Humidor

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Humidor with hygrometer and bowl of water during initial seasoning Humidor Vorbereitung.jpg
Humidor with hygrometer and bowl of water during initial seasoning
Humidor with cigars Humidor.jpg
Humidor with cigars

A humidor is a humidity-controlled box or room used primarily for storing cigars, cigarettes, cannabis, or pipe tobacco. Either too much or too little humidity can be harmful to tobacco products; a humidor's primary function is to maintain a steady, desirable moisture level inside; secondarily it protects its contents from physical damage and deterioration from sunlight. For private use, small wooden boxes holding a few dozen or fewer cigars are common, while cigar shops may have walk-in humidors. Many humidors use hygrometers to monitor their humidity levels. When used and maintained properly, humidors can keep cigars fresh and in perfect condition for decades. [1]

Contents

Another use for a humidor is controlling the moisture level in a baseball, which can have a pronounced effect on its response when hit with a baseball bat. This phenomenon was so great that in order to put an end to much controversy, in 2002, nine years after joining the league, the Colorado Rockies started storing their game balls in a large walk-in humidor at their home stadium, [2] thus counteracting the effects of the low humidity due mainly to Denver's famous mile-high altitude of around 5,280 feet above sea level. After the change, various offensive and defensive statistics at Rockies home games, especially the number of home runs, were found to be more in line with the rest of the league. In 2018 the Arizona Diamondbacks, whose Phoenix home field is affected by the arid Sonoran Desert climate, became the second Major League Baseball team to use a humidor. [3]

Types

Walk-in

Most common in cigar bars or stores. [4] One room is built as or converted to a humidor where all the cigars are stored.

Cabinet

Usually placed on the floor as a piece of furniture. [5] It typically holds 1000–5000 cigars. A cabinet humidor is considered a good option for deep storage. [5]

Desktop

The most common type of humidor. Typically box sized with lid on top or with one or more drawers. Vary in size from 25–500 cigars capacity. Zino Davidoff is credited as the inventor of the desktop humidor. [6]

Travel

Portable, usually holding 2 to 20 cigars. Travel humidors must be especially durable and stand up to repeated openings. [7]

Cannabis

Typically box sized that maintains 62% humidity level. [8]

Electric

Similar to cabinet humidors, these are fully electronically controlled humidors and function similarly to a fridge. [9]

High-end

Expensive high-end and jewellery humidors finished with precious metals and stones. Main manufacturer is G.P.Grant Switzerland. [10]

Construction

Commercially made humidor cases are typically made of wood, although materials such as acrylic, glass, and metal are also used. Carbon fibre, silicon carbide, and polyethylene are rare. Aside from pleasing aesthetics, the casing's purpose is to protect the interior and create a closed environment, so any durable and airtight material can be used.

The interior is typically a veneer of Spanish cedar, [11] a traditional material which possesses several desirable characteristics for cigar storage:

  1. It holds more moisture than most woods, so it helps maintain humidity.
  2. It is not prone to warping or cupping in high humidity.
  3. It imparts its aroma to cigars. For the same reason, some cigars are wrapped in Spanish-cedar sheets before they are sold.
  4. It can repel tobacco beetles, pinhead-sized pests which can ruin entire stocks of cigars by eating the tobacco and laying eggs, causing further infestation. They can also be discouraged by ensuring the humidor does not get hotter than 20 °C (68 °F). [12] The beetle eggs usually only hatch at around 25 °C (77 °F)[ citation needed ], although there are also instances where they will hatch at cooler temperatures if the humidity is too high.

