Museum : Humidors
Museum: Humidors
The Cigar History Museum, located in Ybor City, Tampa, is a must-visit destination for cigar aficionados and history buffs alike. This museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, each with its own story to tell. Among the many exhibits, one that stands out is the humidors.
Humidors, in their basic sense, are sealed containers with a humidifying element that maintains the correct level of temperature and humidity necessary for storing cigars. However, the art of cigar storage was far from a game of chance. In the early days, cigar aficionados ensured that their precious possession was stored correctly, as improper storage could ruin the flavor and aroma of the cigars.
Looking back into history, we find that the origins of the cigar humidor can be traced back to the early 19th century. Cigars were transported from Cuba to Spain and other countries in specially designed wooden boxes. These boxes, known as "cedar chests," served as a means of transport and storage for cigars. They were made of Spanish cedar, which was found to be the ideal wood for cigar storage. The cedar wood was porous and had good moisture retention qualities, which provided the necessary humidity needed to preserve the cigars.
To maintain the ideal humidity level in the cedar chests, aficionados would add a damp sponge to the box. The sponge acted as a humidifying element, which kept the cigars fresh and flavorful. As the years passed, the cedar chests evolved into what we know today as "humidors."
If you're a cigar enthusiast and just purchased a new humidor, you need to season it before use. Seasoning refers to the process of introducing the appropriate humidity level to the wood of the humidor. To season a cigar humidor, you will need the following tools: Distilled water, a sponge, hygrometer, and humidifier.
First, wipe the interior of the humidor with a damp sponge, making sure to remove any dust and debris that may have accumulated. Next, take a new hygrometer and place it inside the humidor. The hygrometer will measure the level of humidity in the humidor, and you will use it to monitor it.
Once you've completed cleaning the humidor, you need to introduce humidity. Fill the humidifier with distilled water, and place it in the humidor.
Now, close the humidor and let it sit for approximately 24 hours. Check the hygrometer to ensure that the humidity level is between 65 and 70 percent. After 24 hours, if the humidity level is not 65-70 percent, add more distilled water to the humidifier and let it sit for another 24 hours.
In conclusion, the cigar humidor is more than a simple container; it is a storage system designed to keep cigars fresh, flavorful, and enjoyable. Humidors have a rich history rooted in the need to preserve cigars during transportation, and this tradition has continued to this day. Whether you're a novice or an experienced aficionado, taking care of your cigars' storage is crucial to maintaining their flavor and aroma.