CRT Humidor Management & Product Storage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary consequence of storing cigars at humidity levels consistently above 75% RH?
- Cigars become too dry and crack
- Mold growth and tobacco beetles become likely (Correct answer)
- Cigars lose their flavor rapidly
- The wrapper leaf bleaches in color
Correct answer: Mold growth and tobacco beetles become likely
Humidity above 75% RH creates conditions favorable for mold and tobacco beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) infestations.
Question 2: Which instrument most accurately measures the moisture content inside a humidor?
- Hygrometer (Correct answer)
- Barometer
- Thermometer
- Manometer
Correct answer: Hygrometer
A hygrometer measures relative humidity, which directly reflects moisture content in the humidor environment.
Question 3: When seasoning a new wooden humidor, what is the correct procedure for the interior cedar?
- Spray water directly onto the wood and close immediately
- Wipe the interior with a damp (not wet) sponge and allow gradual absorption (Correct answer)
- Apply cigar oil liberally to all surfaces
- Leave it open near a humidifier for 24 hours
Correct answer: Wipe the interior with a damp (not wet) sponge and allow gradual absorption
Wiping with a lightly damp sponge allows the Spanish cedar to absorb moisture gradually without warping or pooling water on the wood.
Question 4: A customer reports their cigars are consistently burning unevenly. Which humidor condition is the most likely culprit?
- Humidity that is too low
- Humidity that is too high
- Uneven humidity distribution within the humidor (Correct answer)
- Temperature fluctuations above 75°F
Correct answer: Uneven humidity distribution within the humidor
Uneven humidity distribution causes some parts of a cigar to be drier than others, leading to uneven burns.
Question 5: What is the ideal temperature range for storing premium cigars in a retail humidor?
- 55–60°F (13–16°C)
- 65–70°F (18–21°C) (Correct answer)
- 75–80°F (24–27°C)
- 80–85°F (27–29°C)
Correct answer: 65–70°F (18–21°C)
The industry-standard storage temperature for premium cigars is 65–70°F (18–21°C) to slow aging and prevent beetle hatching.
Question 6: What role does Spanish cedar play inside a cigar humidor beyond its structural function?
- It imparts a slight cedar flavor and helps regulate humidity (Correct answer)
- It prevents UV light from degrading cigars
- It neutralizes ammonia released by aging tobacco
- It acts as a physical barrier against tobacco beetles
Correct answer: It imparts a slight cedar flavor and helps regulate humidity
Spanish cedar absorbs and releases moisture to help stabilize humidity and subtly imparts cedar aroma that complements tobacco.
Question 7: How should flavored or infused cigars be stored relative to natural cigars in a retail humidor?
- In the same humidor to maximize space efficiency
- In a warmer section of the same humidor
- In a completely separate humidor to prevent flavor transfer (Correct answer)
- Directly on top of natural cigars with a divider tray
Correct answer: In a completely separate humidor to prevent flavor transfer
Flavored cigars must be stored separately because their added flavoring agents can migrate to and taint natural cigars.
CRT Humidor Management & Product Storage 2
What is the primary consequence of storing cigars at humidity levels consistently above 75% RH?