Question - neglected humidor

[Riptide]

Hello.

Life, work, etc all caught up to me this last year/18 mths, and I ended up completely neglecting my humidor and cigars (~100 sticks). The cigars were not expensive ones (maybe $500 worth), and they're completely dried out. I'm not too worried about the cigars, although ideally I can restore them. I'm more curious if I'm on the right track in regards to getting my humidor back in shape, and if there's anything I should be doing?

I've ordered some 70% Rh Heartfelt Beads, ICE - Crystal Gel Humidification, and a seasoning pack. Once these arrive, I plan on removing the cigars (as they likely can't get any worse), then seasoning the humidor. Once that's good, use the beads (to which I hope there's some instructions in there, however I expect it's fairly simple), and slowly start adding the cigars back into the humidor.

Ideally after several months I'll be able to smoke these sticks. If not I can get more, but as I live in northern Canada, and need to order them from the US, it's a hassle.

Any advice, or whatnot would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[MadMonk]

You have to reseason the humidor using one of several methods you'll find searching the Humidor Forum.

You should slowly rehydrate the cigars. Not knowing if you know how to slowly bring them up to 65-70% RH, You might try adding a little water at a time to the beads and watching your hygrometer. Again, this has probably been disscussed many times on the site. If you "shock" them by adding to the higher humidity levels, you may burst them, or swell the feet, etc.

Why don't you go fill out your about me page, and introduce yourself in the introduction forum. Read the rules, and enjoy the community.

 

[grateful1]

Hello.

Life, work, etc all caught up to me this last year/18 mths, and I ended up completely neglecting my humidor and cigars (~100 sticks). The cigars were not expensive ones (maybe $500 worth), and they're completely dried out. I'm not too worried about the cigars, although ideally I can restore them. I'm more curious if I'm on the right track in regards to getting my humidor back in shape, and if there's anything I should be doing?

I've ordered some 70% Rh Heartfelt Beads, ICE - Crystal Gel Humidification, and a seasoning pack. Once these arrive, I plan on removing the cigars (as they likely can't get any worse), then seasoning the humidor. Once that's good, use the beads (to which I hope there's some instructions in there, however I expect it's fairly simple), and slowly start adding the cigars back into the humidor.

Ideally after several months I'll be able to smoke these sticks. If not I can get more, but as I live in northern Canada, and need to order them from the US, it's a hassle.

Any advice, or whatnot would be appreciated.

Thanks

When is the last time the humi was humidified?

This will determine what to do with the smokes.

Initial inpression - toss them.

 

[Riptide]

When is the last time the humi was humidified?

This will determine what to do with the smokes.

Initial inpression - toss them.

Likely closer to 18 mths ago last time it was done properly. That was my first thought too, but figured I should at least attempt to restore them.

 

[2K6TBSS]

Not sure that you will be able to save the sticks. 18 months of neglect is really bad. I was able to save some sticks that a friend neglected, but there was only about 4 or 5 months of neglect on them.

As for the humi, just remember that it takes time to get back up and running. Depending on the size with 18 months of neglect it probably will take a lot longer that the original seasoning.

 

[Joebiech]

Just out of curiosity, what did you RH read when you decided to open it back up? Based on ambient humidity, location, how well your seal was, your previous method of humidity, etc, is it possible that you neglected it for 18 months but the humidity was decent? Just trying to find the silver lining in the situation. Good luck.

 

[Riptide]

Things are pretty dry up here. Humidity was 48% when I opened it. I'm pretty much resigned to getting more sticks.

c'est la vie.

As for the humi, just remember that it takes time to get back up and running. Depending on the size with 18 months of neglect it probably will take a lot longer that the original seasoning.

I guess I'll find out once the supplies arrive.

 

[beyond the band]

I'm not trying to be a dream stealer or anything. I hope you are finding our community helpful and all, but you really need to head over to the intro thread and post an intro.

 

[Joebiech]

Don't forget to read the rules. :thumbs: