Oliva Serie O storage

[kayaker]

So I've read quite a bit on this board that suggests 65% beads for storing cigars may be better that the usually recommended 70%. I bought 65% beads but my freshly calibrated digital hygrometer still reads 67-68% rh.

That's fine. However, I recently smoked an OSO robusto and really enjoyed it. I plan on picking up more so I looked them up. The standard text for the Serie O includes:
"Puros should be aged at generous humidity levels (70-78%) to preserve
the natural oil."

How much difference will it make if they are stored 65-70%? Should they be stored separately at the higher RH. If so, will they need to be dry boxed before smoking.

Please help a confuddled noob.

[Totemic]

78% RH?!?
Wow, I get all twitchy when I see 70% on my hygrometer given that I live in Mold City USA (aka Seattle area).

For the record, my Oliva O's are stored at 64% and thus far, I haven't noticed any degradation in taste/flavor. Of course, I've only been storing them that way for a bit over 2 months so who knows, may be after a year or two, they may get all dried out.

But then, the odds of my Olivas surviving that long without getting torched is slim to none given that I'm fast pushing 3+ cigars/day (if my doctor asks, it's still 1/day...just 1 very large cigar that just happen to come in three pieces...).

[elderboy02]

Wow! 70-78?

I keep mine at 65% and they smoke fine.

If you want an answer from an expert, PM BengalMan and ask him to respond in this thread.

[Rolando]

I have always heard that 75 is the high high end.

[BengalMan]

Originally Posted by kayaker

So I've read quite a bit on this board that suggests 65% beads for storing cigars may be better that the usually recommended 70%. I bought 65% beads but my freshly calibrated digital hygrometer still reads 67-68% rh.

That's fine. However, I recently smoked an OSO robusto and really enjoyed it. I plan on picking up more so I looked them up. The standard text for the Serie O includes:
"Puros should be aged at generous humidity levels (70-78%) to preserve
the natural oil."

How much difference will it make if they are stored 65-70%? Should they be stored separately at the higher RH. If so, will they need to be dry boxed before smoking.

Please help a confuddled noob.

Ian,

I have plenty of Oliva and its all stored at 68% and they all smoke great. While storing them a little higher to preserve the oils is true, storing at 68% is perfectly fine. Personally I think if they are stored in too high of humidity you may experience burn issues.

Throw em in the humi, smoke away and enjoy.

[ggainey]

My understanding is if you are AGING them to store at the higher RH. Not for smoking.

[kayaker]

Originally Posted by BengalMan

Ian,

I have plenty of Oliva and its all stored at 68% and they all smoke great. While storing them a little higher to preserve the oils is true, storing at 68% is perfectly fine. Personally I think if they are stored in too high of humidity you may experience burn issues.

Throw em in the humi, smoke away and enjoy.

Thanks Ian. I appreciate the info.

[BigCat]

Just wanted to compliment you on your avatar Kayaker. Boondock Saints is a great flick

[kayaker]

Originally Posted by BigCat

Just wanted to compliment you on your avatar Kayaker. Boondock Saints is a great flick

Thanks. One of my favourites.

[elderboy02]

Originally Posted by BigCat

Just wanted to compliment you on your avatar Kayaker. Boondock Saints is a great flick

Yes, it is a great movie. I think it is one of my favorites.

[kayaker]

Originally Posted by elderboy02

Yes, it is a great movie. I think it is one of my favorites.

Ha! I got it out first.

[spincycle]

this maybe a super n00b question but what does RH have to do with oil content of a cigar? oils don't evaporate, right?

[Snake Hips]

Originally Posted by spincycle

this maybe a super n00b question but what does RH have to do with oil content of a cigar? oils don't evaporate, right?

Not really, but they can dry out. A cigar improperly kept will lose its oils, and then it becomes almost irrecoverable. I don't know if it's evaporation, or what, but they go somewhere.

[Rev2010]

Originally Posted by spincycle

this maybe a super n00b question but what does RH have to do with oil content of a cigar? oils don't evaporate, right?

Oils do evaporate, they just take very very long. Also, oil is made up of molecular compounds of varying size. So, the lighter compounds in oil will evaporate a bit quicker than the heavier compounds.

In any event, I think Oliva mentions this simply cause they're talking about ageing on a long scale - over the span of years.


Rev.

[kayaker]

Originally Posted by Rev2010

In any event, I think Oliva mentions this simply cause they're talking about ageing on a long scale - over the span of years

Rev.

I don't think they will last quite that long in my humi.

Thanks for all the info.