Cigars are Cracking
George_pat
Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 9
Recently I've noticed some of my cigars are cracking. They feel moist enough. My humidor holds 200 capacity and I have 2 Boveda packs in it. They've been in there about 2 weeks and still feel fine. Any suggestions? I'm pretty much a novice to the cigar world. Thanks. George
Comments
It's a different method of seasoning, of course. (Humidors don't perform well when filled with oil and put over an open flame.) But the wood interior of the humidor needs to absorb humidity before it can become the ideal home for your cigars. Here's what to do.
With a new sponge—unscented, free of soap and liberally dosed with distilled water—wipe down all exposed wood, including any trays and dividers, as well as the interior lid. Avoid using a paper towel or a fraying cloth; these will literally leave a paper trail on the wood. After you've wet the wood, squirt the sponge with more distilled water, then place it inside the humidor on a plastic bag (to avoid contact with the wood) and close the lid.
Next, prepare your humidification device according to the manufacturer's instructions. Unless the manufacturer specifically states that you can use tap water, use only distilled water. Tap water contains minerals that will destroy most humidification systems by leaving deposits that will clog the humidor element. Once the humidification element is filled, be sure to wipe it down to remove all the excess water. Rest it on a hand towel for approximately 30 minutes.
Add the humidifying element to the humidor and close the lid, leaving the damp sponge inside, and leave it overnight. The next day, refresh the humidification device if it needs more water, and check the sponge. If it is fairly dry, add more distilled water. If it is very damp, leave it alone.
Let the humidor sit another night, then remove the sponge and plastic bag. The walls of the humidor have now absorbed all the water they need, and you can safely add cigars.
I did not see though... are the cigars cracking when you smoke them? Or are they just very fragile and dry?
If they are exploding when you smoke them, then they may actually be over humidified. Too much moisture in the cigar, you smoke and it heats and expands, and the wrapper pops. Also, think about the weather conditions outside. If youre taking a "cold" (from air conditioned room) cigar out to 80 degrees and 70% humidity, that can cause problems. Some guys will take a cigar from the humidor, and let it sit where they plan to smoke for a few min. This minimizes a temp or humidity "shock" and is especially helpful in hot summer months.
I've had wrapper problems happen during the burn. I'll remember to acclimate the cigar to the outdoors for some time before I light 'em up. Good plan. Makes sense. I figured the problem was the humidity change but it just never occurred to me to give them time to adjust to the outside temp and humidity.
As luck would have it, owing to a comedy of errors, I now have four hygrometers and only one humidor! Shoot me a private message with your address and I will gladly throw one of my extras in an envelope and mail it to you. Didn't cost me anything, and it sounds like you could use it.
Please do not take me seriously.... just having a little fun (you will get used to it). Matt (aka mmccartneydc) is one helluva great guy..... crap, did I just post that?!?!?? The soldiers may revolt and call me a traitor!
Might be over kill but I have 5 Boveda packs and Kitty Litter in my 130 ct....holds 70 like a champ.
Differnt conditions to be sure! The humidity and temperatures fluctuate wildly. I environment here is so UNLIKE that where the stogies are made making the humidor work that much harder.
I will certainly give the acclimation to temperature a try. Thanks again.