Here's hoping somebody knows what to do....A little history: 20 year cigar smoker, two humidors, a small cabinet, holds maybe 10-12 boxes, desktop holds maybe 75-100 but I do not crowd it, both are very nice Mohogany that is Spanish Cedar lined (had both for over 12 years). Both do a very good job of maintaining humidity. Have vacillated between keeping the cello on or not. Smoke 3-4 cigars a month now, have a decent collection some aged over 10-12 years. I don't smoke much any more, but as you can tell, having a well aged cigar with some single malt scotch one a week is a real pleasure I savor. Here is my problem: I recently went on a vacation, was gone for two weeks, when I returned, there was a smell in my desk top humidor that was really bad. I had filled the humidification devices (distilled water) before I left. My guess is that it is mold although neither the cigars or humidification material have mold on them, they just smell bad, really bad. This humidor holds singles so there are some in cello and some not. I took the non-cello cigars out and put them in a cigar jar and aired out the box all day. No luck I still have the smell in the box and jar. Although there are some relatively newer cigars affected, there are also some that I have had for years and....well you can see my problem. About 50 relatively expensive, hard to Find cigars appear to be ruined. I am crushed, some Bahia 1989 Vintage, AF Maduro Sigs and Classics (early 90's), 10 year old OPUSX's, and a few selected others, anyway, I've been through dryout's, beetles, and a variety of other issues....CAN SOMEBODY HELP ME?!
I have used it, but that was years ago. However, the humidification elements I have been using are old. Could have some residue I guess. Anyway, regardless of the reason for the smell, I need to get rid of it or I may lose a nice cigar collection. I have not tried to smoke any of them...because....THEY STINK!
you may or maynot be lucky. A friend of mine had a simular problem - in the end he was lucky that the cigars returned back to thier regular state of "aroma" and none were damaged. I wish you luck on this, hope all goes your way I can definatley feel your pain, you have some rarities as you said.
I wish you the best in luck and hope that you lose very few cigars.
Now I'm worrying. I've never used PG solution. I have a Cigar Oasis Plus that needs only a small amount of distilled water every 4 to 5 months. I am wondering if I should add some PG solution, just as a precaution?
Posts: 1867 | Location: San Francisco, CA, USA | Registered: August 20, 2003
Using PG has always been semi-controversial. Purists don't normally like to use anything but distilled water to humidify their cigars. However. This humidor has been in steady use for about 15 years. My only conclusion is that my humidity devices became contaminated somehow when I was adding water and this smell was the result. There is no mold to be seen anywhere. I am going to isolate by gars and try to get rid of the smell (no idea yet how to do this yet), sand and recharge my humidor and go from there. If I can't get rid of the smell,then I guess it's trash time for the gars. In the future I will add PG to my distilled water. This is a very expensive and sad lesson. Odd though, in 20 years of enjoying cigars and interacting with many other smokers, I have never heard of this particular situation.
'A woman is an occasional pleasure but a cigar is always a smoke' - Groucho Marx
Originally posted by T333: Here's hoping somebody knows what to do....A little history: 20 year cigar smoker, two humidors, a small cabinet, holds maybe 10-12 boxes, desktop holds maybe 75-100 but I do not crowd it, both are very nice Mohogany that is Spanish Cedar lined (had both for over 12 years). Both do a very good job of maintaining humidity. Have vacillated between keeping the cello on or not. Smoke 3-4 cigars a month now, have a decent collection some aged over 10-12 years. I don't smoke much any more, but as you can tell, having a well aged cigar with some single malt scotch one a week is a real pleasure I savor. Here is my problem: I recently went on a vacation, was gone for two weeks, when I returned, there was a smell in my desk top humidor that was really bad. I had filled the humidification devices (distilled water) before I left. My guess is that it is mold although neither the cigars or humidification material have mold on them, they just smell bad, really bad. This humidor holds singles so there are some in cello and some not. I took the non-cello cigars out and put them in a cigar jar and aired out the box all day. No luck I still have the smell in the box and jar. Although there are some relatively newer cigars affected, there are also some that I have had for years and....well you can see my problem. About 50 relatively expensive, hard to Find cigars appear to be ruined. I am crushed, some Bahia 1989 Vintage, AF Maduro Sigs and Classics (early 90's), 10 year old OPUSX's, and a few selected others, anyway, I've been through dryout's, beetles, and a variety of other issues....CAN SOMEBODY HELP ME?!
Have you tried replacing the humidification element itself? That could be your problem--it may have gone moldy or mildewy. Shouldn't happen, but it sometimes can.
Posts: 2237 | Location: New York, NY | Registered: April 23, 2002
Now I'm worrying. I've never used PG solution. I have a Cigar Oasis Plus that needs only a small amount of distilled water every 4 to 5 months. I am wondering if I should add some PG solution, just as a precaution?
Don't fix it if it ain't broke. This saying comes to mind. I have used the Oasis as long as it has been around. I only use distilled water never had a problem. Don't look for trouble IMHO.
"Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God" -Thomas Jefferson
"The tree of freedom must be nurtured from time to time with the blood of its patriots" -Thomas Jefferson
"When the Government Fears the People, There is Liberty; When the People Fear the Government, There is Tyranny." - Thomas Jefferson
Posts: 4735 | Location: Reggio di Calabria, Italy / New York United States | Registered: July 12, 2007
Do other people have access to your cigars? Is your box locked when you are away? Kids playing a joke comes to mind.
No doubt. I had a day dream the other day that my dog decided my humidor would be a good place to urinate. Needless to say, I went home and moved my humi out of the corner.
hey bamawrx....and others....I'm an old cigar guy, I've seen many problems, especially when I was a beginner. This is a unique problem! I really appreciate your suggestions, but it is obvious that no one has seen this situation before. There is no mold! Just a stink! I am going to try freezing them (like you do with beetles) maybe hanging them on a clotheslines in the wind. but I think they are garbage material. docberry's adice about my humidor is solid,and I will do that! Anyway, thanks to all for your suggestions. However, I believe I am F'ed!
Just remember...
'A woman is an occasional pleasure but a cigar is always a smoke' - Groucho Marx
