Cigar storage in Arizona

[M93]

Hello all,

I’m new here, and new to cigars. Had a few when I was younger and just recently started smoking cigars last month. I purchased a few from a store to celebrate a major milestone in my life and after a few online orders I now own over 200 nice sticks.

My first online order was from Famous, my second from Thompson, and most recently Cigar Page.

I’ve been storing them in Rubbermaid brilliance containers, and I’ve also purchased a few Sistema containers from Amazon. I also purchased a few traditional wooden humidors that I am currently setting up. I also have quality wireless and Wi-Fi hygrometers to monitor my sticks and track temp and humidity history.

My question: how do I store my cigars living in Arizona, in this desert, dry and hot climate? I’ve done extensive research on how to store cigars and I’ve quickly learned that I appreciate cigars store at lower RH levels of 65-68.

I would ideally like to keep my humidors/ tupperdores in a closet however it can be difficult to keep my temp in my home at that ideal 70 range. Even right now in these cooler months I’m usually at about 72-74 degrees, and in the summer it’s common for my home to be anywhere from 73-76/77. It’s expensive cooling my home in the summer time.
I’d like to know from the experience of others how to store cigars to avoid cigar beetles, etc.

I use boveda 65% packs in my plastic tupperdores, and will be using boveda 69% in my wooden humidors.
A lot of the cigars I purchased are high quality and all handmade premium sticks. Mainly Oliva, Cohiba, My Father, a few R y J’s, and I’ve been leaning towards Maduro type sticks.

Understanding the importance of stable humidity I am committed to keeping the RH stable and somewhere between 65-70, however the temperature is more of a concern, or should it be?

Would I be better off freezing my sticks to potentially avoid any cigar beetle outbreaks? I’ve been resting my cigars for a few weeks- a month now, because I’ve placed multiple separate orders.

I would greatly appreciate any help from as many people who live in similar climates and I would like to be assured that I am not being overly worried about my precious sticks so I can sleep better at night. I’ve definitely lost sleep over my concerns because I do appreciate a nice cigar stored properly and I’ve experienced it when they’re not in optimal condition.

Thank you

M

 

[Darin]

Welcome from another desert rat! We actually have it easier, IMHO, than people fighting excessive humidity. You're on the right track by using Tupperware style containers as the wooden desktop variety is almost impossible here. They are good for dry-boxing though. Larger storage options include coolers and wine fridges. The more the container is filled, the easier it is to maintain RH. Getting some cedar boxes or trays in there helps and silica beads keep it stable. Your temps sound fine at 65-75F, especially in an interior closet. Enjoy the journey!

 

[Mizicke5273]

Hello all,

I’m new here, and new to cigars. Had a few when I was younger and just recently started smoking cigars last month. I purchased a few from a store to celebrate a major milestone in my life and after a few online orders I now own over 200 nice sticks.

My first online order was from Famous, my second from Thompson, and most recently Cigar Page.

I’ve been storing them in Rubbermaid brilliance containers, and I’ve also purchased a few Sistema containers from Amazon. I also purchased a few traditional wooden humidors that I am currently setting up. I also have quality wireless and Wi-Fi hygrometers to monitor my sticks and track temp and humidity history.

My question: how do I store my cigars living in Arizona, in this desert, dry and hot climate? I’ve done extensive research on how to store cigars and I’ve quickly learned that I appreciate cigars store at lower RH levels of 65-68.

I would ideally like to keep my humidors/ tupperdores in a closet however it can be difficult to keep my temp in my home at that ideal 70 range. Even right now in these cooler months I’m usually at about 72-74 degrees, and in the summer it’s common for my home to be anywhere from 73-76/77. It’s expensive cooling my home in the summer time.
I’d like to know from the experience of others how to store cigars to avoid cigar beetles, etc.

I use boveda 65% packs in my plastic tupperdores, and will be using boveda 69% in my wooden humidors.
A lot of the cigars I purchased are high quality and all handmade premium sticks. Mainly Oliva, Cohiba, My Father, a few R y J’s, and I’ve been leaning towards Maduro type sticks.

Understanding the importance of stable humidity I am committed to keeping the RH stable and somewhere between 65-70, however the temperature is more of a concern, or should it be?

Would I be better off freezing my sticks to potentially avoid any cigar beetle outbreaks? I’ve been resting my cigars for a few weeks- a month now, because I’ve placed multiple separate orders.

I would greatly appreciate any help from as many people who live in similar climates and I would like to be assured that I am not being overly worried about my precious sticks so I can sleep better at night. I’ve definitely lost sleep over my concerns because I do appreciate a nice cigar stored properly and I’ve experienced it when they’re not in optimal condition.

Thank you

M

In regards to the freezing to kill beetle eggs; last I heard a normal home freezer will not work. I think you need a sub-zero freezer, to ensure you actually kill the eggs. And I don't think it is as easy as putting them in and pulling them out. You have to take care not to let them warm up too quickly, or the wrapper can split. So there is a process to it and some trial and error involved.

When I was first starting out, my desktop and coolers often sat in my room where it was 75° to 79° during the day in the summer months. I kept them at around 65% humidity. Now, I will not say I had zero beetle related possibilities, as there were some cigars that had the hole in them. But this was back in 2007 and so. Back then, I think it was more prevalent getting a new cigar in with a beetle hole in it; depending on where you bought it from online and how shipping took. All that said, I never had an out break, saw a beetle, or had a cigar with more than one hole in it.

Basically, try not to think too much about, see how things go, and enjoy the hobby!

 

[BlindedByScience]

IMO, beetles are almost not a thing, anymore. The tobacco industry got hip pretty fast, and good ways to eliminate them at many steps along the way are taken. I once heard from reliable sources of a very big cigar name that freezes every load they get, can't confirm. And, stuff from the 'island south of Miami' is almost unaffordable, so there's that. In decades of cigars, I've seen exactly one beetle issue, and it was a couple decades ago. I've never frozen, never had an issue. And, I've seen 'a few' cigars over time. As they say, one man's opinion......