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Hello fellow FOH’ers! I am fortunate enough to have a wonderful wife who surprised me with a NewAir CC-300H for my birthday and since I am new to FOH and have never had a humidor larger than 100 count, I have several questions that I would greatly appreciate some help answering! After plenty of hours researching and trying to figure out how to best execute setting up the CC-300H, I was hoping that I could leverage the knowledge and experience of this awesome group to best help me get started on the right foot! Before I list the questions, here are my plans for the unit so far: I have decided to season it with 3 - 320g 84RH Boveda packs for two weeks. I am planning on keeping the unit with 65RH Boveda packs, and keep it at a temperature of 65F, so a steady 65RH/65F (I know easier said than done). I wanted to separate the unit into sections based on short term, aging/long term, Cuban, and Non-Cuban. I will be adding 2 Boveda Butlers, one on the top and one in the bottom, so that I can hopefully get an accurate reading throughout (may be overkill, but I think the extra cost is worth the peace of mind). Lastly, I would love to utilize the glass door by keeping full factory boxes of cigars, this way I can look at them in their natural habitat! Is it a bad idea to keep Non-Cuban and Cuban cigars in the same humidor? Would they be best at 65RH and a temperature of 65F? Or lower? 65RH/67F? Other suggestions? I didn’t know if they should be kept separate or if one combination works best for both? Fingers crossed! I know this can be a matter of personal taste and opinion, but I thought it would be great to see what others say in regards to this topic. My main goals are to absolutely avoid mold and beetles, while maintaining a steady RH and temperature so the cigars are at their most enjoyable. When it comes to Boveda packs, for this unit, how many should I be using for proper humidity control? I know that, with it being airtight and not all solid Spanish Cedar, I may be able to get away with less, but wanted to know what others thought. Also, what would be the best placement method? All at the top or bottom or spread evenly? When storing full boxes of cigars in their factory box inside of the humidor, is there need to worry about the humidity within the boxes? I didn’t know if I needed to prop them open or put a Boveda pack inside box etc.? Love the aesthetic and uniqueness of each box, so I am hoping I can keep them stored perfectly inside the humidor. With this setup, I plan on staggering the stacking of the cigar singles as well as boxes (to provide the best airflow). My question is, would it be worth it to rotate the cigars? Singles only? Boxes? Also, other than the above, what methods do members use to ensure solid airflow throughout their units? I know the CC-300H has a built-in fan to rotate the air, but didn’t know what others experienced. What is the correct method of introducing the Cuban cigars ordered from FOH 24:24 into my humidor? I wasn't sure if I should/need to freeze them to avoid losing any stock to beetles or if it is unnecessary since the temperature would be controlled as stated above? I would love to hear opinions! Is it necessary to quarantine box orders from FOH before introducing them to the humidor? I know that with larger humidors, adding a box freshly opened from shipping can cause RH shocks to the whole system and I wanted to know if other members tend to put them in an individual storage (with the same RH as the larger humidor) to acclimate them before putting them in the final humidor? Lastly, when storing cigars (both Cuban and Non) at the above stated RH and temperature, would it be worth dry-boxing the cigars before smoking? If so, what RH should I be looking for and how long should they rest in the dry-box? If not, what are some tips for knowing when the cigars are perfect for smoking so that I am not loosing any precious flavor etc.? Bonus Question: When ordering a box of PSP/HQ (mix) is there anyway to tell exactly what you received when it comes in? I know that the video showed Rob signing the PSP, and members have said that this process no longer exists, but I didn't know if there was any identifier. I am relatively new to the hobby, so the small (although significant) differences between PSP and HQ will most likely be imperceptible to my untrained eye/nose but thought it would be nice to know either way. Thank you all of you who have spent the time to read my post, I look forward to becoming more involved in FOH and thought this may help other cigar lovers as well who are trying to set up their humidors! I am trying to follow the proper protocol so I can have as smooth of a first attempt at setting this up, as well as the best first experience with my new Cubans as possible! Again, thank you in advance for all that respond to this post, any advice is much appreciated! I am extremely excited for my first boxes to arrive and join the FOH club officially!

I did a quick search on CCW for "recent releases". I included 2018 and 2019 as Habanos release calendar is never on time. This list is not perfect, but here goes. I will post a poll very soon. It will close Jan 2, 2020 @10PM EST In addition to selecting 2018 and 2019 "new" releases, the finally criteria was also included: I hope many of you chime in.

Fellow FOH Members. Here are you Top Cigars of 2018 (and 2017 thanks to Habanos' release woes) The cigars in this list reflect what was considered a "New" release by HSA in 2018. Of course, planned release date =/= actual release when it comes to HSA so some 2017 sticks were included. Before we begin; some stats. 137 Members voted. (IMO, that seems low, but IIRC it's an improvement over previous polls) There are 4 ties, so we won't officially get a "top 10". One cigar received zero votes. The HdM Rio de Seco. Not a big surprise as this was a pretty recent release. 58 Members voted for "NONE OF THE ABOVE". This can be read two ways. Many members did not get a chance to sample any of the listed cigars for one reason or another. This thread will allow comments, so those of you that voted this way; please feel free to expand as to what prevented you from trying anything. Of if you did and did not care for any of the candidates. Shenanigans. I really hope this isn't the case. Could it be a middle finger to Habanos? To this poll? Who knows? The List. #1 Trinidad La Trova LCDH Exclusivo #2 Quai D'Orsay No. 50 #3 Cohiba Talisman EL 2017 #4 (Two way tie) Montecristo 1935 Series Dumas Punch Regios Del Punch EL 2017 #5 H Upmann Connosseur B 2017 Habanos Specialist Series #6 (Three way tie) H Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013 Partagas Series E1 EL 2017 Quai D'Orsay No. 54 #7 (three way tie) Bolivar Soberano EL 2018 Montecristo 1935 Series Leyenda Romeo y Julieta Tacos EL 2018 #8 (Two way tie) Cohiba Robusto Reserva Cosecha 2013 Montecristo 1935 Series Maltes Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote. I've put the final voting tally below for reference so you can see how the votes ended up. I personally only tried 4 of the above with only one on multiple occasions. I think the Trinidad La Trova is a worthy of #1 status and may became a classic. Please feel free to discuss this "latest" batch of Habanos. What you liked, hated or otherwise felt "meh" towards. Final Poll results.

