Hobbies And Interests
History
Zino Davidoff was born to a tobacco merchant and took over his parents' shop around 1930. The shop grew into a rich business and it was around this time that Davidoff was credited for inventing the first cigar humidor. Davidoff perfected the humidor by exposing the cigars to the same humidity levels and temperatures that they were exposed to in Havana where they were rolled.
Damp Cigars
Not only will cigars dry out in dry climates, but they will also absorb moisture in humid ones, which is why humidors are so very important to retain flavor. However, too much moisture can make a cigar damp and a damp cigar will not burn properly. In fact, a damp cigar may not even light. A damp cigar, if it does light, leaves a sour taste in the smoker's mouth and can let off a very strange aroma. The perfect humidity for a cigar humidor should be between 60 and 70 percent relative humidity. This is the amount of moisture in the atmosphere compared with that of complete saturation, no matter what the temperature is.
Homemade Humidors
Humidors do not necessarily have to be wooden boxes. In fact, humidors can be made at home. As long as the storage area is created to maintain humidity, it can be considered a humidor. For example, plastic food containers are commonly used to create humidors. By placing Velcro on the lid and attaching a small, damp sponge to the Velcro, a makeshift humidor can be created. The sponge will need to be dampened at least once a week and a hygrometer will need to be purchased separately to monitor the humidity levels.
Maintaining Your Humidor
The humidity levels on your humidor should be checked at least every two weeks. If the humidity level drops below 65 percent, distilled water should be added to the humidifier. Tap water should not be used as it has minerals and chlorine that could potentially clog the humidifier. Only add a few drops of water at a time. Store the humidor in a cool, dark, dry place to prevent mold growth. Because humidors are not designed to be 100 percent airtight, the humidor should be opened at least once a week in order to allow the cigars to "breathe." Cigars should be stored below 75 degrees in a dark environment.
Characteristics of a Good Humidor
Choosing a good humidor requires a keen eye for detail. The most important feature of a humidor is the interior lining. It should be lined with Spanish cedar, however, mahogany is also acceptable. Be sure that the seal between the box and the lid is tight. Lids should be heavy compared to the rest of the box and hinges should be heavy-duty. All of those features will make for a humidor that will keep your cigars flavorful.