To increase humidity in a cigar box, the primary and most effective method involves properly using its built-in or supplemental humidification device by adding distilled water. Maintaining optimal humidity is crucial for preserving the quality, flavor, and burn of your cigars.
Understanding Cigar Box Humidity
Cigars are delicate and require a controlled environment to prevent them from drying out, cracking, or losing their essential oils and flavor. The ideal relative humidity (RH) for storing cigars typically ranges between 65% and 72%. A properly humidified cigar will burn evenly and provide the best smoking experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Increasing Humidity
Increasing the humidity in your cigar box, also known as a humidor, is a straightforward process once you understand the role of your humidification device.
1. Preparing Your Humidifier
The core of increasing humidity involves your humidor's humidifier.
- Add Distilled Water: As per best practices, you should "Drop the distilled water into the cigar box humidifier." It's imperative to use distilled water only. Tap water contains minerals and chlorine that can clog the humidifier, promote mold growth, or leave deposits on your cigars.
- Control the Amount: When adding water, "pay attention to the right amount is ok, too much water will overflows." Overfilling can lead to water spills inside your humidor, potentially damaging the wood or your cigars.
- Clean Excess Moisture: After adding the water, "then wipe and clean excess moisture off the surface" of the humidifier. This prevents water spots or mold issues within the humidor.
2. Placing the Humidifier
Once prepared, "place in your humidor to keep desire humidity." Position the humidifier so that air can circulate freely around it, ensuring even humidity distribution throughout the box. Avoid placing it directly on top of cigars.
3. Monitoring and Adjusting
Humidity levels don't change instantly.
- Allow Time: Give your humidor at least 24-48 hours for the humidity to stabilize after adding water.
- Use a Hygrometer: An accurate hygrometer is indispensable for monitoring your humidor's RH. Place it inside the humidor and check it regularly.
- Gradual Adjustment: "If need more humidity, can add a few drops more to the humidifier." Make small adjustments rather than large ones to avoid over-humidifying, which can also be detrimental to cigars.
Advanced Tips for Humidity Management
Beyond the basic steps, several factors influence and help maintain optimal humidity in your cigar box:
- Seasoning New Humidors: A new wooden humidor must be properly seasoned before use. This involves slowly bringing its internal wood up to the desired humidity level. This can be done by wiping the interior with distilled water using a clean cloth or by placing specific Boveda seasoning packs inside for a couple of weeks.
- Types of Humidification Devices: While the reference implies a standard humidifier, various types are available, offering different levels of convenience and performance:
- Foam-based humidifiers: Often included with humidors, these use a sponge-like material to hold water. They require frequent refilling.
- Acrylic Polymer (Crystal) Beads: These beads absorb a large amount of distilled water and release it slowly, providing a more stable humidity.
- Two-Way Humidity Control Packs (e.g., Boveda): These pre-calibrated packs can both release and absorb moisture, maintaining a precise humidity level with minimal effort. They are highly convenient but generally more expensive in the long run.
Comparison of Humidification Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Foam-Based | Inexpensive, often included | Less stable RH, prone to mold if not maintained properly |
| Acrylic Polymer Beads | More stable RH, less frequent refills | Higher initial cost than foam, still requires distilled water |
| Two-Way Control Packs | Highly precise, no maintenance, very stable RH | Higher ongoing cost, not rechargeable |
- Humidor Location: Keep your humidor away from direct sunlight, heating or air conditioning vents, and drafts. Stable ambient temperature (around 65-70°F or 18-21°C) helps maintain stable humidity.
- Opening Frequency: Minimize how often you open your humidor. Every time you open it, humidity escapes. Access your cigars only when necessary.
- Cigar Placement: Arrange cigars to allow for adequate air circulation. Overpacking can create "dead spots" where humidity doesn't reach effectively.
Troubleshooting Low Humidity
If your humidor consistently struggles to maintain humidity, consider these troubleshooting steps:
- Check Hygrometer Calibration: Your hygrometer might be inaccurate. Calibrate it using a salt test or a dedicated calibration kit.
- Inspect Humidor Seal: A leaky seal is a common culprit for low humidity. Perform the "dollar bill test" by closing the lid on a dollar bill; if you can easily pull it out, your seal might be compromised.
- Ensure Sufficient Humidification: Confirm your humidification device is adequately sized for your humidor's capacity. You might need a larger device or an additional one.
- Re-season If Necessary: If your humidor has dried out significantly, you might need to re-season it.
By following these guidelines and regularly monitoring your humidor, you can ensure your cigars remain in pristine condition, ready for an enjoyable smoke.
