Question about 4 year old aged cigars that are salty?

[Goldwing]

I bought out a friends long storage humidor and cigars (wine cooler conversion) and most of the cigars, Cain, Nub, MOW, Gurkha are salty, not a bad thing but wondered if something in the long storage did this?

The humidor has some kind of small rocks in the back that he says absorb excess moisture and wonder if it that caused it or if it is a sign of some kind of a trait in storage

I took them out having a heck of a time getting the humidor above 50% humidity and he said put them back and just wait for the humidor to equalize in the coming weeks.

I can't seem to find any leaks but wonder in cooling the humidor at a constant 65F if making it harder to get the humidity up

I'm using a CIGAR OASIS XL and it has been at 50% humidity for days with no raise in humidity, also have the Boveda 65% in there and about 6 Crystal Gel Humidification Jar, 2 Oz with no luck in increasing the humidity (1000 count humidor)

Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[KGD]

I've had a salty cigar in the past and a couple that had a hint throughout the way. Are a few you've tried all salty or all of them have been?

 

[Goldwing]

I've had a salty cigar in the past and a couple that had a hint throughout the way. Are a few you've tried all salty or all of them have been?

The Cain and Nub are less salty by a litter
Thanks

 

[D Quintero]

Sounds like the rocks are some kind of desiccant.
Never have heard of any use with cigars.

So , for starters, toss it out !

 

[Goldwing]

Sounds like the rocks are some kind of desiccant.
Never have heard of any use with cigars.

So , for starters, toss it out !

Yes, took them out to see if the RH will go up
Thanks

 

[Craig Mac]

A 1000 count humidor could take weeks to stabilize. Patience bro, you'll get it there.

 

[Goldwing]

OK, think your right on that, right in front of my nose
Thanks

 

[StogieNinja]

What are you using to cool the humidor?

 

[Goldwing]

What are you using to cool the humidor?

Frigidaire 42 Bottle Wine Cooler
21-1/2" W x 22-3/10" D x 33-9/10" H
FFWC42F5LS

View attachment 33561View attachment 33562

 

[StogieNinja]

There's your answer. The unit uses a compressor, which will suck the moisture out if you're running it regularly. Unless you live in a relatively cool climate, you're going to need to leave the unit off, as the compressor will keep drying out the inside of that thing every time it runs.

I'd guess the "rocks" are either humidity beads or kitty litter, both of which are very effective at regulating rh in an otherwise stable environment (i use exclusively 100% silica in my wineador and maintain 64% with little to no maintenance) but which won't be able to keep up with the compressor.

 

[SurpriseMVP]

There's your answer. The unit uses a compressor, which will suck the moisture out if you're running it regularly. Unless you live in a relatively cool climate, you're going to need to leave the unit off, as the compressor will keep drying out the inside of that thing every time it runs.

I'd guess the "rocks" are either humidity beads or kitty litter, both of which are very effective at regulating rh in an otherwise stable environment (i use exclusively 100% silica in my wineador and maintain 64% with little to no maintenance) but which won't be able to keep up with the compressor.

Ninja hit the nail on the head. If you have a basement store it there unplugged. If not keep your house at 65 degrees. If those are not viable options you could maybe try a etc. if that doesnt work trade it to someone with a basement


Mike

 

[ciggy]

There's your answer. The unit uses a compressor, which will suck the moisture out if you're running it regularly. Unless you live in a relatively cool climate, you're going to need to leave the unit off, as the compressor will keep drying out the inside of that thing every time it runs.

I'd guess the "rocks" are either humidity beads or kitty litter, both of which are very effective at regulating rh in an otherwise stable environment (i use exclusively 100% silica in my wineador and maintain 64% with little to no maintenance) but which won't be able to keep up with the compressor.

Ninja hit the nail on the head. If you have a basement store it there unplugged. If not keep your house at 65 degrees. If those are not viable options you could maybe try a etc. if that doesnt work trade it to someone with a basement


Mike

Unless you live where the winter months can dry your house out. You will need to plug it back in as winter can suck the moisture out of everything being so dry in the air. Also if the shelves in there are ceder run a damp paper towel over them and let them acclimate in the cooler without the cigars resting on them. With such a big humidor as Craig said it will take time but adding moisture to the wood helps speed the process up a little.