CRT Humidor Management & Product Storage 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A tobacconist notices the digital hygrometer reads 68% RH but a salt-test calibration shows it is reading 4% high. What is the actual humidity?
- 72% RH
- 68% RH
- 64% RH (Correct answer)
- 60% RH
Correct answer: 64% RH
If the hygrometer reads 4% higher than actual, subtract 4% from the displayed reading: 68% − 4% = 64% actual RH.
Question 2: Which type of humidification device releases humidity most passively and requires the least maintenance in a retail walk-in humidor?
- Ultrasonic humidifier
- Evaporative foam humidifier
- Passive gel crystal humidifier (Correct answer)
- Electronic PID-controlled humidifier
Correct answer: Passive gel crystal humidifier
Passive gel crystal humidifiers slowly release moisture without fans or electronics, requiring only periodic recharging with distilled water.
Question 3: What does 'plume' (also called bloom) on a cigar indicate when observed in a properly maintained humidor?
- Mold contamination requiring immediate disposal
- Natural crystallization of tobacco oils—a positive sign of proper aging (Correct answer)
- Excess humidity causing surface condensation
- Tobacco beetle damage to the wrapper
Correct answer: Natural crystallization of tobacco oils—a positive sign of proper aging
Plume is a fine white crystalline powder formed by the natural oils of aging tobacco and is considered a mark of quality, not a defect.
Question 4: Why is distilled water preferred over tap water when refilling humidor humidification devices?
- Distilled water evaporates faster, maintaining better humidity
- Tap water minerals clog humidification media and promote bacterial growth (Correct answer)
- Distilled water has a higher humidity output per volume
- Tap water causes discoloration of Spanish cedar
Correct answer: Tap water minerals clog humidification media and promote bacterial growth
Minerals and chlorine in tap water deposit on humidification media, reducing effectiveness and encouraging microbial growth.
Question 5: A retail humidor experiences a sudden drop to 55% RH due to a failed humidifier. What is the recommended first step?
- Immediately spray cigars with water to rehydrate them
- Place a calibrated humidifier back in service and monitor gradual recovery (Correct answer)
- Remove all cigars and soak them in a humid bag overnight
- Add ice packs to lower temperature and compensate for dryness
Correct answer: Place a calibrated humidifier back in service and monitor gradual recovery
Gradual humidity recovery prevents cigars from swelling too quickly, which can crack wrappers; immediate over-correction causes damage.
Question 6: What is the purpose of rotating cigar stock in a retail walk-in humidor?
- To prevent wrappers from sticking to display surfaces
- To ensure even humidity and temperature exposure and implement FIFO inventory (Correct answer)
- To reduce the risk of tobacco beetle migration between boxes
- To allow staff to inspect bands without disturbing customers
Correct answer: To ensure even humidity and temperature exposure and implement FIFO inventory
Regular rotation ensures all cigars receive consistent environmental exposure and that older stock sells before newer deliveries (FIFO).
Question 7: Tobacco beetles (Lasioderma serricorne) become a threat at what temperature?
- Above 65°F (18°C)
- Above 70°F (21°C)
- Above 72°F (22°C) (Correct answer)
- Above 80°F (27°C)
Correct answer: Above 72°F (22°C)
Tobacco beetle eggs begin to hatch when temperatures exceed approximately 72°F (22°C), making temperature control critical.
CRT Humidor Management & Product Storage 3
A tobacconist notices the digital hygrometer reads 68% RH but a salt-test calibration shows it is reading 4% high.
What is the actual humidity?