Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Using a Humidor

By Dave Sabot

Do you know someone who loves to smoke cigars? Maybe they make a point of buying all kinds of aromatic and exotic varieties on a somewhat regular basis, or maybe they have a favorite brand already. Regardless of this, they can probably benefit from a gift of cigar accessories.

Many cigar enthusiasts invest in a special device known as a cigar humidor to further protect their investments. The humidor is a climate controlled area with the right amount of moisture and the right temperature to keep the cigars at optimal conditions. Interestingly enough, a somewhat serious debate has developed about the use of the special wrappings around all cigars while they are within the controlled environment of the humidor.

So, should you leave all of your cigars in their special cellophane packaging, or not? The answer given by most experts and enthusiasts is usually that it is a matter of personal preference, but in reality there are more benefits to keeping the wrappings in place than in removing them. Consider that they are all crafted from cellophane, which is far different from traditional plastic wrap. If you put a cigar in a piece of household plastic wrap the humidity within the tobacco would not easily leave the surface, which could actually lead to mold or mildew. This is the very reason that cellophane is used instead, but this also means that too much moisture can leave the cigar and allow it to go stale.

Here too is another item to consider when looking for gifts or accessories for a cigar enthusiast. A good cutter is going to expose the body of the cigar to the flame of the lighter, and if the cigar remains in its wrapper the entire cutting process will be cleaner and easier. Cutters can be very basic and simple, or they can be somewhat elaborate and highly decorative too. They are among the most frequently used items by cigar smokers, and are in fact an absolute necessity.

Using a humidor is an absolute "must" for those who hope to enjoy high-quality cigars, and who want to keep them in optimal conditions until they have a chance to smoke them. - 16887

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