subject: Cigar Accessories You Will Need For A New Humidor [print this page] Once you've decided to take the step toward really embracing your cigar hobby, you will need to invest in some tools. Of course, you probably already own a quality cigar cutter and a lighter that you are pleased with. What you are missing now is a cigar humidor and all the little tools that work with the humidor to create the perfect home for your cigars to rest in while they wait to be smoked.
Many beginners believe that preparing a humidor is as easy as bringing it home from the store and placing your cigars inside. This would be a big mistake, however, because an unprepared humidor will do you no good at all. Your cigars will end up stale and ruined, and you'll be out a lot of money. Instead, a humidor should be carefully prepared, and several accessories should be installed, including a hygrometer, a temperature gauge, and humidifiers. Keep in mind that the ideal environment for your cigars is 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 percent humidity. You will need all these tools to create the correct environment.
When you select your humidor, choose a solid base with a tightly sealing lid. Many people prefer to use boxes which are made of or lined with cedar wood. Cedar is fragrant and is full of oils which mix favorably with the oils in cigars. In fact, many experts recommend aging fine cigars in cedar for months or years at a time to improve and mellow the flavors. Your base unit should be built to protect your cigars from changes in temperature and humidity. When cigars get too wet, they mold or mildew. If they get too dry, they become stale.
When you purchase your unit, you should wipe it down with a damp, lint free cloth to remove any dust. Then place a wet sponge on top of a plastic bag within the box. You should make sure that the sponge does not touch the lining of the box. Then, after you have installed the humidifiers, hygrometers, and temperature gauge on the lid of the box, seal it for 12 hours or overnight. Later, you can remove the sponge and close the box again. Wait until the hygrometer reads over 65 percent before you begin to use the box.
It is important that you do not start using your unit until the hygrometer reads above 65 percent humidity. You may have to wait a few days or weeks for this to happen. Check your humidifiers every two weeks or so for several months, charging them when necessary. Eventually, your humidor will even out and develop a routine, and you will know exactly when to charge the humidifiers. Remember, your goal should be to follow the 70-70 rule at all times. That means you need the right equipment, the right amount of time, and the right amount of patience.
