Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

[mase]

Someone told me that he stores his cigars in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. To the best of my knowledge he is not using any humidification device. Can anyone help me understand why he might do this?

I understand the cold would keep any beetle eggs from hatching. I doubt the drawer would keep consistent humidity.

[CigarNut]

It probably does keep a fairly constant humidity, but in all likelihood it is a lower humidity than would be desirable for cigars...

[galaga]

Someone told me that he stores his cigars in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. To the best of my knowledge he is not using any humidification device. Can anyone help me understand why he might do this?

I understand the cold would keep any beetle eggs from hatching. I doubt the drawer would keep consistent humidity.

Because he doesn't know how to store cigars??? If you try it, I would use a cigar I wouldn't mind dehydrating. I suspect the cigar would dry out rather quickly.

[mase]

Because he doesn't know how to store cigars??? If you try it, I would use a cigar I wouldn't mind dehydrating. I suspect the cigar would dry out rather quickly.

I wasn't planning on trying it. It's kind of strange because he had been using a humidor. He bought a box or two of cigars and started putting them in the vegetable drawer. I wonder where he got this idea or advice.

[galaga]

I wasn't planning on trying it. It's kind of strange because he had been using a humidor. He bought a box or two of cigars and started putting them in the vegetable drawer. I wonder where he got this idea or advice.

If he was trying to kill beetles, he would have to freeze the cigars. There are threads on the board with advice for freezing.

[mase]

If he was trying to kill beetles, he would have to freeze the cigars. There are threads on the board with advice for freezing.

Quite frankly, I don't think that was his aim. Someone must have convinced him that this was better than a humidor. Sadly, it was probably someone at his local B&M.

[Eros]

My seasoning is going fairly well. The humidity is dropping steadily from the 84 it was at about 1:00. But I think I have a bad seal. Did the dollar bill/paper test and what not. Are there any good remedies? Sorry if there is a thread on this already. I'm new to discussion boards:/

[icehog3]

My seasoning is going fairly well. The humidity is dropping steadily from the 84 it was at about 1:00. But I think I have a bad seal. Did the dollar bill/paper test and what not. Are there any good remedies? Sorry if there is a thread on this already. I'm new to discussion boards:/

Silicone. :)

I just typed "Seal" in the search box, "thread titles only", and saw a half dozen threads that can help you.

[Eros]

Lastly, I hope, about how long does it take for low humidity to ruin cigars? If I place my cigars in the humidor, with 65 rh beads, and it drops to like 62 or even 60, roughly how long do I have to fix the humidity before all hell breaks loose?

[Newbie_nick]

Lastly, I hope, about how long does it take for low humidity to ruin cigars? If I place my cigars in the humidor, with 65 rh beads, and it drops to like 62 or even 60, roughly how long do I have to fix the humidity before all hell breaks loose?

Actually, some folks prefer their sticks at 60 Rh! Its a personal preference thing....

As far as damaging cigars from low humidity, I don't think that they can get hurt. If you discover that your humidity is too low, recharge your humidifier and let the sticks "soak" for several days to a couple of weeks to stabilize. They will be fine...

[NCRadioMan]

Lastly, I hope, about how long does it take for low humidity to ruin cigars? If I place my cigars in the humidor, with 65 rh beads, and it drops to like 62 or even 60, roughly how long do I have to fix the humidity before all hell breaks loose?

Take a breath, bro. You are worrying way too much! Cigars are much more resilient and tougher than you obviously think. 60% will not adversely affect your cigars if you kept them there permanently, as I do. I know some that keep their cigars as low as 55% and they are fine.

So, sit back, relax and have a cigar. :tu

[Eros]

I just added the rest of my cigars to my humidor which obviously caused to rh to drop. It was sitting steady around 64 with my 65 rh beads. It is now down to 56. I know that's not awful but I'd like to get it back up to the 63-65 range. So I added one of those humicare pillows to act as a catalyst along with the beads. Once it reaches the lower 60's I plan on taking to pillow out. Good idea? Bad idea?

