Monday, November 29 1999
Q. I'm heading off to Iraq for my anual summer vacation in a couple of days. My humidors have a habit of meeting horrible fates there - and worse still their contents. I've got a large Lexan mason type jar that's nearly bullet proof. But I'm still concerned about my cigars drying out like an Amish wedding every time I open it. Any thoughts on how I can take better care of them? Even if they could be replaced, the mail out where I'm going is slow at best and I don't envision you guys opening a store there any time soon. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Robby
A. The mason jars tend to be the most moisture preserving humidors made b/c they're so air-tight. Unless it already has a humidifier, I would buy something like a Dry-Mistat stick to toss in there. Make sure you use only distilled water, too. I'd also get a digital hygrometer. The Little Havana is perfect for the jar, too. Keep the lid closed at all times and keep the cigars in their cellos for extra protection. Check the hygrometer everyday and keep the jar out of any direct sunlight. If the humidity gets too high (over 75%), just crack open the lid until it settles down.
With the added humidity while you're out at sea, I don't think you'll have a problem with them drying out. Once you get to Iraq, that's another story. But if you keep the lid sealed and some form of humidification in there, they should be able to withstand the desert climate.
