Reddit reviews Boveda for Cigars/Tobacco | 69% RH 2-Way Humidity Control | Size 60 for Use with Every 25 Cigars a Humidor Can Hold | Patented Technology For Cigar Humidors | 4-Count Resealable Bag

Lets start before Cubans, and I'll assume you know nothing about cigars and just start from the beginning.

Okay, as far as humidors go, there are a bunch of options. The quickest and easiest way is to buy a tupperware container that seals well and a few boveda packets (you can get either on amazon). I'd recommend 65% if you're using a "tupperdor" (69% for a wooden humidor...of course depending on the climate where you live etc...). Rough rule of thumb is to use one 60 gram packets for every 25 cigars the container can fit. We'll get more into wood humidors later.

The next thing you'll want to have is a digital hygrometer. You can snag one for 15-20 bucks on amazon. If you're using multiple tupperdors, I wouldn't worry about having one in each, just switch the meter to a different container every week or so to make sure they're staying good. With boveda packets, you shouldn't have a problem. Anyway, when you get your hygrometer, you want to calibrate it. The packaging or instructions may say that it is calibrated at the factory and does not need to be tested. Ignore that. Get a bottle cap, fill it about 2/3 up with table salt, and a few drops of water. Put the cap in an airtight container (a zip lock bag will do) with the hygrometer. Wait a day, and see what the hygrometer says. If it says 75%, you're good. If it doesn't, adjust it until it does, and then leave it in the bag a few more hours to make sure it stays there. You will find that you may develop your own preference for the Relative Humidity (RH) of your cigars, but it your container is reading in the mid sixties to the low seventies, you're around where you want to be. Keep an eye on the temperature, too. I like to keep mine below 70 degrees F. If they get into the high seventies, your cigars may literally begin hatching beetles.

Now onto wooden humidors: these are much more of a pain in the ass than tupperdors, in terms of setting it up. As far as a specific model, there are a ton and it depends on too many things to specify from the information you gave. Personally, I'd recommend a humidor that can hold more cigars than you plan on needing. My first humidor holds fifty cigars. I now have another 25 count (although, that was free and I didn't need it until I figured "fuck it, might as well fill it"), a 100 count, and two tupperdors. So as far as picking one out, I'd recommend again going bigger than you think you need, make sure it is at least lined with spanish cedar, and just check reviews to see how it seals. Every humidor will have bad reviews because a lot of people don't know how to season them, so look for reviews from people who seem to know what they're doing. And I'd personally stay away from anything with a glass top, it's just another place it can lose a seal.

Speaking of seasoning, you have to season a wooden humidor, which means to sort of saturate the wood to the correct humidity level. If you don't, the wood will eat up the humidity being released by your humidifying thingamajig instead of it being all for your sticks. There's a couple ways to do this: you can get distilled water (or a premade solution of distilled water and propylene glycol, it really doesn't matter) and wipe the wood down with it, with a barely damp cloth or sponge. If you get the wood too wet, it will warp and the humidor won't seal. Then leave a bowl or shot glass filled with the distilled water in the humidor and let it sit a few days. Note that the water being distilled is not optional, do not use any other water, no tap, no spring water. Only distilled water. You want nothing in the humidor except spanish cedar, cigars, and moisture.

The easier way to season a humidor is to buy boveda seasoning packets. They regulate the environment in the humidor to 84%. Buy the same amount you'd need if they were regular bovedas, one per 25 cigar capacity. Put them in the humidor, close the humidor, come back 14 days later and take the packets out. Replace them with (I'd recommend) 69% packets. Put cigars in over the course of a few days (you don't want to add them all at once, it will swing RH levels).

I'd recommend this for a tupperdor, in the largest size:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00284AG5U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have this humidor, I like it:
http://www.cheaphumidors.com/the-othello-checkerboard-pattern-cigar-humidor.html

I also have this smaller humidor which I'm still seasoning, but it seems to seal well enough:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072NZK9K4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Seasoning packets:
https://www.amazon.com/Boveda-Humidity-Seasoning-Humidifier-Dehumidifier/dp/B004NXXBLA/ref=sr_1_10?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1502648759&sr=1-10-spons&keywords=boveda+seasoning&psc=1

Packets to regulate RH (pick whatever RH you'd prefer, I like 69 for wood and 65 for tupperdor):
https://www.amazon.com/Boveda-2-Way-Humidity-Control-Large/dp/B004LHSOBK/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1502648826&sr=1-1&keywords=boveda+69

Distilled water/propylene glycol if you want to go that route:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040OEB6G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hygrometer (I like round ones because a lot of humidors will have a cutout for the shitty analog hygro they all come with and the round ones will fit there):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004167OY4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Someone let me know if I missed anything.

Edit: I didn't mention beads, the "soak this weird thing in distilled water" humidifier or kitty litter because I really don't think there's a good reason to steer someone towards them, but I really haven't ever used any of it so if someone wants to add something about those, please do.

