Humidor Advice

(PRWEB) - Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) September 29, 2005 -- With imports of handmade premium cigars hovering around a 7% gain year over year through July, some industry experts are thinking that the era of increasing supply may be coming to an end.

Why? They note that the pace of imports coming into the U.S. are tapering off as evidenced by July's weak performance, -3.7% from July 2004.

Cigar imports in 2004 registered month over month gains in 10 of 12 months. This year's results show gains only in four of the first seven months. In fact, if this current pace continues cigar imports to the U.S. may not reach last years levels reports Stephen Malan, owner of Humidor Vault LLC in Las Vegas, NV.

What does this mean to the cigar consumer? Whenever supply is curtailed in any product, the price of that product may increase and depending on the circumstances, they could increase dramatically says Malan. Now, no one really knows for sure what prices will do, but to be on the safe side, it may be wise to invest in a quality humidor system to lay away imported cigars while prices are still stable. So, here are a few tips from Humidor Vault on choosing a quality humidor:

1. Seal: The most important aspect of a humidor is its ability to hold humidity. The seal will do that. When looking at humidors, check to see how it closes when the lid is dropped from 2-3 inches. If it lands on a cushion of air, the seal is fine. If it clangs when the lid is dropped, walk away because that isn't a quality humidor...in fact, it's just a box, says Malan. Look to see what hinges are used to close the lid. The best humidors use hidden quadrant hinges and/or piano hinges, as they supply the best seal possible.

2. Exterior Construction: The sidewalls and bottom of the humidor should be at a minimum, ½ inch thick. The thicker the sidewalls the more resistant the interior will be to external temperature changes. Large temperature fluctuations will ruin your cigars. Check to see if the outside bottom of the humidor is lined with felt to prevent scratching of the furniture that you place your humidor on.

3. Interior Construction: It is extremely important that your humidor be lined in Kiln-Dried Spanish Cedar. This is the industry standard when it comes to quality made humidors. Spanish cedar is less aromatic than other woods that are sometimes used in humidors. You don't want overly aromatic woods in your humidor as it may impart an unwanted flavor to your cigars says Malan. Additionally, Spanish cedar is less prone to warping which is imperative when used in a high humidity application such as a humidor. If your interior warps, your seal will be broken and your cigars will be ruined. Having the interior Kiln-Dried gets rid of all the natural moisture that all woods contain. If the humidor you're looking at has trays, make sure that they are ventilated to assure the humidity in your humidor can circulate to all cigars in the humidor.

4. Style: Want something to impress your poker playing buddies or just to have on your desk without being fancy? Matte finish or a multiple layer high gloss finish? One for the golf bag? There are so many styles to choose from it can be pretty confusing. Malan advises to just make sure the humidor fits your personal style.

5. Quality: Don't let price alone influence your decision as to what is a quality humidor. There are many humidors on the market today that retail for less than $100 that will keep your cigars perfectly fresh for a long time, Malan advises. Look at all the variables discussed in steps 1-4 and you should have an easier time finding a quality humidor.

Avoid mixing too many types of cigars in a single humidor … especially if they come without cellophane wrappers. They will marry their aromas and you will not have the cigars you thought you had warns Malan. We always advise multiple humidors if they have premium cigars without cellophane wrappers. Many premium cigars, such as La Gloria Cubana Serie line, have no cellophane on their cigars and these should not come in contact with other un-cellophaned cigars in your humidor.

Take your time … follow the 5 steps outlined above and you will have an easier time in finding a quality humidor says Malan.

Malan's website offers expert tips for cigar consumers. Cigar fans can learn how to properly store, light and smoke cigars for maximum enjoyment. They can also browse through some of the finest brands of hand rolled cigars and humidors.

More information can be found at http://www.humidorvault.com

For an interview or more information, please contact Stephen Malan by phone at 702-642-2571.