Humidors are typically commercially produced, though most walk-ins are custom built and some humidors are homemade. [13] They range considerably in material, size and complexity. Capacity is determined by deducting the space required for the humidification element and some extra room between the element and the cigars. It can also be calculated online for the most popular cigar formats. [14]

Maintenance

A humidor needs to be seasoned when new or having been out of use for a while. [15] Wood in an unseasoned humidor will absorb moisture from within, drying stored cigars out. The preferred technique for bringing the wood close to an optimal relative humidity level where it will buffer moisture is placing a small container of distilled water inside the humidor for 1 to 3 days.[ citation needed ]

Humidity

Some humidors contain a permanent humidifying system which keeps the air moist, which in turn keeps the cigars moist. Without a humidor, within two to three days, cigars will quickly lose moisture and level up with the general humidity around them. [16] The ideal relative humidity in a humidor is around 68–72%. [17] Though it can vary slightly depending on the cigar smoker's preferences, it should never go higher than 75%[ citation needed ] due to the possibility of hatching tobacco beetles. The more empty space, the more readily the humidity level of the box will fluctuate.

Most humidifying elements are passive, releasing stored humidity through evaporation and diffusion. The use of a 50/50 solution of propylene glycol and distilled water is recommended for replenishing the passive humidifying element, as it has a buffering effect on air humidity, maintaining it at approximately 70%. [18] Retailers and manufacturers claim propylene glycol also has mild antifungal and antibacterial properties; distilled water should always be used, due to its lack of minerals, additives, or bacteria.

Electronic humidifiers are also available, although usually reserved for very large humidors.[ citation needed ] A sensor measures the outside humidity and then activates a ventilator, which blows air over a humid sponge or water tank into the humidor. Once the preset humidity level has been reached the ventilator stops. This way electronic humidifiers can maintain a much more stable humidity level than passive humidifiers. Also they typically will activate an alarm to notify when the moisture supply needs refilling, to prevent humidity drops. The accuracy of electronic humidifiers depends primarily on the integrated type of sensor; the capacitive type are preferred.

Silica gel beads, familiar for removing moisture from packaging containers, are a third alternative. [19] These are "calibrated" with a coating of mineral salts to absorb or release humidity in various RH ranges (including 65%, 68%, 70%, and 72%), providing a buffering effect on relative humidity. They require only distilled water when necessary, and can be ruined by propylene glycol.

Most humidors contain a hygrometer which is a device that can measure the humidity of the environment. Whether analogue or digital, these hygrometers can be used to measure the levels of humidity inside the humidor. [20] Regardless, digital hygrometers tend to be more accurate when compared to the analogue ones.

Temperature

A humidor should never be exposed to direct sunlight. [21] To discourage eggs of tobacco beetles from hatching and to prevent cigar rot, its internal temperature should be kept below 25 °C (77 °F)[ citation needed ], as well as below 75%[ citation needed ] relative humidity. At temperatures below 12 °C (54 °F), the desired ageing process of the cigars is impaired, making storage in wine cellars problematic.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cigar</span> Rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco leaves made to be smoked

A cigar is a rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco leaves made to be smoked. Cigars are produced in a variety of sizes and shapes. Since the 20th century, almost all cigars are made of three distinct components: the filler, the binder leaf which holds the filler together, and a wrapper leaf, which is often the highest quality leaf used. Often there will be a cigar band printed with the cigar manufacturer's logo. Modern cigars can come with two or more bands, especially Cuban cigars, showing Limited Edition bands displaying the year of production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Humidity</span> Concentration of water vapour in the air

Humidity is the concentration of water vapor present in the air. Water vapor, the gaseous state of water, is generally invisible to the human eye. Humidity indicates the likelihood for precipitation, dew, or fog to be present.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Distilled water</span> Water that has had many of its impurities removed through distillation

Distilled water is water that has been boiled into vapor and condensed back into liquid in a separate container. Impurities in the original water that do not boil below or near the boiling point of water remain in the original container. Thus, distilled water is a type of purified water.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethylene glycol</span> Organic compound ethane-1,2-diol

Ethylene glycol is an organic compound with the formula (CH2OH)2. It is mainly used for two purposes: as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and for antifreeze formulations. It is an odorless, colorless, flammable, viscous liquid. It has a sweet taste, but is toxic in high concentrations. This molecule has been observed in outer space.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Propylene glycol</span> Chemical compound

