Using a cheap cigar Humidor

Using a Humidor?

Are you an experienced cigar smoker? No! Then you may be wondering why cigar smokers use humidors. Humidors are used to store and protect cigars so that they are kept at their best peak flavor. A good cheap cigar humidor works by keeping a cigar at a constant temperature, somewhere between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and about 70-72% humidity.

Many cigar smokers claim that the ideal temperature for storing cigars is 70 degree F. Any lower will tend to age the cigar, rather than keep it at a constant level. Humidors are not meant to age, but rather to preserve the integrity, flavor, and color of the cigar.

What should you look for when purchasing a cheap cigar humidor? The better humidor's should close completely, with a tight fitting lid that will keep the cigars well kept from the elements and prevent any exchange of moisture. Seams should be smooth and well fitted for cigars. Cedar, especially Spanish cedar is ideal for the interior of the humidor. Of course, make certain your brand of cigars fits well into any humidor you are considering purchasing.

A Short story of Cigars and Tobacco

It is said that Columbus was not impressed by tobacco or its use among native tribes, but many sailors grew found of the strange plant. Soon it quickly caught on in Spain and Portugal. From there, it spread to France, where the French ambassador Jean Nicot lent his name to the scientific name for tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). The origins of the word tobacco itself are still suspect, although many believe it is simply a corruption of the word Tobago, which is the name of a Caribbean island. Still others believe it comes from the word Tabasco, a district (and now state) in Mexico.

The first tobacco plantation in the United States was established in Virginia in 1612. More tobacco farms followed in Maryland soon after. Although tobacco became a popular commodity, it was only smoked in pipes. The cigar was not introduced to the United States until the late 18th century. Israel Putnam, an army general who had served in the Revolutionary War, is credited with introducing the cigar to the United States. He had traveled to Cuba after the Revolutionary War and returned with a box of Cuban cigars. Their popularity quickly spread, and soon enough cigar manufacturing plants were established in the area of Harford, Connecticut, where General Putnam lived.

In Europe, cigar manufacturing and consumption did not achieve widespread popularity until after the Peninsula War in the early 19th century. British and French soldiers returned to their homelands after years of serving in Spain with their tobacco pipes with them. Among the rich and fashionable, the favored method of taking tobacco was the cigar. Cigar smoking remains a habit associated with the wealthyand discriminating of upper society.