Just so you know where I'm at: I smoked my first cigar yesterday, a Romeo Y Julieta, and enjoyed it quite a bit even though the smell stuck with me for the entire evening and the roof of my mouth is burnt this morning(it may have been the pizza I had before too).

I'm interested in buying a humidor, but there are several aspects I am unfamiliar with and some general information I'm aware of.

Info. I'm aware of (correct me if I'm wrong):

-RH around 70%, as low as 65%, probably around 68%
-do not put flavoured cigars in
-use 50/50 solution at first, then distilled water

I need help understanding:

-how to tell how fresh a cigar is when you buy it or want to smoke it
-can you mix factory-made (I'm interested in Swisher Sweets) with premium cigars? Or any other combinations?
-is there going to be a hefty customs charge for having this shipped from the U.S.?

If you could lend me some of your experience it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.