12-22-2006, 11:22 AM
The first step to storing cigars (besides getting a humidor) is to make sure you calibrate your hygrometer(s) every 4-6 months!!!
Do this while you are seasoning you new humidor, it is the only indicator that you have to reply upon to ensure your cigars are being stored at the proper RH level!
Improper RH levels can create draw, burn and flavor problems and long term and result in less than stellar aged smokes.
Digital hygrometers are typically off
by 1% and as much as 8%, so salt testing in essential is determining
the exact RH level in your humidor and analog hygrometers should be
thrown away and replaced with a digital.
Digital hygrometers are usually more accurate and reliable than
analog. Regardless of what kind, it is important to maintain a
humidity level of 68% to 72% inside of a humidor to properly preserve
and age cigars. In order to monitor and adjust the humidity level
inside of your humidor, the reading on the hygrometer must be somewhat
accurate (plus or minus 2%).
How to Test and Calibrate a Hygrometer
1. Fill a milk bottle cap or other small container with salt, and
add a few drops of distilled water - NOT enough to dissolve the salt,
just enough to moisten it. You want the slurry to be thick and pasty.
2. Put the cap inside of an air tight zip lock or plastic container
along with your hygrometer. Then seal the bag or container
(Tupperware works well).
3. Wait a MIN of 8 hours but 24 hours is better. Then check the reading on your hygrometer without
opening the bag or container (or quickly open the container and check
if the container is not clear).
If the reading is 75%, then your hygrometer is accurate and no
adjustment is required.
If the reading is not precisely 75%, then adjust the hygrometer to 75%
by turning the screw or dial on the back. This must be done
immediately after removing from the bag or container, before room
conditions cause the reading to change.
If there is no screw (or dial) to recalibrate your hygrometer, then
you will just have to remember to add or subtract the difference
between the test reading and 75%, in order to determine the actual
humidity level inside of your humidor. For example, if your hygrometer
test reading was 80%, then subtract 5% from the readings you get
inside of your humidor, to determine the actual levels of humidity
(e.g. a reading of 70% inside your humidor equals an actual humidity
level of 65%).
Other common variables that can effect your RH level are:
1.) Is it a new humidor or an existing humidor. New humidors need to
be "seasoned" properly or they will continue to absorb moisture from
and humidification device you have in your humidor and from your cigars! More frequent
recharging will be required if your humidor isn't properly seasoned.
2.) Opening and closing you humidor frequently will introduce ambient
humidity (humidity level outside of your humidor) into your relative
humidity (the humidity level inside your humidor). If the ambient
humidity is drier than the relative humidity, the humidification device will again be
required to release more moisture to compensate.
3.) Adding new cigars to your humidor may quickly reduce the RH level
as well. Dry cigars will absorb moisture the same as the wood of a
new humidor, again, requiring more frequent recharging of you humidification device.
I hope this helps and please have a safe and happy holiday!
--
Mark Neff
CEO / President
Cigarmony LLC
Luxury Cigar Accessories & Apparel
http://www.Cigarmony.com
The Puck & RH Beadsââ¢
Precision Humidity Control Made Simple!
http://www.GetThePuck.com
Do this while you are seasoning you new humidor, it is the only indicator that you have to reply upon to ensure your cigars are being stored at the proper RH level!
Improper RH levels can create draw, burn and flavor problems and long term and result in less than stellar aged smokes.
Digital hygrometers are typically off
by 1% and as much as 8%, so salt testing in essential is determining
the exact RH level in your humidor and analog hygrometers should be
thrown away and replaced with a digital.
Digital hygrometers are usually more accurate and reliable than
analog. Regardless of what kind, it is important to maintain a
humidity level of 68% to 72% inside of a humidor to properly preserve
and age cigars. In order to monitor and adjust the humidity level
inside of your humidor, the reading on the hygrometer must be somewhat
accurate (plus or minus 2%).
How to Test and Calibrate a Hygrometer
1. Fill a milk bottle cap or other small container with salt, and
add a few drops of distilled water - NOT enough to dissolve the salt,
just enough to moisten it. You want the slurry to be thick and pasty.
2. Put the cap inside of an air tight zip lock or plastic container
along with your hygrometer. Then seal the bag or container
(Tupperware works well).
3. Wait a MIN of 8 hours but 24 hours is better. Then check the reading on your hygrometer without
opening the bag or container (or quickly open the container and check
if the container is not clear).
If the reading is 75%, then your hygrometer is accurate and no
adjustment is required.
If the reading is not precisely 75%, then adjust the hygrometer to 75%
by turning the screw or dial on the back. This must be done
immediately after removing from the bag or container, before room
conditions cause the reading to change.
If there is no screw (or dial) to recalibrate your hygrometer, then
you will just have to remember to add or subtract the difference
between the test reading and 75%, in order to determine the actual
humidity level inside of your humidor. For example, if your hygrometer
test reading was 80%, then subtract 5% from the readings you get
inside of your humidor, to determine the actual levels of humidity
(e.g. a reading of 70% inside your humidor equals an actual humidity
level of 65%).
Other common variables that can effect your RH level are:
1.) Is it a new humidor or an existing humidor. New humidors need to
be "seasoned" properly or they will continue to absorb moisture from
and humidification device you have in your humidor and from your cigars! More frequent
recharging will be required if your humidor isn't properly seasoned.
2.) Opening and closing you humidor frequently will introduce ambient
humidity (humidity level outside of your humidor) into your relative
humidity (the humidity level inside your humidor). If the ambient
humidity is drier than the relative humidity, the humidification device will again be
required to release more moisture to compensate.
3.) Adding new cigars to your humidor may quickly reduce the RH level
as well. Dry cigars will absorb moisture the same as the wood of a
new humidor, again, requiring more frequent recharging of you humidification device.
I hope this helps and please have a safe and happy holiday!
--
Mark Neff
CEO / President
Cigarmony LLC
Luxury Cigar Accessories & Apparel
http://www.Cigarmony.com
The Puck & RH Beadsââ¢
Precision Humidity Control Made Simple!
http://www.GetThePuck.com
.
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