Humidor's

MtnGoat · 11-18-2006, 17:23

Okay didn't see anything on a search... so

Looking at getting a Humidor, just looking for the basics. Ones I've looked at before just seemed to be very basic and the box (unit) didn't come with and instruction booklet. So I didn't like what I was looking at.

So I'm looking for one that will hold 25-50 cigars. Just don't know what I should be looking for. Glass Top, lined (with what and how), hygrometer better inside or outside readable, best size, ETC.

throw your .02 in as needed. THX

VG

mffjm8509 · 11-18-2006, 18:48

Goat,

First, the size of your humidor really depends on how many smokes you'd like to keep. I personally wouldnt buy another one that holds less than 50. Twice that size is optimum if you'll ever buy a box or two of your favorite regular smokes to keep onhand. Add to that an occasional variety bundle or sampler from an online vendor and you could easilly have 75 or more in there. If you're going to go with one thats smaller, go with the pelican case that doubles as a travel humidor.

Second, the most important part of it is construction. Make sure it seals properly or it wont work. The box should "swoosh" as the lid closes. Spanish cedar is standard lining.

Third, get one with a hydrometer so you can keep track of the humidity levels. You can normally add this as an extra to whatever humidor you purchase, (make sure to calibrate it first). Viewing the hydrometer without opening the box is a plus, because the more you open the box the less effective it is at maintaining humidity levels. I also use the BOVEDA seasoning and humidity packets, but its nice to be able to keep track of whats going on inside the box too.

Fourth I guess is style. Glass top, drawers, burl wood are all just style. Get one that you think is cool and will look cool sitting wherever you're going to put it. I personally like just plain polished mohagony.

I'd also stay away from the DIY Igloo humidors. They'll work fine if you're keeping several boxes on hand, but they just arent cool and sexy. Lets face it, SF guys are cool and sexy so if you wear Oakleys and a Rolex..........you might as well have a nice humidor too.

Two online resources I'd suggest are http://www.cheaphumidors.com/ and http://www.cigarsinternational.com/. Both offer good products at a decent price and I've experienced great customer service from both. Also, its worth the drive up 95 to JR outlet (www.JRcigar.com) to see thier cigar shop/humidor. Its an hour or so North of Fayetteville. The rest of the place is junk but the humidor is bigger than any shop I've ever seen. I stop there every time I drive to Bragg.

mp

Surf n Turf · 11-18-2006, 19:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtnGoat

Looking at getting a Humidor, just looking for the basics.
VG

MtnGoat,

As mffjm8509 says, first figure out how many cigars you will want to store, (25 -50 covers a lot of boxes), then look for the humidor. I would also recommend an outside “analog” hygrometer – a quick glance will tell you if you need to adjust the humidity, without opening the box.
The reference to JR Cigars is good, I buy most of my Cigars, supplies, etc. there. Occasionally, they have a really good deal on Humidifiers --- Check out their site.
I also have a polished mahogany humidifier, but with a glass top – to ensure that my youngest son has not “borrowed” one of my CAO or Arturo Fuente Churchill’s.

SnT

Matta mile · 11-19-2006, 11:07

Goat,

Some considerations may include spanish cedar lining inside the box....good aroma and helps maintain much needed humidity. Most hyrometers don't seem to work, you may just want to go for the squeeze test.

When you get it, make sure to use distilled water rather than regular as distilled will not blemish cigars. Be sure to wipe down the entire inside of the box with distilled water especally along the contact area when you get it and about once a month (kinda alike fish tank but with dead leaves). Try to get a box with a divider so you can seprate your the aroma of your cheapies from migrating on to the good ones (never sems to work in reverse, just the way it goes).
If your cigars come fresh and are in cellophane, leave them that way.
If you turn on the heat in the house frequently, they will dry out quicker so you may want to leave room for a shot glass of distilled water in there to protect the goods.

JR's in NC as MFFJM mentions is also a good place in my opinion as is Famous cigars in PA.

FYI: the smoking candles dont do much, but at least will appease the Mrs's and buy you some time before you booted out of the basement to garage then finally backyard. (Note: cigar smoking does nothing for your love life..sad but a true tradeoff I am afraid).
Finally, if you cigar choice is Churchills (ie 7 x 50) make sure to get a big box.
any questions let me know.
Good Luck!
MM

Matta mile · 11-19-2006, 11:13

Not that you asked BUT, if you get a Collibri lighter make damn sure all you use in it is Collibri fluid (silver container), sold at alot of drug stores. Collibri's are great lighters but incredibly fragile when it comes to fuel so don't let anyone tell you double refined or otherwise will work just as good as it is not likely to disappoint you. Took me five years to figure this out.
MM

LongWire · 11-19-2006, 11:45

Will second the Cheaphumidors.com suggestion, got mine there at a nice price and its still doing its job quite well. They also sell cigars at a good price!!!!

