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 Smoke
This
Over the years, I have become a cigar connoisseur, and along
with that comes an appreciation for the finer things in life... good
friends, great spirits, new technology. It's the Cigar
Lifestyle.
My buddy, who we will call
Cigar Dave (no, not that Cigar
Dave - Though I do like him too) keeps my humidor's well stocked
with a delicious variety of tobaccos from all around the world.
So much so that I had to make room for a newer,
larger humidor. Dave, you see, works for a major distributor or
fine cigars.
In addition to the normal
items which fill my humidor such as:
- Hoyo De Monteray
- Macanudo
- Helix
- CiFuente Partigas
- Diablo Picantes
- Cohiba XV
- Sancho Panza
- Punch
I have taken to tasting some of the other varieties out there
including some flavored cigars:
- Drew Estate's Kahlua
- Acid Nasty
- Acid Kuba
- Acid Infusion Tea
- Acid Blondie
- Mayorga - Kenya AA Serengeti
- CAO Moondance
- CAO Gold Honey
- CAO Vanilla Bean
- CAO MX2
- CAO Brazillia
Proper Humidification
A humidor�s proper moisture and temperature must
be created before storing cigars. To setup your humidor, follow
these simple instructions:
1. Submerge the black plastic humidifiers in
distilled water until well saturated. Dry off the surface of the
humidifier and place on a towel for approximately one hour to
make sure that no dripping occurs.
2. With a clean, soap-free sponge dampened
with distilled water; thoroughly wet the entire interior of the
humidor.
3. Leave the damp sponge in the humidor
resting on a plastic bag. Make sure there is no direct contact
between the sponge and the humidor.
4. Attach the humidifiers and the hygrometer
to the inside of the lid. Also, place the humidifiers in the
bottom holders of the humidor if applicable.
5. Close the empty humidor for at least twelve
hours or overnight.
6. Open the humidor and remove the sponge and
the plastic bag.
7. Close the humidor again for an additional
twelve hours. Your humidor is now ready to store cigars. When
placing cigars in the humidor, make sure the cigars do not block
the humidifier�s vents.
Checking Your Hygrometer
To check if the hygrometer is reading correctly,
use the salt method to test its calibration. You just need to:
1. Place some salt in a bottle cap or small
cup and dampen it with a few drops of water (without dissolving
it).
2. Carefully place the wet salt and the
hygrometer inside a see-through container and close tightly. You
can use a zip lock bag provided it seals well and you leave some
air inside as well.
3. Let it sit for at least 6 hours and note
the reading on the hygrometer without opening the container. It
should be exactly 75%, the difference is how much your
hygrometer is off.
4, If needed, adjust the needle to 75% by
turning the screw on the back.
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