Temperature/Humidity Questions

[bankerjoe]

With winter coming up, I was thinking about my humidor. I don't keep the heat on too much because, frankly, I don't really like it, it is expensive, my house stays warm enough, and I kind of like the cold. But my house can still get pretty chilly. Everything I read, though, says that cigars should be kept at 70°F/70% RH, or 65/65, etc. What I was wondering was does anyone know if there is an absolute humidity that cigars should be kept at? I find it hard to believe that the relative humidity is a driving factor (but please correct me if I am wrong).

 

[Big B]

In short, my answer and opinion is no. I like my smokes at 65 % and the temp in my house runs from 63 at night to 68 during the day. There are cigars out there that smoke better a little drier and some a little wetter but Im not experienced enough to tell. Try diff humidity's and see what works best for you. I personally wouldn't go lower than 63 or higher than 70.
Happy smoking

 

[DirtyDave]

RH is very important. If your cigars get too dry they will not smoke or taste right. 60% is usually the lowest that most people will go. Temperature is far less important, unless they get too hot.

 

[BlindedByScience]

As has been said, RH is definitely the figure of merit here. 65% is a very popular mid value, but it's without question a matter of personal preference. Ask 50 experienced cigar guys what the recommend and you'll likely get numbers from 58% to 75%.

Above 75%, mold risk increases exponentially. Above 70F, so does the risk of a beetle hatch. Use your own best judgement.

B.B.S.

 

[bankerjoe]

RH is very important. If your cigars get too dry they will not smoke or taste right. 60% is usually the lowest that most people will go. Temperature is far less important, unless they get too hot.

I understand if smokes get too dry that is a bad thing. 70°F/70%RH is not the same moisture content as 60°F/70%RH (the later is rather drier than the former). That is why I asked if there was an absolute humidity that needs to be a target.

Temperature is important in that respect. 50°F/70%RH is even drier (extreme, I know, but to make the point).

Although, from the sounds of it, I have nothing to worry about from previous posts. Thank you all.

 

[thechenman]

Also...different cigars are better at different humidity levels. While temperature is not as critical if maintained close to 70, it seems that Cuban cigars are better around 65% humity to even 60% Rh, while NCs and DRs tend to smoke better at 70% Rh.

 

[HumiDork]

Can't say it any better. Keep temp generally below 70* and RH generally between 60*-70*.

Also, @BlindedByScience, I f'ing love that quote from that General in your signature.

As has been said, RH is definitely the figure of merit here. 65% is a very popular mid value, but it's without question a matter of personal preference. Ask 50 experienced cigar guys what the recommend and you'll likely get numbers from 58% to 75%.

Above 75%, mold risk increases exponentially. Above 70F, so does the risk of a beetle hatch. Use your own best judgement.

B.B.S.