NousDefionsDoc · 11-19-2006, 11:47

There's a little town just down the road from La Ceiba, Honduras... San Miguel if my memory serves. They will make the box with the SF Crest on it and ship it to you. Legend has it the carving is done by virgins - damnable lie - but they do good work. Definitely need the Spanish cedar lining.

mffjm8509 · 11-19-2006, 12:41

If you DO smoke inside the house its worth picking up an OZONE GENERATOR. Stay awy from cheaper Air purifiers/cleaners as I dont think you'll be satisfied. I have both a Czonka Smoker Cloaker and an Ecoquest Flair. The only ones I've found that work on cigar odors are the Ozone generators. I've got the small Czonka in my DC appartment and it works fine for that or for a small room, but I wouldnt use it on anything larger than 500sq-ft.

mp

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matta mile

FYI: the smoking candles dont do much, but at least will appease the Mrs's and buy you some time before you booted out of the basement to garage then finally backyard. (Note: cigar smoking does nothing for your love life..sad but a true tradeoff I am afraid).
Finally, if you cigar choice is Churchills (ie 7 x 50) make sure to get a big box.
MM

Matta mile · 11-19-2006, 13:05

MP,
Ill checkout the Czonka and see if it can get me back indoors.
Thanks
MM

MtnGoat · 11-19-2006, 16:32

THX all for the helpful hints.

been looking on line and at the smoke store in the Fayetteville mall. Goof guy, but now that I'm here, I'm thinking that I need to pick one. up

Was looking at the 35-50 count humidor's just becuase I really only smoke once in a while. But like MP & MM said. Its alway good to have the space.

The biggest thing that stopped me was everyone I looked at back "Home" the Boxes (humidor's) had no "instruction" Booklets. So that was the big stopper. As you can see, don't really know what to buy. Did want to get one and let me fish die.

Like the seperater/ divider and the regular to distilled water are good .02. The guy at the Fayetteville mall showed me some homidor "gel". Is that better or not realy worth the $$. He didn't have many in store, catalog ordering. Turn-off, I can go online line for that.

Back in 2004 I would drive up to Va Beach monthly and would stop in at JRs, really nice place. I think Online buying gets you some better prices.

I'll post which one I got. Thinking of going with a Top Glass and outside hygrometer and many a "starter" combo humidor. Thx again.

VG

MtnGoat · 11-19-2006, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by NousDefionsDoc

There's a little town just down the road from La Ceiba, Honduras... San Miguel if my memory serves. They will make the box with the SF Crest on it and ship it to you. Legend has it the carving is done by virgins - damnable lie - but they do good work. Definitely need the Spanish cedar lining.

NDD

Just having one of these would be a great talking points at a house party.

Matta mile · 11-19-2006, 17:38

MG,
Sounds like your going forward, good! The gel is popular however, I hear it contains similar ingredients as anti- freeze so you may want to read the label.
I have no experience with it.
MM

mffjm8509 · 11-19-2006, 17:46

Check out http://www.cigargroup.com/faq/#4.0 or on the bottom right of the homepage on www.cheaphumidors.com good info in the links there

mp

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtnGoat

The biggest thing that stopped me was everyone I looked at back "Home" the Boxes (humidor's) had no "instruction" Booklets. So that was the big stopper. As you can see, don't really know what to buy. Did want to get one and let me fish die.

VG

MtnGoat · 11-20-2006, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by mffjm8509

Check out http://www.cigargroup.com/faq/#4.0 or on the bottom right of the homepage on www.cheaphumidors.com good info in the links there

mp

MP THX for the Link, the Cigargroup FAQ is what I was looking for 4 months ago. THANKS

MM - THX for the Gel INFO, I don't think that anti- freeze is my thing, I've seen what it does to Dogs. Not pretty. I like the natural smell, so I'll go with Distilled Water.

Matta mile · 01-23-2007, 18:01

Had to spread the word on this one if you like fairly full bodied, long lasting Cigars.
The CAO MX2

They have a double maduro wrapper, contain full bodied Nic tobaccos. Not the cheapest cigar (about $6.50/stick) but very long lasting and satisfying. Supposedly a "limited edition" model. Not so strong it will turn you green either.
MM