65% or 70%.... which is better

[ZachF88]

I've been reading a lot on the internet that keeping cigars at 65% RH is better for flavour and age, also creating fewer draw and burn problems. Is this true?

This is for cubans and non-cubans (Nicaragua) as well....

[Mugen910]

60-65%

[14holestogie]

Yes. Personal preference, really, but you'll find less draw issues at a lower humidity.

[eber]

I personally like to keep mine at 65% I find that they burn better and taste better. YMMV

[NCRadioMan]

Personal preference
:tpd: Some like them closer to 70, some like them in the 50's. I would suggest you experiment and see what you like. I keep all my cigars 59-63%. I have less draw issues, burn issues and I think the flavor "pops" more.

[T.G]

Yes. Personal preference, really, but you'll find less draw issues at a lower humidity.

:tpd: Some like them closer to 70, some like them in the 50's. I would suggest you experiment and see what you like. I keep all my cigars 59-63%. I have less draw issues, burn issues and I think the flavor "pops" more.

Ditto what NCRadioMan says. Although personally, I keep my cigars closer to 59%-61% than 63%.

[shilala]

63% seems perfect to me. When I started keeping cigars, I tried around 70% and have kept working my way down.
65% is fine, too. Any higher and the problems start.
My cigars seem to taste best at 63-65%, too. Some are better a little wetter, some are better a little drier, but 63-65% is kinda my all-around rule of thumb.

[kenstogie]

I like 65%, however I keep mine at 70% because of the dry winters here in the NE. Doesn't make it right just what I do.

[Blueface]

65% works pretty well for me.
Would not like them any higher than that.

[e-man67]

62% currently

[htown]

What about those cigars with more delicate wrappers? It has been my experience they sometimes will split when you smoke them if kept at lower RH levels.

[elderboy02]

65%

[T.G]

What about those cigars with more delicate wrappers? It has been my experience they sometimes will split when you smoke them if kept at lower RH levels.

Mist the wrapper down with distilled water before smoking.

[Blueface]

What about those cigars with more delicate wrappers? It has been my experience they sometimes will split when you smoke them if kept at lower RH levels.

Mist the wrapper down with distilled water before smoking.

That works and also, you can always move those closer to the humidifier.

[marge796]

I keep mine at 65% as well. They burn and taste better being stored at this RH level. :2


Chris.....

[Footbag]

For me 63~ is best. If I keep them at 70, I don't like the way they taste, burn or draw. 65 is good, but they sometimes get a bit bitter during changes of seasons, so I push it down a couple points more and seem to have the best luck there.

[NCRadioMan]

What about those cigars with more delicate wrappers? It has been my experience they sometimes will split when you smoke them if kept at lower RH levels.

Cameroons can be tricky. They probably do need to be kept at a little higher rh. When they get dry they get very brittle and flake off and crack like crazy. Good thing I have none. :D

[Starscream]

I keep mine between 59-63. I know some will say that 59 is too low, but I have better luck in that range.

[darkninja67]

63-65%
I think there was a poll here once and the majority of members were at 65% RH

[JJG]

I think most everybody here uses the 60-65% beads. I used to have 70% rh gel in the humi though and I honestly cannot tell any difference between the way my cigars smoked then and how they burn now. CCs and NCs

[kaisersozei]

My cooler stays right around 70%, but I rarely smoke my cooler stock. These are either gifting/sending cigars, or I'll rotate them to one of my humidors to sit for awhile before smoking. The humi's run 63-65% except in the winter when that drops to about 60%. Just about everything burns & smokes perfectly, so it works for me.

[Namerifrats]

I use heartfelt 65% beads. I usually keep the RH around 65%-60%. If it drops to 58% or lower, I mist the beads again.

[ucla695]

I used to keep mine around 70% and had all sorts of burn and draw issues so I dropped it down to around 62%. I've hardly had any problems since. :tu

[RIsmoker]

I prefer to keep my humidor around 72-74%, it's all about personally preference.

[Mugen910]

I prefer to keep my humidor around 72-74%, it's all about personally preference.

yes and no.


Yes, it is personal preference if you prefer to smoke your cigars a bit on the moist side.

No, it is not personal preference due to smoking issues that arise...It's been debated before many times over and I'm sure the OP would/could have found the discussion if he tried a tad harder but I digress.

I have found that keeping my cigars closer to 70% will create tunneling issues during my burn. I have also found that my cigars tend to have a harder time staying lit.

I'm not one to argue so try it out and see if you get more or less problems smoking. I don't smoke too often so I could be wrong all over.

[SkinsFanLarry]

63% seems perfect to me. When I started keeping cigars, I tried around 70% and have kept working my way down.
65% is fine, too. Any higher and the problems start.

My cigars seem to taste best at 63-65%, too. Some are better a little wetter, some are better a little drier, but 63-65% is kinda my all-around rule of thumb.

I feelings exactly! :tu

[longknocker]

Anywhere From 60-65 After Many Years Of Trial & Error!:tu

[tobii3]

I keep all my cigars 59-63%. I have less draw issues, burn issues and I think the flavor "pops" more.

