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As a general rule, most cigars need some time to age. Many of the higher end cigar manufacturers take care of this process for you by aging the cigars before they're released for retail sale. However, some cigars come fresh from the rolling table to your door within a matter of weeks! If you enjoy one of these brands, the best thing to do is to let the cigars "age" in a charged and calibrated humidor for 6-12 months before enjoying them. This allows the cigars to "rest" and rid themselves of any offensive gases or odors which may have built up in the cigar during the rolling process. Over time, you may notice "plumes" or whitish spots appearing on your cigars. Don't panic! This is a natural part of the aging process as oils in the tobacco leaves used to make the cigar are released by the aging and rise to the surface of the cigar.
You can easily brush or gently scape these plume crystals off the wrapper of the cigar. |
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It is recommended that you use a 50/50 solution of distilled water and propylene glycol (PG), usually referred to as activator solution. PG is a hydroscopic substance that absorbs moisture from the environment (like a salt shaker does in humid weather). The distilled water evaporates until the ambient humidity approaches 70%. At that point the PG won't allow any more moisture in the air. Conversely, if there is too much moisture in the air, the PG solution absorbs the excess, bringing the system down to 70% as well. |
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In order to calibrate your hygrometer, you will need a Ziplock bag, salt and a small shallow open container, like a bottle cap. In the shallow container, place about a teaspoon of salt and add a few drops of water to get it wet. Don�t add too much water, just enough to get a moist pile of salt. Remember, you don't want a salt water solution, just damp salt. Place the container in the bag along with the hygrometer. Close the bag with some air trapped inside and let it sit. Allow this to stabilize for at least 6 hours (don't rush it). After it has stabilized, check the hygrometer reading without opening up the bag. It should be exactly 75%. If not, you can simply adjust the reading by turning the dial on the back of the hygrometer with a small screwdriver, if your hygrometer permits. |
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Sure, with time and a little ingenuity. Let's say you want to add a slight flavor of vanilla to your cigars. The best way to accomplish this is to take one cigar and peel off the wrapper leaves. Add a few drops of vanilla to the leaves to moisten them then place the leaves in one corner of your humidor. The other cigars in the humidor will become infused with the flavor of the vanilla over time. You can use this process with cognac, peppermint oil, etc. but remember that whatever flavor you introduce to your humidor will become infused in all the cigars in the humidor! |
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A sharp cutter is a must if this is the technique you use to open your cigar. Position the cutter about 3 millimeters from the smoking end of the cigar and rest the tip of the cigar in contact with the cigar. Using a quick, decisive motion, slice off the end of the cigar. If you prefer to "punch" a cigar, a sharp punch is a necessity. Place the cutting end of the punch in contact with the end of the cigar and gently twist while pushing down into the tobacco with a firm motion. This will cut out a little plug of tobacco from the end of the cigar. |
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Let nature take it's course. Once a cigar has run its course, it should naturally extinguish itself. It's poor cigar etiquette to "butt out" a cigar as it will create an unpleasant odor for everyone around you. |
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