"CIGAR SPA" HUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM

A LINLEY humidor is an excellent way to store and mature cigars in conditions of ambient humidity. Cigar tobacco is grown in tropical or equatorial areas where relative humidity is high and virtually constant, between 70% and 80%. Correct storage is crucial to ensure that cigars become neither too dry nor too moist. 

A dry cigar will burn unevenly and too quickly.  The taste will be hot and acrid.  A damp cigar will be difficult to light and will not burn easily.  It will be hard to draw, need constant relighting and the taste will be heavy and tart.  A correctly humidified cigar will burn steadily, the draw will be easy and the smoke bluish and light.  The aroma of the tobacco will be fully developed.  Cigars can be stored for years in a properly maintained humidor.  Dry cigars may be revived by following the procedure indicated in “Cigar Tips”.

The humidification CigarSpa unit is the latest in humidor technology and is mounted inside the humidor at the bottom allowing you to achieve, maintain and monitor correct conditions for storage. The new CigarSpa has a number of unique features:

■ High-Tech humidity sensor measures accurately to +/- 2%.
■ The digital display highlights: humidity, temperature, low battery & water levels.
■ One button adjustment selects the humidity level between 55% and 75%.
■ The integral water container stores 230cm³ of water and regulates the humidor for up to 4 months.
■ The CigarSpa is operated by 4x AA cells.
■ Dimensions: L170 x W64 x H66mm.
■ Weight: 330g.

 

The LINLEY HUMIDOR is handmade using seasoned hard woods and lined in Spanish cedarwood.  Cedar helps retain the humidity in the box, enhances the aroma and is also a deterrent to insects that might attack the cigar wrappers.

Cigar tips

Before using the LINLEY HUMIDOR for the first time, please follow the “curing procedure”.  (See below). Cigars must be stored “naked” (except for the band) and all cellophane or other packaging should be removed. Optimum conditions for cigars are “70 - 70”: 70% humidity and 70° Fahrenheit (21° Centigrade).  Dry cigars have to be revived slowly:

1.  Place them in an unsealed plastic bag in the very bottom of the humidor and leave them there for 5 days.
2. Remove them from the bag and leave them in the bottom of the humidor for another 2 days.
3. Move them to the top level of the humidor. They will reach optimum condition after about 4 weeks from the beginning of the procedure.

Curing procedure

The LINLEY HUMIDOR must be prepared before attempting to use it for the first time.  This process is called “curing”. Please follow these six simple steps:

1. Ensure the CigarSpa is correctly loaded with the 4x AA mignon cells, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Fill the CigarSpa water container with 230 cm³ of distilled water by removing the refill neck.
3. Take a new, clean sponge, dampen it with distilled water, and wipe out the interior of the humidor to remove any fine wooden dust. 
4. Activate the CigarSpa by pressing the blue button & set up the humidity level between 65% and 75%. (Please refer to the CigarSpa Operating Instructions as necessary).
5. Leave the humidor to establish the preferred humidity level set between 65% and 75%. This process may take several days.
6. Once the humidor has established the selected humidity level, check there is sufficient water remaining in the CigarSpa, and charge the box with cigars.

Regular maintenance

Under normal conditions and use, the humidification CigarSpa unit will need to be refilled with distilled water approximately every four months, as per point 2 above. Check the CigarSpa regularly to ensure the digital display confirms the user’s selected humidity level.

The membrane filter can become clogged by the humidor’s cigar particles and very fine wooden dust. It is recommended that a damp cloth is used once a year to wipe the internal surfaces, thus removing any dust in order to ensure the CigarSpa functions correctly.

The digital display also highlights both the battery & water levels. Check and replace the CigarSpa 4x AA mignon cells once a year, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Caring for the exterior

The wood has been sealed with an acid-catalyst lacquer and therefore does not need regular waxing or polishing.  All that is needed is a duster or a slightly damp cloth to wipe over the box.  A cloth that is too damp will penetrate the lacquer and damage the veneer underneath.

If wax is applied to the wood it can harden quickly and leave a smeared appearance. Twice a year, a very small amount of beeswax can be applied sparingly and this should be rubbed in immediately and buffed up to restore the original sheen.  Take care to avoid the silver plaque. The beeswax must not contain silicone (nor any other cleaner containing silicone used, such as Pledge spray polish) because it will damage the lacquer sealant.

Using a silver cleaner for the plaque can damage the surrounding timber so great care must be taken not to touch the wood when polishing the plaque.