[pnoon]

I just added the rest of my cigars to my humidor which obviously caused to rh to drop. It was sitting steady around 64 with my 65 rh beads. It is now down to 56. I know that's not awful but I'd like to get it back up to the 63-65 range. So I added one of those humicare pillows to act as a catalyst along with the beads. Once it reaches the lower 60's I plan on taking to pillow out. Good idea? Bad idea?
It's neither.
I would just leave the beads in there and let them do their job. It takes time. This hobby requires patience. Cigars are resilient. Many of us have cigars shipped from overseas with no humidification for days and sometimes weeks. Cigars at 56 RH and rising will be just fine.

Patience, Grasshopper.

:2

[Eros]

I don't know why i'm so anxious about it. My friend told me that cigars would dry out in like 1 day if the humidity dropped below the ideal 70%. So of course I believed him.

[JDee]

Is the humidor at Sam's club for $60 a good deal? It looks nice, but this would be my first humidor. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

[chippewastud79]

Is the humidor at Sam's club for $60 a good deal? It looks nice, but this would be my first humidor. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

Probably not. Do you have a link or picture? :hm

Try an online vendor with a good reputation, you may find better deals that may even include some cigars. :2

[pnoon]

I don't know why i'm so anxious about it. My friend told me that cigars would dry out in like 1 day if the humidity dropped below the ideal 70%. So of course I believed him.

You're friend is full of baloney.
Cigars will not dry out in a day.
While some folks prefer 70% RH, many also prefer mid and even low 60s.
70% as the "ideal" RH is bogus.

[JDee]

Probably not. Do you have a link or picture? :hm

Try an online vendor with a good reputation, you may find better deals that may even include some cigars. :2

I don't have a picture. It has a glass top, and a hygrometer you can view from the outside, spanish cedar. It looks nice, but obviously looks are not the primary factor. Can you recommend some sites I should look at, or some features that I should make sure a humidor has? Thank you,

[bobarian]

We have stickies on just about any subject someone starting in this hobbie could imagine. http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=621
I would also advise against a glasstop humidor when starting out. They look nice but are prone to leaking and can be difficult to set up. :2

[JDee]

We have stickies on just about any subject someone starting in this hobbie could imagine. http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=621
I would also advise against a glasstop humidor when starting out. They look nice but are prone to leaking and can be difficult to set up. :2

Thank you, very helpful!

[Minus_Blindfold]

How low is too low as far as humidity goes? Cuz I have 20 decent cigars in my humidor and its running at about 61% Will they be ok? Or should I consider another option? I always hear the 70/70 rule so, I'm pretty far from that!

[Trent0341]

How low is too low as far as humidity goes? Cuz I have 20 decent cigars in my humidor and its running at about 61% Will they be ok? Or should I consider another option? I always hear the 70/70 rule so, I'm pretty far from that!

Some people actually store them around 60%. I keep mine at 65% and others will tell you the "70/70" rule". Bottom line is keep them at what works best for you. Personally I'd like to keep them above 60% but thats not for everyone.

Edited to add: If you read the page just prior to this one you'll see a similar question and much the same response.

[icehog3]

As Dan said, it comes down to personal preference. I store mine around 62% and they smoke wonderfully.

[nayslayer]

ditto, 65 to 60

[irratebass]

I have a question about Xikar cutters, What is the difference between Xi-X3 cutters besides the price? I am thinking about getting my 1st bigboy cutter and I really like the Xi3 Multicolor one, but I am going by looks alone and not by performance, so what are the differences?

[Blak Smyth]

I have a question about Xikar cutters, What is the difference between Xi-X3 cutters besides the price? I am thinking about getting my 1st bigboy cutter and I really like the Xi3 Multicolor one, but I am going by looks alone and not by performance, so what are the differences?

I believe I read it was the components used. The newer models have better steel, spring, etc...

[irratebass]

I believe I read it was the components used. The newer models have better steel, spring, etc...

That makes the best sense...thanks bro :tu

[Bill86]

IIRC

Xi1 is aluminum, Xi2 is fiberglass, Xi3 is Titanium.

[smitty81]

When is my humidor ready to hold cigars?

Its been seasoning for about 4 days or so and the RH is at 65 according to the hygrometer.

Can I throw my beads in and cigars and call it good?

