In order to keep your pure Havana cigars in perfect condition, they require storage at specific temperature and moisture levels: between 16º and 18º C (61º ~ 65º F), and a relative humidity of between 65% and 70%.
The humidor is a hardwood case, preferably made of cedar, with a system to maintain moisture levels (generally a sponge) and with a hygrometer to measure the humidity. However, this does not regulate the temperature, so the humidor should be kept in a cool place in your home where the ideal temperature can be maintained. It is also important to check the sponge regularly (about once a week) to make sure it is kept damp.
The function of the cigar case is to protect the two or three cigars that you will smoke during the day.
There are several different types, starting with wooden ones, through aluminium holders, to leather cases.
The best are those made of hard leather as they really protect the cigars (unlike soft leather ones) and are simpler and lighter to carry about (unlike those made of other rigid materials).
The draw of your Havana cigar will vary depending on how it is cut, and the draw will in turn directly affect how the cigar burns.
We recommend a straight, flat cut which, as well as easing combustion, avoids excess concentration of nicotine and tar, unlike the wedge cut and, worse still, a puncture made with an awl.
The ideal way to light your Havana cigars is with specific, wooden matches, which are much longer than usual so you can light your cigar properly. It is also common to light cigars using a splinter of cedar-wood taken from the packaging found in most high-quality Havana cigar boxes. Finally, a gas lighter with a good flame may also be used.
Lighters that give off strong, pungent odours, such as petrol lighters should always be avoided, as they will spoil your Havana cigar.
The ideal product to keep the relative humidity level in the humidor at around 70% is HUMECTINA.
HUMECTINA does not allow the distilled water it contains to evaporate if the relative humidity goes above 70%, approximately.
HUMECTINA already contains distilled water, so nothing needs to be added to the product. Simply soak the humidor's sponge with HUMECTINA.
If you cannot monitor the humidity level of your humidor for long periods of time, just add more HUMECTINA, even without the sponge, and it will take care of the humidity, keeping your Havana cigars from spoiling.
NB: Keep in mind that if your humidor is new, it will take a few days for the humidity level to adjust.