Fall Humidor Maintenance
Nate SimondsAs the crisp autumn air settles in for good here in Texas, it's time to give your cigar collection the once over it deserves. Fall marks a good time for a quick humidor checkup, ensuring that your cigars remain in optimal condition for your smoking pleasure. Here are some essential tips to keep your humidor in top shape:
Pest Inspection:
Take a moment to carefully inspect your humidor for any signs of pests. This includes any mold and beetles that might have popped up in the summer months deep in your collection. This tends to happen most on older cigars that you are aging. If you have any cuban cigars, these need special attention as most cuban manufacturers do not freeze their cigars to kill beetle larva that may be present. If you spot any issues, take swift action to remove and isolate any affected cigars to prevent issues from spreading.
Boveda Humidity Packs:
Fall often brings fluctuating humidity levels. To maintain the perfect environment for your cigars, consider adjusting the humidity packs in your humidor. Boveda packs come in various humidity levels, so choose the appropriate pack to closer match the ambient humidity outside. This ensures a stable environment for your cigars, as cigars do not like rapid change. Fall and winter months tend to be drier here in Texas, and we would suggest using a lower humidity level such as 69% or 65%.
Check Your Room Temperature:
While it is convenient to store cigars closest to where you will be smoking it is important to store your cigars in a stable environment. If your humidor is in a room or area that fluctuates dramatically (such as by a glass window or near a furnace) it is time to move those elsewhere. Putting your cigars through dramatic changes in temperature can effect the taste of your cigar and leave you with a less then ideal smoking experience.
Rotate and Organize Your Stock:
Just like a well-curated wine cellar, your cigar collection benefits from proper rotation and organization. Take some time to rotate your cigars, moving older ones to the top and newer additions to the bottom. This helps ensure an even aging process and prevents any potential damage from having to much weight on top for an extended period of time. You may even find some hidden gems you forgot you had! Additionally, we suggesting organizing your cigars based on their strength or flavor profile, making it easier to select the perfect smoke for any occasion.
Assess Your Smoking Time:
With the changing temperatures, it's essential to have cigars that match your available smoking time. On future purchases, consider having a range of sizes in your collection, from quick-smoke cigars for a brief moment of enjoyment on cooler nights to larger cigars for those perfect fall afternoons. This thoughtful selection ensures that you have a cigar on hand, perfectly suited to the time you have available.
Remember, proper humidor maintenance is not just a seasonal chore but a key aspect of preserving the quality and flavors of your cigar collection. Having a ready stock of cigar is an investment, and we want to ensure you get the most return. Taking the time now will pay dividends in the enjoyment of your cigars in the months to come.
If you have any questions or need further guidance on humidor maintenance, feel free to reach out. We are happy to answer any questions you might have. Here's to a season filled with flavorful and perfectly preserved cigars!