DON’T DO THIS^

Get some of these.

Choose any RH that you prefer. They control the RH with a two-way process that will either absorb or release water depending on the need of the container. Also, some people recharge them with distilled water. I haven’t tried that yet.

Definitely read the wiki cover to cover for all the general specifics.

To answer your questions:

> Do I leave them in the wrappers they came in when I store them in the humidor?

The wrapper is the outer most layer of tobacco on the cigar. Cigars consist of filler, binder, and wrapper. What you're referring to is the cellophane (cello) and it's really up to personal preference. I think a good rule of thumb is "store them how you buy them." If they're in cello when you buy them, just leave them in. The pro is that it'll protect the wrapper. The con is that it supposedly won't age a quickly, but that's a) supposedly and b) we're talking about storing cigars for years and I'm guessing you're not at that step yet.

> Is distiller water ok to use for the humidifier?

Yes, this is what you should use. What kind of humidifier are you using? If you're using the floral / foam puck, pitch it and get some 69% or 65% Boveda packs. You need about 2 packs for every 50 cigars you're storing.

> How long can I store em' before I smoke em'?

The short answer is "forever under ideal conditions." Ideal condition is about 68F and 68% relative humidity (RH). You may want to let them "rest" in your humidor for a few days after you buy them because sometimes they're over/underhumidified at Brick & Mortar (B&M) cigar shops.

> Advice for tasty cigars?

• Smoke slowly (one puff per minute).
  
  
• READ A LOT
  
  
• READ SOME MORE. Edumacate yourself.
  
  Welcome and good luck! PM me if you have any more questions.
  

Here's my advice since I literally just started a few weeks ago. This is exactly what I wished I knew before I spent money on random cigars from various sites.

1. Depending on how many sticks you plan on getting at a time, invest in a tuppedor. Don't waste your time with a wooden humidor (at least right now). I picked up these from amazon and all my ~40-50 sticks sit comfortably in there.
   

• Plastic "humidor"
  
• Hygrometer
  
• Boveda Packs, although I might lean towards the 65% next time. Also, you only need 1 pack in a tuppedor, 2 is overkill. They can also be recharged, so don't throw them away when they dry out.
  
  

2. If you have a nice brick and mortar tobacco store (not a hole in the wall place that caters only to e-cigs and accessories) near you, visit them and ask questions. If they are worth their salt, they should be fairly knowledgeable about cigars. They will point you in the right direction. I stupidly didn't do this and just kind of bought random shit online and have had mixed results with what I bought. The stuff I've bought at the store has been much, much fresher too. However, you will be spending 30-40% above what you'll pay online. I found it worth it for how much time and effort the staff spent helping me, but it is quite a bit more expensive.
   
   
3. If that's not an option, look for sampler packs online. You can find cheap options that include a bunch of different sticks so you can sample a variety. I would suggest looking at smallbatch mixes find a price you're comfortable with spending (30 to 40 should be plenty, maybe buy 2 of the $30 to $40 packs so you end with ~10 cigars) and in the comment section of your order mention that you're brand new to cigars. He should be able to make an excellent mix for a new smoker. Use code "rcigars" for 10% off (without the "", not sure if valid for the mix).
   
   
4. Also, if you don't come from a background of smoking cigarettes, stick with the mild to medium strength cigars. I smoked a few full strength ones from the samplers I got and they kicked my ass. It was unpleasant to say the least. If you DO plan on smoking a full strength cigar, smoke on a full stomach and drink something sweet with it. Sweet tea or a pop of some sort works well to quell the nicotine content.
   
   
5. Accessories. All you really need is a decent cutter and a torch lighter and you're all set.
   

• A cutter
  
• A butane lighter
  
• Fuel [Note, you can use cheaper fuel, but your lighter may get clogged with shitty zippo butane fuel.]
  
• Some sort of ashtray. You don't realize how nice it is to have one until you don't have one and have no place to rest your cigar.
  
  

6. If you do find a cigar you enjoy, try buying a 5 pack of it. Let it rest for a week or so and try them out over the course of a month or several months and see if you enjoy them as much as you did the first time. See if they get better with age. I have far too many 1 offs that I enjoyed, but would I still enjoy them a month from now? 2 months from now?
   
   
7. Oh, and generally stay away from infused cigars. They use shittier tobacco since they can mask it with flavors. The girlfriend still likes these, but I think she's starting to come around to a natural sweetness/chocolate taste instead of an artificially infused one. Plus they stink up your humidor and can potentially ruin the taste of your other cigars in them if they are in close contact.
   
   
8. Online sites that I've enjoyed purchasing from and ship quickly:
   

• http://store.cigarfederation.com/
  
• http://www.smallbatchcigar.com
  
• http://www.holts.com
  
• Stay away from Thompson Cigars. I've also had issues with jrcigars. They held my order for no reason and I had to contact them to ship it out. I ordered it over 10 days ago and still haven't seen anything, although it's supposed to be here on Tuesday.
  
