Humidification of New Box of Cigars

[Felixcigar]

Situation: Purchased a box of Illusione 88's a week or so ago. Wooden box came wrapped in factory cellophane. Put sticks in my very classy Ziplock disposable food container (basically a disposable version of Tupperware). I keep all my sticks in about a dozen different identical containers, each with its own Boveda 72% humidi-pak. I have a digital hygrometer that makes the rounds between containers and always reads 72%. I put the new Illusiones in a container and put in a new Boveda pak. The hygrometer has been reading a steady 65%. The sticks feel light, i.e., I've had properly humidified 88's that felt much more dense. Did I get a box of sticks that was not maintained at the proper humidity during its time at the retailer? I've bought boxes (of other brands from other vendors) before, and I've never experienced this. Do I have a problem, or will time resolve this?

[pnoon]

No problem.
It takes days to a week or two for RH to stabilize.

I think 72% is too wet but if it works for you that's all that matters.

[Garbandz]

1..is the Boveda pack a 72% ?
2.did you check sticks with your hygro before you put in the Boveda?
3. does your hygro read properly in your other humis?
4. can you check your results with a second hygro?
5.has the temp.remained fairly constant?

I agree,72% is outside my comfort range for cigars.63 to 67% is ideal for me in the 68 to75 degree range.

[cort]

65% is perfect bro. I think you will surprised how well they will smoke at this rh%. As Peter said it takes time. We have all been there where you want things to happen quickly and I know from experience that it's not easy being patient but I wouldn't worry about it and just let them sit for a few weeks to get acclimated and it will be all good.

[Ashcan Bill]

Like others have said, don't sweat it. Cigars are amazingly resilient, and can be kept in a wide range of humidity.

Much over the 72% you're shooting for, and I'd start worrying about mold. Much below 58%, I'd start getting mildly concerned about the smokes drying out. Anything between those two limits I'd call good.

It really depends on whether you prefer smoking a dryer or wetter cigar. Wetter they tend to draw harder, dryer they smoke hotter. It's up to you to find your sweet spot.

Me, I like 'em around 62% or so. Once every few months or so I actually look at my hygrometers, just to see if they still register a reading.

For a long time now I've gone primarily by how my little tobacco tubes feel.

[Felixcigar]

OK, panic mode off. Yes, I've been told before that 72% Boveda pak is too high: I will be ordering the 65% paks this week. Lots of other good smokes to choose from, so no worries. Thanks for sharing the wisdom. It will be interesting to see how they smoke at a lower humidity. I have to say, those Boveda paks make it so easy. Thanks again to all!

[lilninjabuddy]

Proof is in the smoking. Give one a try and see how she smokes. If they're really at 65, I'd bet dollars to donuts you'll love it way more than you did at 72%!

[dvickery]

humidity is all relative.

derrek

[Cincymike]

I don't use a hygrometer anymore. In my apartment, my old 1950's Dunhill humidor keeps my smokes at the mid-60's; I can tell this by the way they smoke. Cigars from most tobacconists are too wet off the shelf, but they have to store them that way because of the constant opening and closing of the doors in the case or the humidor (if its a walk-in).

[CigarInspector]

I am slightly confused by one portion of your post. You talk about moving your hygrometer from box to box. How long do you reseal the box and let it sit before reading your hygrometer? The simple act of opening and closing the box affects the humidity of the box. You could easily be reading an ambient humidity level instead of the sealed humidity level the cigars experience.

Time should correct the problem, but I suggest leaving the hygrometer in one box for a day or two and reading it through the lid, without breaking the seal. That is when you get an accurate reading of the box's current humidity level.

[quote=cort;1881032]65% is perfect bro...

+1 on this. I've made the mistake of firing up an aged Undercrown that was kept at a tad over 70% and it was like sucking a pea through a straw. My error - not the cigar. Undercrowns are one of the most forgiving cigars out there and usually perform flawlessly from 62 to 68% humidity. I keep my wineador and humidor at 66 / 66 and life is good! My 2c.
RR