Cigar Storage?

[ZlinMan]

Hi all. I don't smoke cigars all that often, but my sister just visited Cuba and I got these as a birthday gift. I was curious if this was an appropriate way to store the cigars temporarily. The paper towel is damp (not wet), and rests on the bottom while the box conveniently "hovers" over it without touching. The container gets opened 1-2 times weekly as I desire a smoke. Any thoughts/comments, or should I cuff myself for the setup? Cheers!

>Nathan

 

[Pete]

I think it's a bit risky laying the box a damp paper towel, but without knowing the actual relative humidity levels, it's difficult to say if you're in danger of ruining the cigars or not.

 

[danek]

I think that'd be great, although I would tear that towel in 1/2 or 1/3. Since that container is air-tight and only getting opened once or twice a week, an entire paper towel may hold too much moisture and make the cigars too tight which would create a difficult draw or uneven burn. However, you may find it is just the proper humidity and my concerns are for naught.

 

[cthip]

for $3 and free shipping there's no reason not to do it right

http://www.amazon.com/Humidipak-Bov...1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1265154904&sr=8-1

 

[jakuda]

Depending where you live and the temperature & humidity of your home during the winter, the damp towel maybe providing too much moisture. 80-98% relative humidity wouldn't be uncommon for your setup. The negative side effects, someone already listed above. You may find some splitting at the foot, and some tough or uneven draw. Tough draws are a killer for me. It makes me focus on keeping the lit cigar alive and burning evenly and not enjoying it. At the very least, this is better than dried out.

If you don't want to spend extra money, then squeeze the towel so it's almost dry. That should be more than enough moisture.

 

[Mazeman]

for $3 and free shipping there's no reason not to do it right

http://www.amazon.com/Humidipak-Bov...1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1265154904&sr=8-1

Good option. Or go to a cigar store an pick up any controlled-humidity beads.

My guess, looking at your setup, is that your damp paper towel is creating way too much humidity. You'd be surprised.

 

[Chevyguy]

Hi all. I don't smoke cigars all that often, but my sister just visited Cuba and I got these as a birthday gift. I was curious if this was an appropriate way to store the cigars temporarily. The paper towel is damp (not wet), and rests on the bottom while the box conveniently "hovers" over it without touching. The container gets opened 1-2 times weekly as I desire a smoke. Any thoughts/comments, or should I cuff myself for the setup? Cheers!

>Nathan

Nathan, Before I got my humidor I would put a damp piece of a brand new sponge in a plastic lidded container. My grandpa would substitute a piece of an apple in place of the sponge. You just need something that holds moisture. Don't seal your container tight, you want it to breathe a little bit.

Clayton

 

[TinFish]

Try to use distilled water for your source of moisture....it's less likely to support mold and mildew growth.

 

[ZlinMan]

Thanks for all the great advice! I'll be heading to the nearest cigar shop tomorrow to grab some humidity beads, and if I can't get any there I'll be placing an order online. Maybe I can throw in a piece of apple instead of the towel while I wait for them to ship =). Much appreciated!

 

[plexibass]

Also, if I could make a suggestion. place you cigars in the FREEZER for about 36 hours and then in the FRIDGE for 12. The reason I say this, I just caught an infestation of tobacco beetles in my humidor. Fortunatley, thy only got 2 cigars really bad. I completely cleaned my humi with alcohol and killed any of the little buggers that were hiding.