  

9. Look up retrohaling. You'll taste more of your cigar this way. Warning, it does burn the hell out of your nose the first handful of times you do it. Start with a mild cigar instead of a full strength one like I stupidly decided to do. :P
   
   Hopefully this helps.
   
   Edit: Many edits to fix errors and add additional info.

My pleasure.

This is what a bunch of people use including my self. I do have a real wood burl humidor but I find this so much easier.

https://www.amazon.com/Sistema-Microwave-Collection-Noodle-31-7oz/dp/B00284AG5U/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Sistema+KLIP+IT+Rectangular+Collection+Food+Storage+Container%2C236+Oz&qid=1569968747&sr=8-1


And for the Boveda people usually use between 65% and 70% I recommend this.

https://www.amazon.com/Boveda-2-Way-Humidity-Control-Large/dp/B004LHSOBK/ref=sxts_kp?keywords=boveda+67&pd_rd_i=B004LHSOBK&pd_rd_r=7b646bb8-358c-4cf6-a16c-a33cbe3765ab&pd_rd_w=BR0KH&pd_rd_wg=td0lO&pf_rd_p=81d99bd4-f902-4b23-8928-b05d50fd5b3c&pf_rd_r=TKJPQR38W0MAYQX607YQ&qid=1569968891

Sistema Klip It Collection Rectangle Food Storage Container, 29 Cup https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00284AG5U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_xrm2j1LMyVMWG


Caliber IV Digital Hygromter by Western Humidor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JXOKQVW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_9KjCtKfo9QUur


Boveda 69% Rh 2-Way Humidity Control, Large 60 g, 4 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LHSOBK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_o5LMyb0GGBK1P

Welcome to r/cigars!

First thing you need to do is get rid of that paper towel asap! You will over humidify your cigars and you might get mold too! Go to your local B&M and get a boveda pack or order one online. Then use an air tight tupperware container to hold your cigars and humidity. Super cheap and many many people use this as an option. As for building your own. Get an ammo can or a gun case and line it with spanish cedar. It will hold humidity perfectly and you'll get your woodworking skills a bit wet for your next bigger project.

This is the setup I have.

The container:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00284AG5U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Hygromter:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JXOKQVW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Boveda Packs:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LHSOBK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cedar tray (optional):

https://www.amazon.com/Spanish-Cedar-Tray-HUMI-TRAY-Cigar/dp/B00B9234HE/ref=pd_bxgy_79_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00B9234HE&pd_rd_r=JS6RQJY49RAXMS0VRDF6&pd_rd_w=vNV6l&pd_rd_wg=ZB7Ip&psc=1&refRID=JS6RQJY49RAXMS0VRDF6

If you don't really care about looks, we suggest a tupperdor - much easier to maintain (read: no maintenance) and much cheaper.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007WQSML4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

&

http://www.amazon.com/Boveda-2-Way-Humidity-Control-4-Pack/dp/B004LHSOBK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425328494&sr=8-1&keywords=boveda+69

There are a lot of us from DMV on here, and several good cigar shops in the area as well. What area in D, M, or V are you located?

If your humidifier has the green material in it, you probably want to pitch it. Eventually it will start to get moldy, which will then transfer to your cigars. The Drymistat tubes are good, and a lot of people here use Boveda packs (also available at most cigar shops). Other than a calibrated hygrometer -- again, common opinion here is to go with a digital one -- you're good to go with you humidor.

ok, cancel you order from Thompson and lose their web address.

Then order these for humidification and this fo peace of mind.

edit: and if you don't have a tupperware yet, anything that looks like this with the sealing gasket will work. They sell them at target, walmart and everywhere online

Cool, I'm going to go with these and this. Thanks guys!

Get one of these weathertight bins and a box of these bovedas and you'll be good to go

Hygrometer recommendation: https://www.amazon.com/Quality-Importers-HygroSet-Hygrometer-Humidors/dp/B000H6CZQE

69% Boveda packs: https://www.amazon.com/Boveda-2-Way-Humidity-Control-Large/dp/B004LHSOBK/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1486016508&sr=1-1&keywords=69+boveda

You said you already have the humidors. The rest will take care of itself with a little monitoring. You can get as fancy, or as frugal as you want, these are really the only necessities though.

What sticks do you like by the way?

No. Those are really small. Mostly for keeping cigars fresh while shipping.

You want these.

http://smile.amazon.com/Boveda-4-Pack-Humidifier-69%25/dp/B004LHSOBK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1407968375&sr=8-4&keywords=Boveda

amazon link!

Boveda 69% Rh 2-Way Humidity Control, Large 60 g, 4 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LHSOBK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sPgFDbR35K4Y7

http://www.amazon.com/Boveda-4-Pack-Humidifier-69%25/dp/B004LHSOBK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410570949&sr=8-1&keywords=boveda+69