chr0nic Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 Howdy crew Just wanted to ask a question of you all. I have a tower humidor with passive humidification (beads) and like to keep my cigars at ~65RH. It's been tricky, but doable. I have two humidity readers: one is a sensor for a Honeywell unit, the other a square hygrometer w\ adjustment I purchased from Czar (I forgot the name). Recently- due to the addition of a crapload of Czar specials- I've loaded the humi up with BOXES of cigars (see attached). I watched the RH drop and began to freak out a bit when it came down to 55RH. I stuck some brand new, clean sponges soaked in distilled water in the humi and the RH has risen again to an acceptable level (work in progress) *HOWEVER* One sensor, placed with the opened stock, is reading 63RH. The other, placed down with the boxes, is reading 57RH. When I swap the sensors the reading follows them, showing that the RH is lower where the boxes are (which makes sense, I imagine they draw more moisture than the singles). Both hygro's are calibrated, for what it's worth. I guess I was curious to know what people do to increase RH levels within the humi itself- or will it fix itself over time (when the boxes have had enough to drink)? BONUS QUESTION: How would you increase the RH passively without using much space? I'm a little limited, as you can see... or should I just bite the bullet and buy a bloody wineador lol? Cheers for any and all help folks!!
Wil Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 I think you're doing the right thing - just do it slowly. Maybe try splitting your beads between the top and the bottom, if you haven't already
dvickery Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 ryan not that it is much help to you(but it may be)...what i have always done is put my recent purchases in a "new arrivals cooler" for 6 to 12 months...as much for beetle control as anything...then into my cabinet. why i told you this...i have never had a problem in the main humi with rh stratification like yours...i believe because after 6 months they are (more or less) at the humidity of the main humi...avoiding rh "shock" . it might work. derrek
SuprHasan Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 1. Blame Rob for all the recent specials. 2. Add some sort of air circulation. 3. Bite the bullet and get a wine cooler, considering the recent weather here in Sydney. Sent from my BlackBerry PlayBook using Tapatalk 2
chr0nic Posted September 9, 2012 Author Posted September 9, 2012 Thanks for the advice, guys! really...dont over think it. Yeah, maybe this is the case... I'm still rather new to the hobby and don't want to ruin a ton of aged and\or expensive stock by having the RH too low.
Duxnutz Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 I second Hasans comment wrt wine cooler. Not super expensive and might be just what your looking for. Looks like you could use some free space!
Dbone Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 The passive method will work just fine, but will happen much slower. It could take weeks for things to equal out. Adding a battery powered fan would probably help matters for your setup. Also, can never have enough beads. Think I have around 5 lbs inside mine. I went to the drugstore and bought a few of the cheapest nylons (no color) and packed those beads everywhere. Because yeah, my humidor looks like yours, packed to the gills LOL particular areas may get more humidity than others due to less than great airflow. Also, I wouldn't be overly concerned about the RH unless it goes too high. I keep all of my stock at 59%RH. You're doing a lot of good, just keep at it.
Fuzz AI Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 Ryan, your cigars are at fault! I suggest you get rid of them immediately and replace with new stock. Though it will be a chore, I will help you "dispose" of them...
chr0nic Posted September 10, 2012 Author Posted September 10, 2012 Thanks again guys, appreciate the input... When I have more I'll definitely look at a wineador- even if it is just for more room May look at adapting some kind of fan or adjusting bead locations in the meantime. Ryan, your cigars are at fault! I suggest you get rid of them immediately and replace with new stock. Though it will be a chore, I will help you "dispose" of them... One day Fuzz... one day someone will take you up on this offer. Just keep posting it, and keep your fingers crossed
Smallclub Posted September 10, 2012 Posted September 10, 2012 Put the humidor upside down every two days or so…
Ginseng Posted September 10, 2012 Posted September 10, 2012 what i have always done is put my recent purchases in a "new arrivals cooler" for 6 to 12 months...as much for beetle control as anything...then into my cabinet. This is what I do. Consider it acclimation and quarantine all in one step. As for increasing humidity, if for some reason there actually has been a significant and persistent decline, then a small bowl of supersaturated silica or 50/50 water/propylene glycol for a period of time. To go the other way, a small bowl of an ounce or two of DampRid (or calcium chloride, generic). The passive method will work just fine, but will happen much slower. It could take weeks for things to equal out. Time is your friend. Give your cigars the time to do what comes naturally at the level you ultimately want them and you will be richly rewarded. I guarantee it. As for dealing with this particular situation, here's my sage advice. Take out a cigar. Smoke it. Repeat until all that remains is a state of bliss. Wilkey
Fuzz AI Posted September 10, 2012 Posted September 10, 2012 Ryan, which cigar is one in the black tubo? Reminds me of a Zino Mouton Cadet No.8.
Ginseng Posted September 10, 2012 Posted September 10, 2012 Weren't Mouton Cadet foil packs? I used to smoke these occasionally years ago. Wilkey
chr0nic Posted September 10, 2012 Author Posted September 10, 2012 Ryan, which cigar is one in the black tubo? Reminds me of a Zino Mouton Cadet No.8. I'll let you know tonight. Story behind this stick is that my parents, when they found out I was a big cigar smoker, bought me a cigar for my birthday and said "it's a special one, save it for a special occasion". I looked it up. Bless them, but it was none too special. I keep it now for sentimental value As for dealing with this particular situation, here's my sage advice. Take out a cigar. Smoke it. Repeat until all that remains is a state of bliss. Wilkey Best. Advice. Ever.
Fuzz AI Posted September 10, 2012 Posted September 10, 2012 Weren't Mouton Cadet foil packs? I used to smoke these occasionally years ago. Wilkey Haven't seen them in foil, only in tubes. Used to smoke them whenever I got the hankering for an NC. I know I've got some of the tubes somewhere at home.
Ginseng Posted September 10, 2012 Posted September 10, 2012 Haven't seen them in foil, only in tubes. Used to smoke them whenever I got the hankering for an NC. I know I've got some of the tubes somewhere at home. You're right! Those were the Zino Classics in foil pack that I was thinking of. Wilkey
chr0nic Posted September 10, 2012 Author Posted September 10, 2012 Ryan, which cigar is one in the black tubo? Reminds me of a Zino Mouton Cadet No.8. It's an NC- a 'Carlos Torano' "Exodus 1959"... as above, it was a well-meaning gift from my parents. I keep it purely for sentiment now.
Fuzz AI Posted September 11, 2012 Posted September 11, 2012 Ah, the CTs. I've seem them around, but never got the gumption to try one. I haven't ventured very far with NCs.
thechenman Posted September 11, 2012 Posted September 11, 2012 It's an NC- a 'Carlos Torano' "Exodus 1959"... as above, it was a well-meaning gift from my parents. I keep it purely for sentiment now. I actually like the 1959 Exodus with the gold band. The silver not so much. The copper banded maduro isn't bad either.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now