Over humidified cigars.....

[PDC1]

A good friend of mine is having a prick of a time keeping the humidity level stable in his desktop humi.

Although his hygrometer is fluctuating low 60's to high 60's, his cigars have become damp and spongy. He brought over a few samples this last weekend, which we smoked, and they were definately over humidified but, smoked quite well. The major problem was an underlying hint of, i guess, wet grass.

I have suggested to him to remove his humidifier, (one of those sponge ones) for the meantime in a hope to try to dry the cigars out until i could get him some good advice from F.O.H.

He has inspected all the sticks and is 100% certain there is no mould

His main concern is, if he can get rid of the damp taste in his Monte 2's or if he might have to toss them out.

Ta much for any advice.

Paul.

[asmith]

I have had that problem with my little desk top humidor, it is very hard to maintain a constant humidity in there due to its small size. I found that putting a couple of sheets of cedar from some cigar boxes helped solve the problem. Just that increase of timber helped to absorb the moister and kept a more constant humidity.

However don't over do it and turn it into a cedar forest.

[PDC1]

Makes good sense Smithy.

Ta for that, i'll pass it on.

[SethG]

Makes good sense Smithy.

Ta for that, i'll pass it on.

They'll be fine when they go down a bit in humidity. The solution is $4.95 away, in the form of a 69 boveda pack.

[Colt45]

His main concern is, if he can get rid of the damp taste in his Monte 2's or if he might have to toss them out.

As the cigars lose the excess moisture, they should lose the wet grass / wet newspaper flavor. He may want to add a

desiccant such as beads or crystal cat litter. Do not add any water to either.

It sounds like your friend needs to check the calibration of his hygrometer, or perhaps get a new one.

As for the boveda packs, I've used them, and have found that in an overly humid situation, they are unable to bring

humidity down far enough. They are trying bring absorb excess moisture though they contain water.

[Chicago]

double check your hygrometer and the add the kitty litter beads/cedar until you get it under control. Remove the humidity source first and replace it later a "reduced" level until you get things to where they should be. It sounds like you are at more like 68-70 than 65.

[PDC1]

Thanks for all the advice. I knew i could count on the wealth of experience here.

Just one last thing.

Could his problem be attributed to his foam type humidifier?

I ask because, we both have similar desktops but, i have always used "Puck" humidifiers with the rh beads and, never have any problems yet, my mate is always battling to keep his stable.

Thanks again.

Paul.

[sepp]

Just one last thing.

Could his problem be attributed to his foam type humidifier?

Absolutely! Depending on whether he used straight water or a PG mixture the levels could been well over 70%.

[Colt45]

Could his problem be attributed to his foam type humidifier?

I ask because, we both have similar desktops but, i have always used "Puck" humidifiers with the rh beads and, never have any problems yet, my mate is always battling to keep his stable.

There are a few things to think about. If his humidor seals well, and if the ambient climate conditions are not overly hot and

humid, it could certainly be the humidifiers. If humidity is running high, there is no need to add water even if the foam is dry

(I know, it sounds obvious).

As has been mentioned, have him check his hygrometer, pull the humidifiers, add a desiccant if needed, then keep an eye

on the humidity.

Good luck!

[PDC1]

Thanks, Sepp & Colt.

It would appear his hygrometer is waaaay out of whack. Also, as far as i know he has only been using distilled water in it. He has not mentioned any solutions, just the water.

[Wiley]

My advice is to use the desktop to store something else, or just sit there as decoration, and put the cigars in a cooler. At least that's what I did when I got tired of fighting with them.