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

[JJG]

Originally Posted by paris1129

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?

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

Originally Posted by paris1129

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.

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]

Originally Posted by JJG

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.
Posted via Mobile Device

[cherrybomb]

63 here

[Ashcan Bill]

Originally Posted by paris1129

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.

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

[T.G]

Originally Posted by paris1129

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[TripleF]

fffan of 65% here!

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.

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?

They either us Scott's beads that you customize or they use active humidifaction. That's my guess.
Posted via Mobile Device

[T.G]

Originally Posted by 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?

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)

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

[T.G]

Originally Posted by coastietech

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

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]

Originally Posted by T.G

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.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by Footbag

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

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]

Originally Posted by Ashcan Bill

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.

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.

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.