Knowledge is power: and like everything else in the world, the more you know about cigars and how to smoke them, the more likely you are to have a more enjoyable smoking experience overall. That’s why we created this “Fan Mail” series…we want to remove all doubt and any obstacle you have getting between you and happy cigar time. After all, with our combined resources and cigar experience, it doesn’t do anyone any good if we’re not willing to share it. The ultimate in open door policies, we always make our inbox and Facebook page available to you if, and when, you have cigar questions – and this next installment is proof that there are no dumb cigar questions, especially if you weren’t sure about calibrating hygrometers and the essential equipment that beginning smokers need to have. If you’ve just taken the plunge into the world of cigars and wondered why we talk about cigar smoking as being meditative, you’re in luck – not only will we reveal the Secret to Cigar Happiness, we’ve also got advice on how to choose your first cigar. Watch these short n’ sweet video answers to four new cigar questions from Advisor readers just like you; trust us – they’ll help!
Hi Gary,
I bought a new humidor last month. I followed the instructions for prepping it to the letter, but the hygrometer, a digital one, is reading way below 70%. The temperature is reading 71 degrees and I can tell by feeling the cigars that they are not dry. The hygrometer does not have a calibration button, but is there another way to calibrate it?
– Jay Blackstone in Tallahassee, Florida
Whether it’s digital or analog, the best way to calibrate a hygrometer is by using a tried and true method that’s been around as long as I can recall; it’s called “the salt method” or “salt test.” It’s easy to do and works great. All you need are a few household items and some patience. There’s also another way to do it that doesn’t require as many steps, so, to see how I handled this question, watch the video now.
~ Gary
I was asked not long ago by one of my cigar friends whether or not I thought he should get buy one of the cooler-looking cigar toys that are out there…and it got me thinking: what does a beginning cigar smoker really need to enjoy cigars? Hint: it ain’t the fancy golf ball holders and 20 cigar/750ml flask combo. But that’s what hooks us: cigars are fun, and we’re so obsessed with them that we feel the irresistible urge to buy anything and everything fun that has to do with cigars. I’m guilty of it myself – if it was cigar-related and looked cool, I had to have it…and that’s why I own 6 cigar cases that I’ve never used. It’s too bad, cuz they’re really nice. So if you’re new to cigars, check out this quick tip – and focus on the basic cigar accessories you really need.
~ John
Here’s one for all you newbies out there. Or maybe it’s for people who walk into brick and mortar shops and nearly crap your pants with pure fear when you see the thousands of cigars in front of you. It can be intimidating to pick out your first cigar, or ANY cigar for that matter. What do you pick? What’s good? Will you like your selection, or did you just waste money on a garbage stick? All these questions probably fly violently around your head, but I’m going to let you in on the secret to picking out a cigar that you’ll absolutely love. So change your dirty drawers and learn how to pick out your next cigar now!
~ Jonathan
An interesting questing was sent to us from Billy in the Bronx, NY, who’s new to cigars and wanted to know about the relaxing and supposed meditative effects that smoking a good stick can deliver. I’m a big believer in this idea, and I’ve written and talked about it many times in the past. Check out this short clip, and I’ll give you my highlights on some of the more interesting and researched thoughts about cigar meditation.
~ Tommy Zman
You have more cigar questions? We have more answers – watch our next round of video Q&A here…
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The Cigar Advisor Staff is comprised of three good-humored, yet dangerously unpredictable writers who share over 60 years of premium cigar smoking experience. Traversing the tobacco landscape like smoke-shrouded Avengers, they wander (mostly because the fat one ate the map) in search of new leaf adventures armed with nothing but torch lighters and runcible spoons as their weapons. Each is equally knowledgeable on the matters and pursuits of the cigar lifestyle, with his own unique and capricious insights on various luxury, sports, automobiles and entertainment affairs - all served with good counsel for your reading pleasure.
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Is it necessary to re-calibrate hygrometer periodically, and if so, how often?