly? Most crystals should emit humidity to about 70%. It may be that the seal is bad on your humidor which might cause the crystals to emit too much rh. Try opening the top a few inches and then dropping lid. If it bang shut you have a leak, it should kind of "whoosh" closed. You can use an empty ammo can or tupperware for temporary storage until you can reseal your humidor. :2

[montecristo#2]

has anyone had problems with humi-crystals putting out too much humidity? i bought some for my humidor over here in afghanistan, but im having a lot of trouble with it getting too humid. it is only a 30-50 cigar humi, however i was under the impression that the jar would only emit a certain amount of humidity, regardless of the size of my humi. any suggestions?

Have you calibrated your hygrometer? It might be off.

I am not that familiar with the crystals, do you have to add water to them? With the beads, you can add too much water. If they are saturated there is nothing left to suck up the extra moisture - not sure if the crystals work the same way.

[thenewguy]

i just ordered a new hygrometer, it was doing some funny stuff. and these crystals came "pre-mixed". but my sticks are hard to keep lit, and have that sour taste when they are too damp. im moving them into my buddies humi until i get this figured out.