Humidors - Selection, Maintenance

A box or room with constant temperature andand may cause less moisture if not properly
humidity, a humidor is used to store cigars and/or pipemaintained. For various reasons, most humidors are
tobacco. For individual use, a small humidor box is ideal.crafted using Spanish cedar or plastic. Spanish cedar,
Cigar and tobacco shops, on the other hand, requirein particular, is excellent for aging cigars because it has
larger spaces that are often designed as walk-inthe ability to retain more moisture than most woods
areas that cover an entire floor. All humidors feature aand is able to maintain humidity. In addition, this type of
way to keep track of the humidity levels to ensure awood often repels tobacco beetles, which can ruin the
constant and perfect housing area.cigars altogether. There have been occasions,
In order to work effectively, small humidors must behowever, where beetles have eaten through the
able to maintain their humidity. The best way to testwood. When it comes to storing cigars, however, it is
this is to use a moist cloth to wipe the interior clean ofbest to use every possible method to protect and
any dust or debris. A small glass or container of distilledmaintain their quality.
water should be placed inside the humidor, whichIf you are searching for humidors, you may be able to
should then be closed, and left overnight. If the water isfind one in your local retail or specialty tobacco store. If
almost or completely gone, this step should beyou are in the market for an antique humidor, consider
repeated for another 24 hours. Once the humidor haschecking out the local flea market, antique show or
stopped absorbing humidity, the cigars can be placedlocal antique shop. Depending on how they have been
inside. This is very important as humidity will keep thecared for, their current condition and quality, antique
interior of the wooden box moist, which will also keephumidors can be highly collectible. This is why antique
the cigars properly moistened.shows are a popular location for scouting a great deal
When using humidors for individual use, it is important toon an older unit. Most antique shows occur once or
keep the humidity level at 65-70% when the box istwice each year, but specialty antique shops are open
filled completely. If there is too much empty spacedaily throughout the year.
inside of the humidor, it will loose it's humidity quicker