Humidity Question From Newbie

[JS0828]

The humidity level in my humi won't seem to get above 62% (on my Little Havana hygro.) At this level, will my cigars eventually dry out? I am going to add more humidification, but still would like to know the answer.

Thanks!

[NCRadioMan]

No. Many here prefer the rh in the low 60's including me. Less burn problems and more of a "pop" in the flavor of cigars. Mine stays between 60-64%.

Welcome to CS!

[Linder]

At 62%, your cigars will be perfectly fine. In fact, you may notice they may light a little easier

Some people prefer 60%, others 65%, others at 70%.

From what I can tell, a humidity level that says constant is more important than one at a particular percentage.

Now would be a good time to introduce yourself so why not head on over to the newbie forum now?

By the way, welcome to Club Stogie!

[JS0828]

Originally Posted by Linder

At 62%, your cigars will be perfectly fine. In fact, you may notice they may light a little easier

Some people prefer 60%, others 65%, others at 70%.

From what I can tell, a humidity level that says constant is more important than one at a particular percentage.

Now would be a good time to introduce yourself so why not head on over to the newbie forum now?

By the way, welcome to Club Stogie!

Wow, thanks for the fast response guys!

[Nabinger16]

Another thing to look into is the accuracy of your hygrometer. I have yet to find one that wasn't 4 or 5 percent off from the factory. If it is off and you decide to pursue that common 70% number, you could in reality be pushing 75% or more inside your humi which could lead to mold issues.

Welcome to the Jungle!
Trent

[n2advnture]

Definitely replace the battery in your digital hygrometer and calibrate at least once a year. (weak batteries can give false readings and inexpensive (eg non-professional) hygrometers can "drift" throughout the course of a year).

BTW - RH is definitely a personal preference but I have been aging cigars at 65% RH for nearly 10 years now and since then have had virtually zero burn, draw or flavor problems as they relate to relative humidity and not just poor construction.

I hope this helps
~Mark

[JS0828]

Thanks for the help. Now, for one more question, as I am new! Say I buy a new box of cigars, and just let them sit out on the counter. RH in my area this time of year is around 35%. How long until the cigars "go bad?" And, do they really go bad, or would I be able to put them in my humi later and simply hydrate them to my liking? THANKS!

[RPB67]

Originally Posted by JS0828

The humidity level in my humi won't seem to get above 62% (on my Little Havana hygro.) At this level, will my cigars eventually dry out? I am going to add more humidification, but still would like to know the answer.

Thanks!

This is actually a perfect humidity. Your cigars will rest perfectly at 62%.

Anything between 60-65% is ideal for storage of your cigars.

[Nabinger16]

If the box was left closed and the box was at 65-70% I would guess about a week or two before they started drying out significantly. Cigars can be dehydrated, but some say they are never really the same. There is a number of ways it can be done. Click Here

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by JS0828

Thanks for the help. Now, for one more question, as I am new! Say I buy a new box of cigars, and just let them sit out on the counter. RH in my area this time of year is around 35%. How long until the cigars "go bad?" And, do they really go bad, or would I be able to put them in my humi later and simply hydrate them to my liking? THANKS!

Simply place the box in a large ziplock bag or tupperware and you won't have to worry about it for weeks.

[cman78]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Simply place the box in a large ziplock bag or tupperware and you won't have to worry about it for weeks.

That or a large tupperware container, or a cooler will work as well. Also here is a little test you can conduct on your Hygro to see if it is accurate.
http://www.cigarsinternational.com/html/cig101_12st.asp

[JS0828]

What if I just put cigars in cellophane on the counter, not in a box? How long can this happen before I should be concerned?

Thanks!

[NCRadioMan]

What exactly do you mean by "cellophane"? Like Saran Wrap?

[Infin1ty]

I think he means the celophane that a lot of cigars come in.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Infin1ty

I think he means the celophane that a lot of cigars come in.

Perhaps, but I don't like to ass/u/me.