Hello everyone! Im a new member from NSW, Australia. I have a little experience with cigars, but getting into it properly now. I have a xikar humidor set up and packed a box of partagas shorts in it that i got today. Im keen to get my collection going!

Here's an interesting box. Was sent these pics from a friend @photorob who ordered a few boxes of PSD4's when they were on sale here a while back. (The 2 boxes for $318 sale) The markings on the box. "Partagas" "Hecho en Cuba" , the logo etc aren't burned in. They look like they're silk screened / printed on. Anyone else notice this on their boxes of PSD4 or other? Box code is OBM ABR 16 Serial #'s check out on Habanos site. So this isn't a "real vs fake" witch hunt. I've checked with Rob Ayala on this. He asked me to post the pics and he himself will look at the PSD4s he has in stock with the same box code, possibly from the same mastercases he put up on sale back then. Source is PCC. Now. On to the "evidence". Exhibit A: "25 Serie D No.4" - Top box is older, bottom one, recent. Exhibit B "Partagas Habana. Cuba. Top is older, bottom, recent. Exhibit C: Partagas round logo. Left is original, right is new. Exhibit D: "Habanos s.a. Hecho en Cuba" - New. Exhibit E: Inner, cedar sheet. New. Harder to tell from this shot. Thoughts? Anyone have something similar?

What do you think how old Cuban cigar should be for smoking? Is 1 year good or 3-4 years or more? And what do you think about consistency about Cuban cigars in a box?

Hello pals, my name is Martin and I am from Austria in Europe. I am 28 years old and a cigar aficionado since about 2010. It was one of the best decisions in my life! I live in the southern part of Austria. The region is called Styria and is affectionately called the green heart of Austria. Because there are so many trees, mountains (among others the alps) and beautiful lakes. I only smoke Cuban cigars. My favorite brands are: Partagas, H. Upmann and Bolivar. In any case, I like cigars with spicy and earthy flavors. At home I have two humidors, where I store my treasures. Now I am pleased to be a part of ths FOH community. Other hobbies of mine: travel the world, hiking, running, reading, good food and local wines. Best regards, Martin

Best New Cigars of 2014 Notes: Heavy emphasis on "new" since Habanos is not great with meeting release dates, many of the cigars listed were actually released late 2013. Not many have had a chance to smoke them, so I've bumped them up to make them eligible for 2014. This poll is just for fun. It is not the most scientific but it is hoped that we can capture FOH members' opinions on what they enjoyed the most the past year. (or so) I've taken this list of what was released late 2013 and throughout 2014 to come up with "Best of 2014" Candidates. The items not grayed out are eligible for the "Best of 2014" Voting. The one's grayed out can be voted on as your most anticipated release. One vote per question. Make it count. Poll closes Dec 31 11:59/23:59 (Czar time)

hey fellas... And ladies, name is Michael, go by mike. From chicago, I've been really getting into cigars for the past year. Have dabbled with cigars before than but after having a couple Cubans(pd4, hdm2, monte2) about a year ago I've just been hooked. Cigars really have almost grown to be kind of a passion of mine. I definitely will look forward to learning from all of you Mike

New to FOH, taking it all in... Started with cigars slowly in 2009, got sucked in 2012, thoroughly enjoying the tasting adventure and learning all I can. My brother got me hooked on puros and there's been no turning back. Cheers and happy to be here!

Hello fellow cigar enthusiast !! Mauricio is my name, born in Chile, living in sunny south florida for over 20 years!! Love montecristos and punch!! And a good Manhattan !!

Hi everyone I'm mike I live in Virginia with wife and 2 sons. Some new friends introduced me to cigars and I'm hooked. Can't belive I've wasted 40 years that I could have been smoking. As I said new to smoking cigars and am forced to smoke on a budget so any suggestions on a good value price cigar would be welcome. now to try to contribute to all of you anyone needing a good hygrometer i found a Meade TM005X-M on casa.com then if you add a Kikkerland Kikkerland Casino Bottle Opener you'll be over $35 and get free shipping then put in coupon code SPRINGCASA20 to get 20 % off so end cost for both is $28.78.

Hello, FOH, First of all I'd like to know if it's possible to talk about humidor sources. If not I ask to the moderators to delete this topic. My problem is simple: I need to go bigger but I live in Brazil and here it is not easy to find good humidors. Said that is there a place you trust to recommend? I already had a bad experience with Cheap Humidors and Aristocrat is expensive to me. At this moment I guess I need a 40-50 boxes humidor. There are 11 boxes in there way to me and they are totally homeless Just to let you know the boxes are: 1 Cohiba Magicos; 1 MC 2; 1 Cuaba Piramides 2008; 1 Vegueros Esp 2; 2 PSP2 (10); 1 Boli PC; 1 Rafael Gonzales PC; 1 520 2 RA Canada Gordito. Thank you Oliver