Mendobrew wrote:
I would check with the largest retailer of cigars in the US: JR Cigar – http://www.jrcigar.com
Look for any specials that a box of cigars comes in a free or very low cost (to you) humidor. Over the years I have acquired 6 different humidors in this method; all are excellent quality and all still in use. JR also stocks humidifying devices and glycol solution for them at great prices
Good luck
Mendo
Look for any specials that a box of cigars comes in a free or very low cost (to you) humidor. Over the years I have acquired 6 different humidors in this method; all are excellent quality and all still in use. JR also stocks humidifying devices and glycol solution for them at great prices
Good luck
Mendo
Good suggestion; you certainly don't need to spend $1500 - or higher - to get a decent humidor (although some of those made by Ele Blu are really beautiful).
I have 2 or 3, but b/c my brand of choice (La Gloria Serie R #6 maduro) is so phucking inconsistant, I seldom buy 'em by the box; I want to see them and will choose what I want for the next week or so unless I see a great looking box - So mostly, I've been using a zip lock w/ a Humipouch, although in S. FL we don't have a huge issue w/ dryness, even w/ A/C going all the time.
Whatever you buy, do 2 things:
Throw away the analog hygrometer that comes w/ even expensive humidors
and get a digital so you have some accurate idea about humidity in your humidor - I like my cigars a little on the dry side, so 66 - 68% is fine for me; however the experts (so called 
) will tell you 70 - 72% is ideal - point is don't obcess over a degree or two.Prepare the humidor properly - get a new sponge and wet it w/ distilled water - confession - we have pretty good H2O in S. FL so sometimes I've used water from the tap, but overall its not a great idea. (and I would not use tap water in Costa Rica for this ever).
Take the sponge, wet it well, and wipe down the Spanish cedar lining on the inside of you humidor. Waite a few hours, than repeat - then put the sponge into the humidor and shut it for 24 hours - then open it up and see what your digital hygrometer is reading - if its around 70, great, fill er up. If its waaaay too high, like in the 80's - its possible - take the sponge out and open the lid and let it dry a little.
You may have to experiment a little as its not an exact science - now you know why I buy 'em as I need 'em and use the humipouch
Seriously, there is not a cigar made that cannot benefit from a few months (or longer) in a humidor - good luck
PS Where is my friend Smelvis
- care to weigh in on this? He has a ton of cigars and keeps them in great condition.