[cort]

When is my humidor ready to hold cigars?

Its been seasoning for about 4 days or so and the RH is at 65 according to the hygrometer.

Can I throw my beads in and cigars and call it good?

I would:tu

[theonlybear4CORT]

I agree with my hubby cort, load that sucker up.

[Pseudosacred]

The temperature in my humi hovers around 67 - 72 degrees. Those little fluctuations won't affect my sticks badly, right? The humidity stays at a constant 68

[pnoon]

The temperature in my humi hovers around 67 - 72 degrees. Those little fluctuations won't affect my sticks badly, right? The humidity stays at a constant 68

If your temp stays between 67 and 72 degrees, you are very fortunate. Can't get much more ideal temps than that.

[Pseudosacred]

Alright, that's good to hear. So, what is too extreme of a temperature for cigars?

Also, thanks for your quick response!

[kydsid]

Alright, that's good to hear. So, what is too extreme of a temperature for cigars?

Also, thanks for your quick response!



There is no real too extreme in temperature for cigars. You'll find a sticky here about freezing cigars, you'll find many posts including a stickied thread on how to do so safely here. Even 100+ degree heat isn't bad in and of itself.

Wild fluctuations are another issue. Take a cigar from a house at 80 deg outside to -40 and you will probably have an issue.

The biggest concern with temperature usually revolves around the hatching of the tobacco beetle. This pest is common and invasive in all the worlds tobacco crops. All producers use pest management to reduce its prescence in a finished product. But there is no way to be 100% rid of this pest. The tobacco beetle egg, which is usually what is present in a finished cigar, as the beetle lays its eggs on the leaf, hatches between 75 and 90 degrees.

Most evidence suggests that temperatures below 75 degrees will supress the hatching. Freezing for a sufficient time will kill most live eggs, again no pest control strategy is 100% effective, and this is why there is interest in doing so with cigars. A tobacco beetle outbreak in a box of cigars can render the entire box or more into useless dust given enough time.

So in essence the real concern with temperature is about storage not in usage or temporary conditions. Cigars all in all are tough things.

[Fredo456]

I haven't browsed through all this thread yet, so this may have been covered.

The only cigars available locally are those in plastic tubes (Cristales, Romeo y Julieta and Bances, from what I could gather from a phone call). They aren't kept in a humidor, so can they still be any good?

What should I look for when I go to the store?

Thanks.

[Remo_5_0]

I haven't browsed through all this thread yet, so this may have been covered.

The only cigars available locally are those in plastic tubes (Cristales, Romeo y Julieta and Bances, from what I could gather from a phone call). They aren't kept in a humidor, so can they still be any good?

What should I look for when I go to the store?

Thanks.

If they are not in a humidor, do not buy :tu Tubos are fine but they need to be humidified, try and locate a shop that has some sort of walk-in humidor or cabinet humidor.

[Fredo456]

Since they are the only ones locally available, is it possible to "save" them from their dryness, by gradually humidifying them?

The alternative is the Internet, and since I can't import from other countries or even other provinces, the choice is scarce.

[pnoon]

Since they are the only ones locally available, is it possible to "save" them from their dryness, by gradually humidifying them?

The alternative is the Internet, and since I can't import from other countries or even other provinces, the choice is scarce.

:confused:

Why is that? I've never heard of such limitations. Except, of course, the US mmbargo on Cuba.

[dwoodward]

Since they are the only ones locally available, is it possible to "save" them from their dryness, by gradually humidifying them?

The alternative is the Internet, and since I can't import from other countries or even other provinces, the choice is scarce.

We have many many Canadian members here that will tell you otherwise. I don't know where you heard such nonsense, completely untrue. ;)

[pnoon]

We have many many Canadian members here that will tell you otherwise. I don't know where you heard such nonsense, completely untrue. ;)

Think before you post, Grasshopper.

It could be that he has special circumstances. Such as part of a US Embassy or maybe being below a legal age. So before jumping to conclusions and making unsubstantiated claims, ask the questions. Such as "Why is that?". He may have an explanation that is not "such nonsense, completely untrue"

:2

[Fredo456]

We have many many Canadian members here that will tell you otherwise. I don't know where you heard such nonsense, completely untrue. ;)

OK, perhaps I just jumped to conclusions too fast about importing from other countries, and that after paying the taxes, I can do so.

