Temperature and my stogies

[garyatmaui]

I have 2 humidors that I keep on my houseboat. I am only there on the weekends and obviously during the summer weeks between weekends the temperatures get very hot. My RH is staying between 65 and 70 but when I get to the boat the temperature is in the 80s or higher in my humidor. During the weekend when I am there with air on the temp gets into the low to mid 70s.
So my questions are
1. What will the high temps do to my stogies during the week?
2. Any suggestions as to keeping them cool during the week while I am gone? What would happen if I put them in the refrigerator during the week? In the humidor or out?
3. Other ideas?

[bobarian]

Originally Posted by garyatmaui

I have 2 humidors that I keep on my houseboat. I am only there on the weekends and obviously during the summer weeks between weekends the temperatures get very hot. My RH is staying between 65 and 70 but when I get to the boat the temperature is in the 80s or higher in my humidor. During the weekend when I am there with air on the temp gets into the low to mid 70s.
So my questions are
1. What will the high temps do to my stogies during the week?
2. Any suggestions as to keeping them cool during the week while I am gone? What would happen if I put them in the refrigerator during the week? In the humidor or out?
3. Other ideas?

Consistent temps over 75 can lead to an outbreak of beetles. Maybe below the waterline is a bit cooler? If not, then I would freeze everything. 72hrs should kill all eggs and larvae. I dont think putting the humi's in the fridge for an extended period would be safe. It might suck too much moisture out. You could take out all the smokes an put them in a tupperware or ziplock's, then store them in the fridge.

[Totemic]

Originally Posted by bobarian

Consistent temps over 75 can lead to an outbreak of beetles. Maybe below the waterline is a bit cooler? If not, then I would freeze everything. 72hrs should kill all eggs and larvae. I dont think putting the humi's in the fridge for an extended period would be safe. It might suck too much moisture out. You could take out all the smokes an put them in a tupperware or ziplock's, then store them in the fridge.

How likely is it for an outbreak with some of the premium brand cigars? I thought most of the higher end stuff already had some sort of fumigation or processing technique to kill off the beetle eggs/larvae?

I ask because I live in the Pacific Northwest where almost no one has AC in their homes. Consequently, during the summer months, it's possible to have a couple of weeks of 80+ temp. I'm trying to decide if I need to create a cooler for temporary storage for my cigars from my normal humidors.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Totemic

How likely is it for an outbreak with some of the premium brand cigars? I thought most of the higher end stuff already had some sort of fumigation or processing technique to kill off the beetle eggs/larvae?

Just as likely as any. Tobacco beetles know no difference. Virtually all manufacturer's freeze the cigars before they hit retailers to minimize them. Alot of folks don't have a/c's and never have a problem. Freeze first and ease your mind a bit if nothing else. A cooler can be a couple of degrees cooler than a regular humidor, too.

Here ars some PAM's after an outbreak. Can't get more higher end than these. http://www.clubstogie.com/photo/showphoto.php/photo/967

[hotreds]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Here ars some PAM's after an outbreak. Can't get more higher end than these. http://www.clubstogie.com/photo/showphoto.php/photo/967

Ach, it's just a flesh wound!

[mtb996]

Man, I cringe everytime I see that photo of the beetle PAMs. I would freeze your smokes and don't worry about it. Outside of beetles, there is no worry to the actual cigars due to high temps. Putting the humi into the fridge would be too risky for humidity fluctuations.

And enjoy the houseboat! SOunds like a great place to relax and have a cigar on the water!

[Totemic]

Ok, so I have about 100 cigars arriving in the next couple of days (if UPS tracking is to be believed). To freeze them and not lose their flavor, I just toss them into a freezer wrapped tightly in plastic and leave it there for 72 hours, after which I move them to the refridgerator for 24 hours, then into the humidor?

I should do this with all the boxes unopened and re-wrapped with plastic (either those cling wrap or freezer approved ziplock baggies while removing all the air from the bags)?

Does that sound about right?

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Totemic

Ok, so I have about 100 cigars arriving in the next couple of days (if UPS tracking is to be believed). To freeze them and not lose their flavor, I just toss them into a freezer wrapped tightly in plastic and leave it there for 72 hours, after which I move them to the refridgerator for 24 hours, then into the humidor?

I should do this with all the boxes unopened and re-wrapped with plastic (either those cling wrap or freezer approved ziplock baggies while removing all the air from the bags)?

Does that sound about right?

Yep but double up on the freezer ziplocks. Although, I like to let them sit at room temp for at least half a day before returning to the humidor.

[goatfarmer]

Simular issue during summer months, humi Rh consistant 65-68 and the temp can vary 65 to 75 plus in course of the day during summer, been this way for past 10 yrs. and never had a critter investation; perhaps just been lucky. Believe having a fan helps. Periodically check the condition of the cigars, and always inspect new arrivals before placing them in the humi. Get an urge to do some thing after seeing the PAM, then again, if it aint broken. Admittedly, would'nt know what I would do if beattle investation ruined my collection, freezing, perhaps better safe than sorry, what a dilemma.

[BamBam]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Just as likely as any. Tobacco beetles know no difference. Virtually all manufacturer's freeze the cigars before they hit retailers to minimize them. Alot of folks don't have a/c's and never have a problem. Freeze first and ease your mind a bit if nothing else. A cooler can be a couple of degrees cooler than a regular humidor, too.

Here ars some PAM's after an outbreak. Can't get more higher end than these. http://www.clubstogie.com/photo/showphoto.php/photo/967

That pic still breaks my heart

[O-Danger]

I freeze it all is it has been shippped to me. I havn't been at this long and I was unfortunate enough to loose a few sticks to beetles a few months back. You only need to be told once on this topic if you ask me. However if I pick up a stick or 2 at a local B&M I am less cautious because I know they have been cared for properly (I trust my source and his beautiful collection). Even though people say 72 hours I keep them in for a good 6 days in the freezer then 1 day in the fridge. This is because I don't have the freezing power to get it as cold as commercial methods. Although if you are like many of use and can't wait a week to try you sticks then just take out a couple and throw them in a tupperdor or small humi, whatever you have and enjoy. My

And when/ if you freeze, take the fish out of the freezer