Optimum level of humidity

Inside the humidor cigars should be stored at a relative humidity of approximately 68-74%. Generally it is assumed that the typical cigar flavors can best evolve in such a climate. This level of humidity supports an even burning of the cigar. At a relative humidity level of 70%, and a temperature of 64°F (18°C) the air contains approximately 10 grams of water per cubic meter of air. In such an environment, the cigar should absorb the ideal rate of humidity of 14% of its weight.

Dry cigars become fragile and burn faster since their burning is not slowed down by the cigar’s natural humidity. The cigar takes on an aggressive and slightly bitter taste.

Damp cigars, on the contrary, burn unevenly and take on a heavy and acidic flavor.

A few aficionados appreciate these modifications to the cigar flavor and therefore intentionally store their cigars in a drier or damper environment. In the 65-75% range cigars can be stored for long periods of time without any concern. Caution is required, however, if the humidity level should exceed 80%. In this case the cigar can begin to rot and mold.

Continue to “Sponge or acryl polymer humidifier”

Sponge or acryl polymer humidifier

Until recently all humidifiers employed the same simple mechanism. They were all equipped with a plastic or metal case containing a sponge as a humidifier. The most prominent manufacturer of these humidifiers was the French company Credo. The term Credo is therefore frequently used as a synonym for such sponge-based humidifiers. Since it is not particularly difficult to manufacture these items, they were soon copied by manufacturers in Southeast Asia who offered the humidifiers for a fraction of the price of Credo humidifiers with comparable functionality. When using sponge humidifiers the use of special propylene glycol solutions is recommended, which improves the characteristics of sponge humidifiers.

During the last few years, manufacturers have been experimenting with alternative systems of humidification. Unfortunately, in some occasions at the expense of the humidor buyer, because even recognized humidor manufacturers offered embryonic systems which did not stand the test of time. Ultimately, only humidifiers based on polymer acryl have become widely established among the various humidor brands as an alternative to the still prevalent sponge-based humidifiers. If the correct polymer is used they have the very positive feature of being able to stabilize relative humidity at a level of approximately 70-72%. Unfortunately, it is not always guaranteed that the correct polymer is used inside all the acryl polymer humidifiers.
The high-tech acryl polymer inside the humidifier element can absorb large amounts of liquid. It must be filled with distilled water only. One should note however that the humidity level inside a new humidor also stabilizes with acryl polymer humidifiers only after about two day’s time.

All in all, acryl polymer humidifiers are very recommendable since they maintain a more stable humidity level and require less frequent monitoring and maintenance by the user. In addition, the danger of bacterial contamination is lower in polymer humidifiers than in sponge-based humidifiers. However, the danger of bacterial contamination cannot be completely eliminated, as is occasionally claimed. In order to minimize the danger of bacterial contamination, each humidifier (sponge or polymer based) should be replaced after about two years!

Adorini offers with the adorini deluxe premium humidifier one of the worldwide leading passive humidification systems based on high-tech polymer acryl fleece. The self-adjusting effect of the acryl polymer fleece is complemented by the possibility to fine-tune the emitted humidity via adjustable openings of the humidifier case.

Overall the simple sponge-based humidification systems provide sufficient humidification performance if the aforementioned propylene glycol solution is applied regularly (See propylene glycol liquid). Humidifiers based on acryl polymers possess a superior capacity to maintain a constant humidity. Using acryl polymers also minimizes the danger of bacterial contamination and over a longer period of time the higher purchasing price of polymer-based humidifiers is offset by the savings of not having to purchase special propylene glycol solutions.

Nowadays, electronic microprocessor controlled humidifiers such as the adorini cigar heaven can be purchased at very reasonable prices and are certainly the best and most convenient option.

Continue to “The correct liquid”

The secret of the correct liquid or the magical effect of the propylene glycol

Please note that acryl polymer humidifiers such as the adorini deluxe premium humidifier can be filled with distilled water only. Therefore, the following explanations are only applicable for traditional sponge-based humidifiers.

The following two liquids should be used for filling sponge-based humidifiers:

  • Distilled water (available in supermarkets, auto parts stores, pharmacies, etc.)
  • Special solution consisting of 50% propylene glycol and 50% distilled water

Propylene glycol is a colorless innocuous liquid, which has two extremely favorable characteristics for its use in humidors. Firstly, the formation of mold as well as bacteria is actively prevented. Secondly, propylene glycol forms a thin layer on the surface of the humidifier, which absorbs humidity at humidity levels of over 70% and which emits humidity at humidity levels below 70%. In this way, the humidifier is self-adjusting and will automatically stabilize the humidity level at an optimum level of approximately 70%. It might take a few days in the beginning until the propylene glycol forms a surface layer and an optimal humidity level is reached.

Propylene glycol is also known as 1.2 Propanediol. However it should never be confused with ethylene glycol (often referred to as glycol)! The purity of the propylene glycol should satisfy drug and food safety standards.

Distilled water has an advantage over normal tap water in that it protects the humidifier against calcification and mold. Normal tap water contains minerals, which can clog the pores of the humidifier sponge. Additionally, normal tap water contains chlorine and bacteria, which might impact the aroma within the humidor and may lead to mold.

Continue to “Refilling – how often”

Refilling – how often

Polymer-based humidifiers (e.g. the adorini deluxe premium humidifier) should be refilled with distilled water about once a month. How often the humidifier needs to be refilled depends on several factors: Frequency of opening the humidor, number of stored cigars, size of the humidifier, external humidity, outside temperature, etc.

Continue to “Analog or digital”