Calibrating
THERE IS A VERY SIMPLE WAY TO CALIBRATE YOUR HYGROMETER, DOING IT YOURSELF WILL ASURE YOU THAT IT MARKS THE CORRECT HUMIDITY.
TIP 1: Take a wet towel (not dripping wet, but wet enough) and wrap it completely around your hygrometer. Wait about half an hour, the reading should be of 98 % or more, if this is so, your hygrometer is calibrated and you do not need to re-calibrate.
TIP 2: If the reading is off, turn the screw on the back of the hygrometer until it reads 98 %. You have properly calibrated your hygrometer.
SUMMER & WINTER: It is recomended that you calibrate your hygrometer at least once a year, twice a year is ideal. Also, never use tap water instead of distilled water in your humidifier as tap water contains residue and minerals which can be deposited inside the hygrometer, causing bad odors and unpleasant tastes on your cigars.
Storing and aging
AS THE AROMAS AND FLAVOURS OF A WINE DEVELOP WITH AGE SO DO THOSE OF EXCEPTIONAL CIGARS IF THEY ARE STORED AT PROPER TEMPERATURES. ANY CIGAR AFICIONADO, WITH PLANS TO KEEP CIGARS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO A HUMIDOR.
TEMPERATURE: Temperatures within the humidor should be maintained at
16-18 °C (60-64 °F) and humidity levels should be kept anywhere between
65 to 70 %. These levels are crucial to maintaining the perfect environment for your cigar, as a dry cigar can be unduly harsh and an overly moist cigar can be a tough light.