Why Humidity is Integral to Cigars
Peek into the world of Quesada Cigars. See where they’re made, how they’re made and who crafts them. Watch and learn how Manuel fled Cuba and turned $100 into an iconic cigar brand. Told by Manuel Quesada, Jr. himself, patriarch of Quesada Cigars and the 2016 recipient of Cigar Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Anytime we put a cigar on the table, it’s our name on the table.”
Throughout four generations, the Quesadas have been leaders in the cigar business with popular brands like Casa Magna, Quesada, Fonseca and Heisenberg. Quesada boxes its prized cigars with Boveda 69% RH packets. (BTW, did you catch the Boveda seal that blesses each box of Quesadas? Nice touch.)
From Quesada to Boveda to You-a
Señor Quesada said it best, “Moisture becomes an everlasting, ongoing part of making cigars and dealing with tobacco.” From the time tobacco is grown until the finished product reaches cigar sellers, someone is responsible for humidity control. Once cigars are in your hands, that someone is you. Luckily, Boveda is more than just a travel companion to the world’s best cigar brands, like Quesada. Boveda makes you an expert in cigar humidity regulation.
Next time you light up a buddy’s cigar from his humidor, bring out the science behind Boveda:
- Natural salt is the secret that signals the patented Boveda packet that it’s time to absorb or add moisture.
- That moisture is pure all-natural water that’s slowly released when your humidor drops below the RH value printed your Boveda packet.
- Different cigars thrive in different RHs—Boveda has four RHs to choose from (plus the 84% RH to season your humidor).
Then take a long draw on a something like a Quesada Reserva Privada. Exhale, pause and say something like, “Boveda are God’s creation to cigars.” (Although Cigar Aficionado Hall of Famer, Manuel Quesada said it first, we’re sure he won’t mind if you quote him—especially over one of his cigars.)