The Dude Abides.

:D

It takes a LOT of smoking to figure this out!

And, as RadioMan said, Cameroon is a b*tch. I have a separate humidor completely JUST for those.

[DoctaJ]

I like to use 70% beads...they keep at just about 68% at 70 degrees.

[icehog3]

yes and no.


Yes, it is personal preference if you prefer to smoke your cigars a bit on the moist side.

No, it is not personal preference due to smoking issues that arise...It's been debated before many times over and I'm sure the OP would/could have found the discussion if he tried a tad harder but I digress.

I have found that keeping my cigars closer to 70% will create tunneling issues during my burn. I have also found that my cigars tend to have a harder time staying lit.

I'm not one to argue so try it out and see if you get more or less problems smoking. I don't smoke too often so I could be wrong all over.


I agree wth Bao's assessment, 74% not only can lead to burn issues but also to the dreaded mold issues.

Me? I like 60-62%. I also have a separate desktop for NCs that I keep at 65%.

[shilala]

I agree wth Bao's assessment, 74% not only can lead to burn issues but also to the dreaded mold issues.

Me? I like 60-62%. I also have a separate desktop for NCs that I keep at 65%.
74% is getting real close to mold issues. It only takes 80% for mold to grow and thrive. It's a dangerous place to be, especially considering some spots can get wetter than others.
I keep a 65% for my cc's and singles and odd stuff, but the bulk of my ready to smoke stuff is at 63%.
The actual amount of water in a cigar from 60 to 65% is so tiny that it's amazing how much difference the flavor and burn can be. It's really interesting, too. And fun to mess with. :tu

[Ashcan Bill]

For long term storage I keep my cabinet at 65-70%. I personally think cigars age better at a little higher RH, but many would disagree with me.

Like the Admiral I have a separate NC humidor I keep around 65%.

My "smoking" humidor I keep 60% beads in. Don't have a hygrometer in that one - I just trust the beads.

[Kreth]

Started out at 65%. I got some of Scott's beads during the last go round and my desktop settled at 60%. Since I'd read that some of the members here liked the low 60s or even high 50s, I decided to give it a shot. I'm having fewer burn issues as long as I give new sticks a few weeks to acclimate, and it does seem to make the flavors pop more.
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[markem]

I guess I am the odd duck. Load of burn and draw issues at 63% but little or now problems at 66-67%. As has been said, it is all personal preference, which may require some experimentation.

The trick of getting the wrapper slightly (stress slightly) damp before smoking has worked well for me in smoking outside in cold temps where the humidity is either way up or way down. :tu

[larryinlc]

I like to keep mine at 67.3256 rh. Just kidding.:D Truthfully, I'm totally okay with anything between 65 and 70 which is where it usually is. Why? I have fluctuating beads, I think. I have more issues with poorly rolled cigars than I have with rh, and even this is not that much.

Larry

[AD720]

Low 60's here.

70% makes me more worried than 50%.

[AD720]

That works and also, you can always move those closer to the humidifier.

:tpd: Or, if you have a cooler or cabinet, towards the top. RH rises.

[paris1129]

For long term storage I keep my cabinet at 65-70%. I personally think cigars age better at a little higher RH, but many would disagree with me.

Like the Admiral I have a separate NC humidor I keep around 65%.

My "smoking" humidor I keep 60% beads in. Don't have a hygrometer in that one - I just trust the beads.

Forgive me ignorance, but what does the "NC" stand for?

[T.G]

Forgive me ignorance, but what does the "NC" stand for?

NC = Non Cuban (Cigar)

vs.

CC = Cuban Cigar

[paris1129]

NC = Non Cuban (Cigar)

vs.

CC = Cuban Cigar

Thanks! Out of curiosity, is there a reason why non-cuban cigars should be kept separate from cubans?

As far as rh settings, I just recently got a montegue cabinet humidor and am in the process of filling it. So far I have been keeping it right around 68-70, but after reading this thread, I am considering lowering the rh a bit...

[JJG]

Forgive me ignorance, but what does the "NC" stand for?

"non-Cuban"

not surprisingly, Cuban cigars are referred to as "CCs"

edit: question answered. damn you guys are fast.

while we're at it, Can someone explain what this popular smilie is supposed to represent? :r

I've always felt like I should know but never wanted to ask.

Thanks! Out of curiosity, is there a reason why non-cuban cigars should be kept separate from cubans?

The only reason I can think of is that Cubans are rolled a bit tighter than NCs and smoke a little easier when dry. Also, the popular wisdom is that Cubans taste better at a lower RH, but if Cubans taste better at a lower RH, I would think NCs would too. and I've never actually heard of anyone keeping them separately.

[strider]

ROFL:) Roling on floor laughing. Highlight it and it gives text. Without the HL i would have said roflmao:)

[maverickdrinker]

62 to 65 RH is what I use as well. never had burn or tunnelling issues yet.

