What is the best material for a Cigar Humidor?

Well the best humidors are those made with 100% Spanish cedar. Now most of humidors do not use 100% cedar but do have some cedar in them. Now you can go to your local lumber store and purchase little pieces of Spanish cedar and place them inside the humidor to give more smell to it.

What type of water should I use to store with my cigars in the humidor?

Well a lot of folks will tell you distilled water which is the correct answer; however you can also use regular water.

Owners Personal Opinion: I like to store my cigars with either rum or cognac and without cellophane wrappers that way my cigars get that unique smell of the cedar with a touch of rum or liquor.

The proper care of your humidor will help you age your cigars longer and ensure better pleasure at smoking time.

•  Do not put cigars in the humidor until you are done with all the steps and the humidity level has been stabilized. If the humidor does not come with a gauge (hygrometer), we recommend purchasing one to correctly monitor humidity levels.
•  To activate the hygrometer, wrap it in a warm, damp towel for 30 minutes. Upon removing it from the towel, you must calibrate the hygrometer by adjusting it until it reads 95 - 97% (by use of a screw on the back or other method--the documentation that comes with the hygrometer should explain how to do this). If it already reads 95-97%, then you are ready to go. Now install it in the humidor and proceed with prep instructions.
•  Use only distilled water or, 100% Mystic. Place humidifier in a bowl and fill with distilled water. Submerge the humidifier halfway; face down in the bowl of water for 2-3 minutes. Remove the humidifier and wipe off excess water with a paper towel.
•  Dampen a new sponge or towel with distilled water or, 100% Mystic solutions and wipe the interior (sides, bottom, inside of lid, and any dividers or trays). Do NOT soak the cedar. Dampen only enough to darken the wood.
• Place a plastic bag on the bottom of the humidor. Place the damp sponge or towel (not dripping) on top of the plastic.
•  Install the humidifier and gauge (hygrometer) to the inside lid. Leave the humidor lid closed for 12-24 hours.
• Open the humidor and remove the sponge and plastic. Refill the humidifier (step 3) and reinstall in the humidor.
• Leave the humidor lid closed for 12-24 hours. This will season the wood and raise the humidity level to between 65% and 75%.
• Do not be concerned if the humidity level is high. It takes a period of time for the level to stabilize and the gauge to adjust. Place cigars in a humidor only when level has decreased to between 65%-75%. To lower level open the lid of the humidor for 1-2 hours. Close the lid and periodically check the humidity level with a gauge.
•  If humidity level is below 65%, follow steps 1-7 again.

How to choice the right humidor:

Cigar Humidors come in different colors, sizes, and forms. The best way to choose the right humidor is to know exaclty how many cigars you will have inside of it; or where you will put the humidor. For example if you like to show your humidor to people the best humidor will be a glass top humidor or you are a serious cigar smoker and like to store your cigars in a safe manner and let them age to perfection you should consider a furniture humidor in this case you may want to consult with your wife for decoration tips or color options so you don’t get in trouble. Now if you are a business owner or work in a office where you are allow to enjoy one of best things in life ( cigars) you problably will need a Desktop Humidor these humidors are also available in different colors and sizes. And last if you travel a lot but like to have cigars always with you you are looking for a travel humidor these bad boys are usually water proof and also available in colors and can hold up 20 cigars depending on the model.

Are those gel humidifiers better than the usual sponge that comes with the humidor?

Well all depends gels usually hold water longer therfore will keep your cigars at the right temperature and you will have to worry less. Sponges usually only last up to 15 days.