However, an Internet site (I couldn't remember which, because i surfed a lot of them in the last days) stipulated that it was illegal for them to ship to other provinces.

I guess my new question would be: How much taxes do Quebeckers have to pay when importing cigars from abroad?

[smitty81]

OK, perhaps I just jumped to conclusions too fast about importing from other countries, and that after paying the taxes, I can do so.

However, an Internet site (I couldn't remember which, because i surfed a lot of them in the last days) stipulated that it was illegal for them to ship to other provinces.

I guess my new question would be: How much taxes do Quebeckers have to pay when importing cigars from abroad?

I think you over thought the above underlined phrase. Every country has different laws.

[Fredo456]

I think you over thought the above underlined phrase. Every country has different laws.

It was two provinces within Canada.

Two Internet companies, well regarded on this site (I'm not sure if I can name names) do not ship outside the US. I have not visited all the others (obviously), but I'd like to hear fom Canadian members, as to where they can order from, and how much taxes they have to pay upon reception of the cigars.

Thanks.

[Eros]

So after trying to slow season my humidor for the last three weeks, I have nothing to show for it. As soon as I take the shot glass out, the humidity plummets within days. I am assuming I have a leak, as it is a glass top humidor. I am getting impatient, and my cigars have been sitting in a tupperware box with a humi pillow thing for a couple of weeks now. Could I just place the cigars in the humi with the water filled shot glass to stabilize the humidity until I can afford a new humidor? Or would that be unwise?

[Emjaysmash]

So after trying to slow season my humidor for the last three weeks, I have nothing to show for it. As soon as I take the shot glass out, the humidity plummets within days. I am assuming I have a leak, as it is a glass top humidor. I am getting impatient, and my cigars have been sitting in a tupperware box with a humi pillow thing for a couple of weeks now. Could I just place the cigars in the humi with the water filled shot glass to stabilize the humidity until I can afford a new humidor? Or would that be unwise?

I would spend less money and buy the clear silicon sealant they use for aquariums and plug the leak.

[CigarNut]

So after trying to slow season my humidor for the last three weeks, I have nothing to show for it. As soon as I take the shot glass out, the humidity plummets within days. I am assuming I have a leak, as it is a glass top humidor. I am getting impatient, and my cigars have been sitting in a tupperware box with a humi pillow thing for a couple of weeks now. Could I just place the cigars in the humi with the water filled shot glass to stabilize the humidity until I can afford a new humidor? Or would that be unwise?Your cigars will be fine in the tupperware box -- especially since your humi is not holding a steady RH. If you place your cigars in the humidor now they will either get over humidified from the shot glass of water or, if you take the shot glass out then the cigars will dry out.

Fix your humidor and then put your cigars in it. Get get some aquarium grade for silicone sealant; seal around the glass and any other obvious areas (e.g., if there is a hole for a hygrometer, then seal around the hole).

Once you have resolved all of the leaks then your humidor will be able to do the job you need it to do. In the interim, the tupperware box is the best place for your cigars.

One thing you need to remember about this hobby: you need to be patient.

[Fredo456]

I keep reading about hygrometers having to be recalibrated. Some recommend to recalibrate after a sudden change in Rh.
Isn't the point of this tool to accurately indicate the rh of a given space? How accurate is it really, if one can't trust it and has to recalibrate it so often?

Thanks.

[Emjaysmash]

I keep reading about hygrometers having to be recalibrated. Some recommend to recalibrate after a sudden change in Rh.
Isn't the point of this tool to accurately indicate the rh of a given space? How accurate is it really, if one can't trust it and has to recalibrate it so often?

Thanks.

I've only salt tested (calibrated) my once. Although half the time now I don't look at it. I've gotten used to looking and feeling the cigars to make sure they arent too dry or wet.

[icehog3]

I keep reading about hygrometers having to be recalibrated. Some recommend to recalibrate after a sudden change in Rh.
Isn't the point of this tool to accurately indicate the rh of a given space? How accurate is it really, if one can't trust it and has to recalibrate it so often?