Propylene glycol (IUPAC name: propane-1,2-diol) is a viscous, colorless liquid. It is almost odorless and has a faintly sweet taste. Its chemical formula is CH3CH(OH)CH2OH. As it contains two alcohol groups, it is classed as a diol. An aliphatic diol may also be called a glycol. It is miscible with a broad range of solvents, including water, acetone, and chloroform. In general, glycols are non-irritating and have very low volatility.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hygrometer</span> Instrument for measuring humidity

A hygrometer is an instrument which measures the humidity of air or some other gas: that is, how much water vapor it contains. Humidity measurement instruments usually rely on measurements of some other quantities such as temperature, pressure, mass, and mechanical or electrical changes in a substance as moisture is absorbed. By calibration and calculation, these measured quantities can be used to indicate the humidity. Modern electronic devices use the temperature of condensation, or they sense changes in electrical capacitance or resistance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Box</span> Type of container

A box is a container with rigid sides used for the storage or transportation of its contents. Most boxes have flat, parallel, rectangular sides. Boxes can be very small or very large and can be used for a variety of purposes, from functional to decorative.

An antifreeze is an additive which lowers the freezing point of a water-based liquid. An antifreeze mixture is used to achieve freezing-point depression for cold environments. Common antifreezes also increase the boiling point of the liquid, allowing higher coolant temperature. However, all common antifreeze additives also have lower heat capacities than water, and do reduce water's ability to act as a coolant when added to it.

A dry box is a storage container in which the interior is kept at a low level of humidity. It may be as simple as an airtight and watertight enclosure, or it may use active means to remove water vapor from the air trapped inside.

A humectant is a hygroscopic (water-absorbing) substance used to keep things moist. They are used in many products, including food, cosmetics, medicines and pesticides. When used as a food additive, a humectant has the effect of keeping moisture in the food. Humectants are sometimes used as a component of antistatic coatings for plastics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaporizer (inhalation device)</span> Device to vaporize substances for inhalation

A vaporizer or vaporiser, colloquially known as a vape, is a device used to vaporize substances for inhalation. Plant substances can be used, commonly cannabis, tobacco, or other herbs or blends of essential oil. However, they are most commonly filled with a combination propylene glycol, glycerin, and drugs such as nicotine or tetrahydrocannabinol as a liquid solution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Humidifier</span> Device that increases humidity

A humidifier is a household appliance or device designed to increase the moisture level in the air within a room or an enclosed space. It achieves this by emitting water droplets or steam into the surrounding air, thereby raising the humidity.

A humidistat or hygrostat is an electronic device analogous to a thermostat but which responds to relative humidity, not temperature. A typical humidistat is usually included with portable humidifiers or dehumidifiers. It can also be included with combined air cleaner or humidifier units to control a home's humidity level or any other indoor space.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tobacconist</span> Retailer of tobacco and other products

A tobacconist, also called a tobacco shop, a tobacconist's shop or a smoke shop, is a retail business that sells tobacco products in various forms and the related accoutrements, such as pipes, lighters, matches, pipe cleaners, and pipe tampers. More specialized retailers might sell ashtrays, humidification devices, hygrometers, humidors, cigar cutters, and more. Books and magazines, especially ones related to tobacco are commonly offered. Items irrelevant to tobacco such as puzzles, games, figurines, hip flasks, walking sticks, and confectionery are sometimes sold.

