Humidity question

[Nickerson]

Heya guys.

I know the ideal range for storing cigars is 60% to 70% humidity. Some even say 68% to 72%. My humidors hygrometer says 65% to 75%.

What happens if you store over or under that though? I know of the short term effects.

TOO MOIST:

1. Cigar has a tight draw.
2. Cigar goes out frequently.
3. Cigar tastes "harsh".

TOO DRY:

1. Cigar wrapper cracks or splits.
2. Cigar burns too fast.
3. Cigar burns too hot.

Other than that, is there any other effects? Or long term effects?

We got the AC on in the house, but its very hot and humid outside. Today, the humidity has climbed from 72% to 78%. Nearly 80%! Should I be worried of any long term effects on my cigars?

I think this is a classic case of why beads are the best solution. I'm currently using 50/50 solution in floral foam. Beads not only release the humidity if it drops below the set % the beads are made for, but they absorb excess humidity if it goes over that %.

[madurolover]

If the cigars are too moist for a period of time they will probably develop mold.

If they stay too dry for a period of time then the essential oils will dry up and although you can rehydrate and make it smokable, it will lose a lot of it's flavor.

If it swings from one extreme to the other you take the risk of the wrapper swelling and cracking.

[Nickerson]

Thanks Donnie. Deffinetly don't want any mold. Yuck. Gotta get me some beads.

What would you recommend to lower the humidity?

It came with 2 humidifiers that attach to the lid of the humidor. I filled them both up with some 50/50 solution my father had. Should I leave it open for a little bit? Remove the humidifiers?

[madurolover]

Originally Posted by Nickerson

Thanks Donnie. Deffinetly don't want any mold. Yuck. Gotta get me some beads.

What would you recommend to lower the humidity?

It came with 2 humidifiers that attach to the lid of the humidor. I filled them both up with some 50/50 solution my father had. Should I leave it open for a little bit? Remove the humidifiers?

I would remove one of the humidifirs and leave it open for about an hour. Close it and wait a bit to check the humidity. If it is still high then open it back up for a while. Rinse and repeat.

High humidity isn't going to have an effect immediately but I would not want them that way over a few days.

[Phantom57]

Sounds like you need the beads. Most devices that come with humidors just won't properly do the job.