Thanks.

Sometimes things break, need new batteries, etc....I don't see where in the recommendation it implies that the need to recalibrate happens "often".

If your Rh was reading 65% steadily for a year, and suddenly was at 53%, it is wise to recalibrate your hygrometer to see if it is just "off", or if you do in fact have a much bigger problem with your humidor.

[CigarNut]

I keep reading about hygrometers having to be recalibrated. Some recommend to recalibrate after a sudden change in Rh.
Isn't the point of this tool to accurately indicate the rh of a given space? How accurate is it really, if one can't trust it and has to recalibrate it so often?

Thanks.

Like all things that run on batteries they wear out. Also, most digital hygrometers rely on the battery charge to maintain their calibration. As the batteries wear the calibration changes a little.

Also, it's not like it is a huge problem to check your hygrometer a few times a year.

[jluck]

I keep reading about hygrometers having to be recalibrated. Some recommend to recalibrate after a sudden change in Rh.
Isn't the point of this tool to accurately indicate the rh of a given space? How accurate is it really, if one can't trust it and has to recalibrate it so often?

Thanks.

I think you hear about it much more than needed, due to it's the first thing recommended when there is RH problems in a humidor, When the problem usually ends up being a seasoning (inpatients/owner) or leak issue. but its how a good RH base line is established. And the best tool we have that I'm aware of.

:tu

[Malazan]

I'm seasoning my new humidor I got Friday. The RH has stayed at 86% for 3 days now. How much longer should I wait, and is 86% ok for the seasoning process

[CigarNut]

Have you calibrated your hygrometer? If not, you need to do that ASAP; there are many threads discussing how best to do this.

I would give it at least a week, preferably two. 86% is not out of line since the seasoning process saturates the wood of the humidor. If you are really worried, take the moisture source out of your humidor and check the RH after several hours to see how far it drops.

[Malazan]

Yes, I calibrated it with a boveda pack, 75% exactly

[Eros]

I'm going on spring break this week and I need to keep my cigars as fresh as possible for a week. Would it be better for me to place them in my cigar caddy even though it doesn't have humidification? Or would a baggy or tupperware be better? I have about 10 cigars.

[T.G]

I'm going on spring break this week and I need to keep my cigars as fresh as possible for a week. Would it be better for me to place them in my cigar caddy even though it doesn't have humidification? Or would a baggy or tupperware be better? I have about 10 cigars.

Cigar caddies have rubber gaskets and seal at least just as well or possibly even better than tupperware. If your cigars are at the right humidity already, they should be fine for a week without any additional humidification.

If you are going to an exceptionally dry or wet climate, a 65% boveda pack will do a great job of keeping things from getting too wet or too dry (boveda packs are 2-way). Unlike the built in humidifier on the cigar caddy, here is virtually no chance of mold with a boveda pack. Lastly, since they are thin and will fit on top of the cigars, you can carry one without sacrificing any cigar space.

[Fredo456]

I started the calibration of my HygroSet Digital Hygrometer this morning, and the screen shuts down after a while. I have to press the "set" button for it to come back to life. I bought it new and took off the plastic tab from the battery compartment this morning, so it couldn't be the battery. Or could it? Or is it a normal function of the hygro?

Thanks.

[68TriShield]

In my experience,no.The screen should not go blank.

[CigarNut]

I started the calibration of my HygroSet Digital Hygrometer this morning, and the screen shuts down after a while. I have to press the "set" button for it to come back to life. I bought it new and took off the plastic tab from the battery compartment this morning, so it couldn't be the battery. Or could it? Or is it a normal function of the hygro?

Thanks.It sounds like a defective unit. I would go back to where you bought it and exchange it for a new one.

[racerX]

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

[CigarNut]

According to the Padron family their cigars are not meant to be aged. Lots of people still age them with apparently good results.

Me, I like my Padron's too much to let them sit in my humi for long :)

[Fredo456]

I started the calibration of my HygroSet Digital Hygrometer this morning, and the screen shuts down after a while. I have to press the "set" button for it to come back to life. I bought it new and took off the plastic tab from the battery compartment this morning, so it couldn't be the battery. Or could it? Or is it a normal function of the hygro?