[Kreth]

The only reason I can think of is that Cubans are rolled a bit tighter than NCs and smoke a little easier when dry. Also, the popular wisdom is that Cubans taste better at a lower RH, but if Cubans taste better at a lower RH, I would think NCs would too. and I've never actually heard of anyone keeping them separately.
I believe the reasoning is that NCs are aged before shipping, and considered ready to smoke, where CCs (in general) need some rest.
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[cherrybomb]

63 here

[Ashcan Bill]

Thanks! Out of curiosity, is there a reason why non-cuban cigars should be kept separate from cubans?



The only reason I keep 'em separate is so I can actually find the darn things if the mood hits. :ss

I don't bother moving them to my 60% "smoking" humidor only because the NCs smoke fine at a higher RH.

[T.G]

Thanks! Out of curiosity, is there a reason why non-cuban cigars should be kept separate from cubans?


I don't separate them.


Opinions vary though.

/shrug

[ZenSilk]

I had a plethora of problems at 70%, and eventually a tiny bout of beetles when the heat and humidity fluctuated a tad too far. 65% i have experienced stays pretty steady, and my cigars always smoke supremely :)

It's all just up to you though.

[longknocker]

For me 63~ is best. If I keep them at 70, I don't like the way they taste, burn or draw. 65 is good, but they sometimes get a bit bitter during changes of seasons, so I push it down a couple points more and seem to have the best luck there.

Interesting! I Was Wondering Why Some Of My Smokes Are Bitter in the cold weather @ 65. I Need To Try 62-63! Thanks!:tu

[TripleF]

fffan of 65% here!

[BC-Axeman]

Do you leave your cello on or off. You may want to set up three or four humidors with different humidities. One for cello-on NCs. Another for cello-off NCs. A different one for CCs. Maybe another one for long term storage. That should do, you wouldn't want to get too OC about it.

[coastietech]

I'm curious as to how some of the members here get there humi's to stay at these odd rH's, ie 62-64%...

They make 60%, 65%, and 70% beads.... How are you getting your humi's to maintain anything other than one of the general rH's with any type of accuracy?

I use 65% beads in my humi's, well humi now, and it stays rock solid at 65% so if I was interested in lower the rH to around 62% how would I go about doing that with out having to open and leave open the humi everyday?

[leasingthisspace]

They either us Scott's beads that you customize or they use active humidifaction. That's my guess.
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[T.G]

I'm curious as to how some of the members here get there humi's to stay at these odd rH's, ie 62-64%...

They make 60%, 65%, and 70% beads.... How are you getting your humi's to maintain anything other than one of the general rH's with any type of accuracy?

I use 65% beads in my humi's, well humi now, and it stays rock solid at 65% so if I was interested in lower the rH to around 62% how would I go about doing that with out having to open and leave open the humi everyday?

I take "What is a Cigar Oasis, Hydra, Humi-Care electronic, Habitat Monitor, or Moist-n-Aire active humidifier?" for $100 alex.

(I have a Habitat Monitor HM-II)

[coastietech]

Hmmm I'm may have to look into those options. Thank you:tu

[T.G]

Hmmm I'm may have to look into those options. Thank you:tu

They work well, but one thing they won't do is remove humidity from your humidor, and depending on where you are and what the climate is, this might be an issue at certain times of the year.

FYI - if you are looking at the humidifiers for purchase, the Hydra and Humi-Care electronic (sold exclusively by CI) are the exact same units, just different color plastic. All parts and accessories are interchangeable. Usually the Humi-Care electronic can be had for a much lower price too.

[Footbag]

I take "What is a Cigar Oasis, Hydra, Humi-Care electronic, Habitat Monitor, or Moist-n-Aire active humidifier?" for $100 alex.

(I have a Habitat Monitor HM-II)

You missed the Avallo Acuumonitor... Which is what I'm using.:tu

[T.G]

You missed the Avallo Acuumonitor... Which is what I'm using.:tu

I'm sure that's not the only one I missed.

[Ashcan Bill]

I only use beads in my small humi.

I run a Oasis in the large one, and a Set & Forget in the cabinet.

In truth I don't worry all that much about the numbers. I glance at the hygrometers in the cabinet on occasion, but for the most part I let the condition of the cigars tell me what I need to know. I think people worry way too much about the numbers.

[pnoon]

In truth I don't worry all that much about the numbers. I glance at the hygrometers in the cabinet on occasion, but for the most part I let the condition of the cigars tell me what I need to know. I think people worry way too much about the numbers.
:tpd: My feelings exactly.

If you like the way your cigars are smoking, who cares what the number is? And unless you have an extremely high end laboratory grade hygrometer, all the measurements as well as calibration are approximations at best. :2

I strive for 65% but as long as I maintain somewhere between 58% and 70% AND I am happy with the burn/draw, nothing else matters.

[Ratters]

I think people pay way too much attention to RH. Cigars are much more hardy than we give them credit for. I think the weather outside when I'm smoking affects there burn as much as what I store them at. I just use 65% beads, spritz them every once in awhile and forget about it. If things start getting crunchy I'll spritz the beads some more. :ss The only time I use a hygrometer is if I'm seasoning a humi.