Humidity buffering refers to the ability of materials to moderate changes in relative humidity by absorbing and desorbing water vapour from surrounding air. This is also referred to as moisture buffering.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conservation and restoration of parchment</span> Preservation of heritage collections

The conservation and restoration of parchment constitutes the care and treatment of parchment materials which have cultural and historical significance. Typically undertaken by professional book and document conservators, this process can include preventive measures which protect against future deterioration as well as specific treatments to alleviate changes already caused by agents of deterioration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boveda (company)</span>

Boveda Inc., formerly known as Humidipak Inc., is a manufacturing company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, United States. It specializes in humidity control for a multitude of industries and applications. It was founded on July 1, 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toscano (cigar)</span>

The Toscano cigar is a brand of Italian cigars manufactured in Tuscany, Italy. They are made with fermented Kentucky tobacco. The brand was established in the late 19th century. It is an established brand in Italy and also in Switzerland and in Austria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Construction of electronic cigarettes</span> Engineering and chemistry of e-cigarettes

An electronic cigarette is a handheld battery-powered vaporizer that simulates smoking, but without tobacco combustion. E-cigarette components include a mouthpiece, a cartridge, a heating element/atomizer, a microprocessor, a battery, and some of them have an LED light on the end. An atomizer consists of a small heating element, or coil, that vaporizes e-liquid and a wicking material that draws liquid onto the coil. When the user inhales a flow sensor activates the heating element that atomizes the liquid solution; most devices are manually activated by a push-button. The e-liquid reaches a temperature of roughly 100–250 °C (212–482 °F) within a chamber to create an aerosolized vapor. The user inhales an aerosol, which is commonly but inaccurately called vapor, rather than cigarette smoke. Vaping is different from smoking, but there are some similarities, including the hand-to-mouth action of smoking and an aerosol that looks like cigarette smoke. The aerosol provides a flavor and feel similar to tobacco smoking. There is a learning curve to use e-cigarettes properly. E-cigarettes are cigarette-shaped, and there are many other variations. E-cigarettes that resemble pens or USB memory sticks are also sold that may be used unobtrusively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Composition of electronic cigarette aerosol</span>

The chemical composition of the electronic cigarette aerosol varies across and within manufacturers. Limited data exists regarding their chemistry. However, researchers at Johns Hopkins University analyzed the vape clouds of popular brands such as Juul and Vuse, and found "nearly 2,000 chemicals, the vast majority of which are unidentified."

References

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  2. Fox, Stuart (November 7, 2008). "Why Do the Colorado Rockies Keep Their Baseballs in a Humidor?". Popular Science . Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  3. Verducci, Tom (February 23, 2018). "MLB to Mandate That Baseballs Are Stored in Air Conditioned Room for 2018". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  4. Carleton Hacker, Richard (April 26, 2019). "Vegas Was Made for Cigars: Here Are the 7 Best Spots to Smoke 'Em". Robb Report . Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  5. 1 2 Nagy, Andrew; Droesch, Blake (October 15, 2015). "Five Tips For Building a Cigar-Friendly Man Cave". Cigar Aficionado . Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  6. Verma Lal, Preeti (September 1, 2015). "Geneva: Land of Monsters and Philosophers". Verve (Indian magazine) . Retrieved August 26, 2020.
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  8. Pitts, Kelly (December 16, 2019). "What Is The Best Way To Store Your Weed?". Wikileaf . Retrieved August 26, 2020.
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  10. "Jewellery humidors".
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  12. Beetle pest control information in Wikipedia
  13. Stauffer, Daniel (August 18, 2020). "DIY Humidors". swisscubancigars.com. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  14. "Cigar Humidor Calculator". humidordiscount.com. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  15. Manelski, Gary (November 11, 2018). "How to Season a New Humidor". liveabout.com. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  16. "How long do cigars last without a humidor?". Archived from the original on 15 March 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  17. "How to Correct the Humidity Level in a Humidor". about.com. Archived from the original on 17 February 2009. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  18. Volz, Samantha (April 12, 2017). "How to Make Your Own Humidor Solution". ourpastimes.com. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  19. Carleton Hacker, Richard (2 June 2015). The Ultimate Cigar Book (4th ed.). Skyhourse. p. 286. ISBN   978-1-63220-657-2.
  20. "Regardless, digital hygrometers". crownhumidors.com. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  21. "Optimum temperature for cigar storage". humidor-guide.com. Retrieved 17 March 2018.