Thanks.

The problem seems to have resolved itself. The screen hasn't shut down since yesterday, so maybe it was just some jitters.

[CigarNut]

The problem seems to have resolved itself. The screen hasn't shut down since yesterday, so maybe it was just some jitters.

I would still recommend exchanging it - there may still be a problem and it's best to take care of it while you can.

[Fredo456]

Yes, it re-did it, I'll contact the seller.

[icehog3]

"Want to Buy" Forums come with a short amount of time and participation. A read through the rules of the Asylum will show that one must wait for access to the proper Forums before asking to Buy, Sell or Trade anything here.

[PenguinsFan88]

Can a punch punch any kind of cigar except torpedos????

[icehog3]

Can a punch punch any kind of cigar except torpedos????

Depends on the size of the punch versus the size of the cigar's ring gauge. My punch would not work on panatela or ninfa sized cigars.

[PenguinsFan88]

Depends on the size of the punch versus the size of the cigar's ring gauge. My punch would not work on panatela or ninfa sized cigars.

So basically they're a no-no on the long skinny ones eh?

[icehog3]

So basically they're a no-no on the long skinny ones eh?

Just not practical, the punch hole is as big as the head of the cigar. :D

[PenguinsFan88]

That works as I've never smoked a long n skinny. (*Cue "that's what she said" joke* I know I know...)

Even though I've only tried a handful of cigars so far, the smallest ring gauge I believe I've dealt with was on a Guantanamera Cristales. They have a ring gauge of 41. But for $5 their garbage IMO...yuck.

Being poor sucks lol.

[Blak Smyth]

That works as I've never smoked a long n skinny. (*Cue "that's what she said" joke* I know I know...)

Even though I've only tried a handful of cigars so far, the smallest ring gauge I believe I've dealt with was on a Guantanamera Cristales. They have a ring gauge of 41. But for $5 their garbage IMO...yuck.

Being poor sucks lol.

In my very limited experience with CCs, I have had several tasty and fairly cheap sticks. Fonseca Caddettes and PL Panatelas are a couple. I used to punch anything that was bigger than my blade but after a few tar problems I switched to cutting everything and haven't had a tar issue since. I do smoke mostly smaller RGs though. I try not to buy anything bigger than 42 RG if I can help it.

[PenguinsFan88]

So why is Colibri triple refined butane the only really good Canadian butane option?

Aside from the obvious about not being allowed to be on airplanes, or shipped by airplanes, or to go across the boarder due to safety reasons, why aren't there any places in Canada that distribute for wholesale or even sell the personal use cans say 5x refined Vector or the Xikar butane.

Surely a big Canadian cigar shop could stock that stuff if they wanted to right?

[kydsid]

So why is Colibri triple refined butane the only really good Canadian butane option?

Aside from the obvious about not being allowed to be on airplanes, or shipped by airplanes, or to go across the boarder due to safety reasons, why aren't there any places in Canada that distribute for wholesale or even sell the personal use cans say 5x refined Vector or the Xikar butane.

Surely a big Canadian cigar shop could stock that stuff if they wanted to right?


Has to be a purely economic reason. There is no real reason otherwise. It can go on aircraft, but cargo aircraft only, not passenger. As for crossing the border there is no restriction, just red tape in shipping a hazmat material, which is the same for any butane fuel being shipped (I can fully understand why a US retailer would not want to ship it to Canada due to the paperwork alone though). Sounds like you might have found a profittable side gig. :D

[PenguinsFan88]

Has to be a purely economic reason. There is no real reason otherwise. It can go on aircraft, but cargo aircraft only, not passenger. As for crossing the border there is no restriction, just red tape in shipping a hazmat material, which is the same for any butane fuel being shipped (I can fully understand why a US retailer would not want to ship it to Canada due to the paperwork alone though). Sounds like you might have found a profittable side gig. :D

Side gig eh? :D Yeah I'd be happy if I could persuade what will be my local B&M to start stocking Xikar or Vector butane lol.

Best they sell is Colibri apparantly.