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Storage question

Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 4:08 pm
by Cohim
In the 80's when I bought my first humi, the norm was to keep cigars perfect they must be kept at 70/70. Now I hear of all sorts of different reasons that people keep at different RH. I live in an incredibly humid environment, so I tend to stay around 68 rh for the most part. I find if I go any dryer, the wrapper starts to unravel, and If I go to 70 rh or more, the cigar gets too soft, and sometimes it will taste bitter.

Is there a specific temp to keep cigars? My office is on a hold program for 70* during the summer, and 65* or lower in the winter. (I like cold because i'm fat). Does temperature play a  role as to what the cigar will develop into, or is it all up to the rh? I understand that a frozen cigar won't age proper, but am I keeping things too cold?

One more thought/ question. Do different cigars do better at different rh, or are all tobacco's aging the same?

I'm in the planning stages with Bob Stabell to commission a new large capacity humidor/ work of beauty. I want to make sure I get things right.... :bigup:

Re: Storage question

Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 7:25 pm
by TheGiver
I can't wait to see this thread. I'll just keep my opinions to myself. :p :nana:

Ok, no I won't. 63-72%RH and 62-72° and you'll be fine. I honestly don't think I have ever seen "proven" data on this. Flavor and quality are just too subjective. My opinion is [b]stability[/b] in RH and temp is more important that the actual #'s themselves. My goodies sit 67% and indoor temp fluctuates from 65-75 thoroughly the year. But my wineadore inside temps don't fluctuate much at all.

Re: Storage question

Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 8:53 pm
by kombat96
This topic is way over done and subjective.

Region plays a big part on what you will have to use for ur rh and temp control.

That being said, u never want any temp at or above 70, beetles wake up around the high temps.
Rh is dependant on how u like ur smokes. Me I prefer the 62-65 rh range.

Re: Storage question

Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 9:40 pm
by Cohim
It may have been way over done to you, but I'm just trying to get my legs back under me. I have not been on the scene for quite some time, and I'm rebuilding my collection, and equipment. I'm just looking to others for lessons learned. Before, I was using the Diamond crown humidifier (sucked, and it leaked), and florist foam for humidification. When the hygrometer hit 72 I would pull out the humidifiers , and when it hit 65 I would put ti back in. Now...... there are humi packs, set and forget, cigar oasis, and other types of gadgets that hold your rh steady for long periods of time. I'm just looking for a little insight, not to beat the dead horse. :horse:

Re: Storage question

Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 10:23 pm
by kombat96
Beads, few brands. Heartfelt etc..
pretty much set and forget.

Re: Storage question

Posted: Tue May 20, 2014 12:44 am
by Pole Lock
I must agree with the beads.  I use Heartfelt, but supposedly HCM are even better.  HCM are more money and I've never had a complaint about my Heartfelt except they break over time.

Personally, I keep 3 humis at ~65% (these are almost all CC) and one at 70% for my Fuentes & La Auroras.  My wife is a creature comfort type so we keep the house between 65-70 degrees F pretty much all year long, which helps.

If you're prone to being anal about maintaining consistent temps/RH then I would absolutely invest in a wineador.

Re: Storage question

Posted: Tue May 20, 2014 12:51 am
by TheGiver
Wineadore on craigslist for under $50. Look for ones where the board is broken. You don't need the cooling system anyway. HCM beads FTW!

Re: Storage question

Posted: Tue May 20, 2014 2:07 am
by Cohim
These beads. Are they like the climaxx beads of old? A silica type, glass looking bead? Do you have to load them by over humidifying them?

Those humi pouches look pretty easy to work with.

Re: Storage question

Posted: Tue May 20, 2014 3:12 am
by leftCoast1963
[quote author=Cohim link=topic=27053.msg117494#msg117494 date=1400551661]
These beads. Are they like the climaxx beads of old? A silica type, glass looking bead? Do you have to load them by over humidifying them?

Those humi pouches look pretty easy to work with.
[/quote]the beads come "trained" but you may have to recharge them periodically depending on your setup and local environment. They rock for humidification IMO. Can be found in 65 or 70 percent RH Value.

Re: Storage question

Posted: Tue May 20, 2014 3:37 am
by TheGiver
HCM are made of clay. Unlike Heartfelt and kitty litter which are silica.

Boveda bags works fine to. As long as you can afford them.

[quote author=Cohim link=topic=27053.msg117494#msg117494 date=1400551661]
These beads. Are they like the climaxx beads of old? A silica type, glass looking bead? Do you have to load them by over humidifying them?

Those humi pouches look pretty easy to work with.
[/quote]