Introduction

[KWise945]

Hello all. I'm from Columbus, Ohio and am fairly new to the cigar world. I've smoked cigars for a few years but never really have taken much interest in them until lately. I usually smoked on the golf course or such, always smoking my cigar the day I bought it so I've never stocked any. Well the other day I bought my first humidor (Yeah!) and I have a few questions about it. I did the salt test with the analog hygrometer, adjusted it, and then bought a cheap digital at WalMart. After a few weeks I've noticed that my humidity rating is right around 60-65 on the analog and like 54 on the digital. I went to my local shop and bought a 2 oz (as I have a 50-60 cigar humidor) Xikar crystal humidifier jar. In combination with the standard puck and the Xikar, the humidity rose to roughly 68-70 on the analog and 56-58 on the digital. I feel like the humidity is well over 70% though, because one of my cigars has actually cracked at the end. Would I be better off leaving the Xikar in the humidor alone and trust it's putting out roughly 65% humidity or should I just go spend the $30 to buy an accurate hygrometer?

Also, besides the Newbie Sampler, what samplers would be recommended from certain companies? I'm looking to try a few different sticks but think the Newb Sampler is a little too big for what I'm wanting.

Thanks for all the help!

[TachyCoventry]

For samplers the newbie sampler can do whatever sort of price range you are looking for. You just need to tell your sponsor "I want to spend $X" and they will most likely find some sticks for you to try out. It doesn't need to be super expensive.

For the hygrometer there are a few things to do. Does the cheap digital calibrate? If so you should also do a salt test with that one. As for the humidification device I have Xikar in my cooler. I just check to make sure that they are moist and then leave it. I've actually gotten away from my hygrometers. In my desktop humidor I still have a hygrometer but I also use the beads so it stays fairly consistent.

[KWise945]

Thanks for the advice. Last night I read through the Newbie Sampler and am now thinking it's something I might be interested in. I just assumed the minimum was like $100.

As for the hygrometer, I cannot calibrate the cheap digital. I calibrated the analog, but IDK how long they stay true to the calibration. After taking the puck out and leaving the Xikar in there, the humidity has stayed about the same, reading like 50% on the analog. I'm leaning toward spending the $20-$30 on an accurate hygrometer to take away my worries.

Thanks!

[JiveTurkey]

Welcome from another "O" state.

If you search on eBay, you'll find a Xikar hygrometer for $19 incl. shipping. Can find it cheaper at some online cigar shops (if you're already paying shipping on something else). I have one each in my desktop humidors and they work great.

[Paddy]

Thanks for the advice. Last night I read through the Newbie Sampler and am now thinking it's something I might be interested in. I just assumed the minimum was like $100.

As for the hygrometer, I cannot calibrate the cheap digital. I calibrated the analog, but IDK how long they stay true to the calibration. After taking the puck out and leaving the Xikar in there, the humidity has stayed about the same, reading like 50% on the analog. I'm leaning toward spending the $20-$30 on an accurate hygrometer to take away my worries.

Thanks!

CI has them for $20.00 Humi-care is the name. I am using 4 of them at the present time. Very accurate, I only recalibrate when I replace the battery about every year.

[MrPlatypus]

Welcome to the board from Washington State.

I will have to second Daigz in regards to the Newbie Sampler- it's awesome. The selection is incredible, and all the Brothers involved are good people, so it's a great way to get a variety of sticks and meet some of the funky souls that hang out here.

[ashauler]

Thanks for the advice. Last night I read through the Newbie Sampler and am now thinking it's something I might be interested in. I just assumed the minimum was like $100.

Minimum is $50.

[KWise945]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and informational advice. It's official, I just ordered a Humi-Care hygrometer to ease my worries along with a Xikar lighter. I feel as though I'm slowly becoming a true cigar smoker. Now I just need to add to my collection and that should be coming soon with a newbie sampler. Thanks again all and I hope to be able to contribute to forums as my knowledge expands.

[Mangyrat]

Welcome to the forum and enjoy filling your new humidor.

[nhcigarfan]

You're on the right track. I've always found those jars to be pretty good.

Sampler is a good thing.

[KWise945]

After much searching and reading I've come to the conclusion that I must try the following:
Hemmingway
VSG
Montecristo White
Any Padilla
Any Perdomo

Ive tried things like a CAO La Traviata, RP Decade, La Aroma De Cuba, Romeo Y Julieta, Casa Magna, and a Brickhouse with my favorite being a Cohiba Black.

I wasn't a fan of the La Traviata but I never would have known if I didn't try it so I'm always open to new cigars/suggestions.

[JiveTurkey]

I've only tried a little over a dozen different sticks, so I can only add that the Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniv. Criollo and 10th Anniv. Maduro are great.

[Roger]

welcome to the board from Oregon. Roger.

[heftysmokes]

Welcome from MT

[TachyCoventry]

VSG
Montecristo White
Any Padilla
Any Perdomo

At this point, they will all be good for you. Mention this when you get a newb sampler and the BOTL may be able to have you try one or two. Regardless you will get some sticks that will knock your socks off for sure!

[badwhale]

After much searching and reading I've come to the conclusion that I must try the following:
Hemmingway
VSG
Montecristo White
Any Padilla
Any Perdomo

Ive tried things like a CAO La Traviata, RP Decade, La Aroma De Cuba, Romeo Y Julieta, Casa Magna, and a Brickhouse with my favorite being a Cohiba Black.

I wasn't a fan of the La Traviata but I never would have known if I didn't try it so I'm always open to new cigars/suggestions.

That almost sounds like something you'd put on a Wishlist

Welcome from Bitteville

Will

[KWise945]

Well my birthday just passed along with Christmas, so my wishlist will have to wait another year or so. I'll have to mention that if I do the newb sampler. Again, thanks for the welcomes.