How to take care of a cigar...humidors
Once we will review the materials and construction. We must go on to review the humidifier. the system by which the humidity inside the humidor will be release. Compared to the complex electronic systems of large scale of cigar humidors and cellars. For personal and medium-sized ones the system is very simple. Mere covered sponges (so as not to be in direct contact with our cigars) are more than enough to control humidity. Regularly dipping these sponges in distille water. Our cigars will be perfectly preserved if the humidor is built properly.
Wood is the best product to keep our precious cigars in the best conditions, and within these, the SPANISH CEDAR is the best option ; It is a porous product (it allows it to breathe), without aromas that affect the tobacco and it maintains humidity excellently. But it is a very soft wood and it marks easily, so a humidor made entirely of Spanish cedar will be a mistake. The best option is to resort to those whose interior is completely line with Spanish cedar and is protect on the outside by harder (and noble) woods such as mahogany, oak, cherry, walnut…
The humidor must be perfectly finish, well assemble and with well-square corners, and the closure and lid must fit perfectly (without actually closing hermetically, as we have already commented).
Once we have reviewed the materials and construction, we must go on to review the humidifier: the system by which the humidity inside the humidor will be released. Compared to the complex electronic systems of large scale of cigar humidors and cellars, for personal and medium-sized ones the system is very simple: mere covered sponges (so as not to be in direct contact with our cigars) are more than enough to control humidity. Regularly dipping these sponges in distilled water, our cigars will be perfectly preserved if the humidor is built properly.
It is not mandatory but it is recommend that our cigar humidor has a hygrometer to know the humidity inside. Adding more water or even removing it depending on the needs to be as close as possible to 70% humidity. Although the analog ones are infinitely more aesthetic, the digital ones are the best for their reliability.
Now it is everyone’s responsibility to choose the humidor that best suits their needs/possibilities of size, capacity, price…
Beyond the personal humidors, by size, we find tabletop cabinets, display cabinets with capacity for several boxes. And even large display cabinets before making the leap to the cellars. In materials, beyond wood, we find cigar humidors made of methacrylate, leather, metal, carbon…
On the market, you can even find fully electronic humidor cabinets. Responsible for maintaining completely unchanged temperature and humidity in the style of electronic wine cellars.
«I will never tire of repeating that a cigar kept in good condition. Not only does not lose any of its quality, but also improves» Zino Davidoff
Author: David A. Blasco Delgado