RH difference?

03-02-2009, 07:33 PM

Does anybody else not notice any difference in how their sticks smoke when they are rested between a certain RH%?

I just try to keep mine at 65%ish so they don't get to dry/wet.
Maybe I just haven't smoked long enough to tell..

So, for those of you that can notice a difference(I'm assuming I'm the only one who can't,

), what kind of change do you notice?

karmaz00 · 03-02-2009, 08:37 PM

i keep mine around 68-70 ...not to wet, but not dry enough to make them brittle

icehog3 · 03-02-2009, 11:10 PM

I find dryer than 60% leads them to burn hot, fast, and "nasty".

Above 68% and I have problems keeping them lit and burning straight.

I keep mine at 63% and prefer the way they smoke at that RH.

Keep in mind I smoke about 98% Cuban, and I understand that some people prefer their NCs closer to 70% than to 65%.

Kreth · 03-02-2009, 11:16 PM

My humi runs 63-66%. I haven't had any burn issues with smokes that I've let rest a bit.

Lucky_Hippo · 03-03-2009, 07:07 AM

I used to keep my smokes at the hard set 70/70 rule back in the 1990s. That's what just about everyone strived for. Any magazine article, cigar book, or b&m owner swore by the 70/70 rule (70% humidity - 70 degrees) and anything else was kind of wrong. I had a lot of cigars tunnel, canoe and sputter out when not constantly puffed on. I'm no expert, but since the internet boards blew up over the last 7 or 8 years a new consensus by actual cigar smokers have generaly lowered that number to somewhere around 65%. I switched over about 4 years ago and couldn't be happier with the way my sticks burn now. If I have an issue with a tunnel, canoe or faint ember it's either a construction problem or they havn't been in the humi long enough to settle down.

Everyone has differnt taste and expectations from thier own cigars. I'd suggest keeping one at 70% and another at 63% (you can use tupperware) for a month and try them back to back to see if you notice any preference.

Enjoy!!

md4958 · 03-03-2009, 07:21 AM

I prefer to smoke on the drier side of 65%.

I have smoked sticks stored at 55%... you have to sip on them so they dont overheat.

03-03-2009, 10:02 AM

I keep my cigars between 68 and 70% and always have a great cigar burn. I also dry box them for a day at least before smoking. This routine gives me optimum smokeability. Everyone has their own routine as to how they like their 'gars',,,I don't like a cigar that has a 60-64 RH,,just burns too dry for my tastes,,,but that's me.

kaisersozei · 03-03-2009, 10:32 AM

I have coolidor sticks at 70/70% and a humi that runs around 68/62-65. The humi struggles to maintain 60-63 in the winter. I let my cooler sticks drybox for a day or so prior to smoking, otherwise they just burn funny; my humi sticks are typically razor straight and draw much better. ymmv

NCRadioMan · 03-03-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3

I find dryer than 60% leads them to burn hot, fast, and "nasty".

Above 68% and I have problems keeping them lit and burning straight.

I keep mine at 63% and prefer the way they smoke at that RH.

Keep in mind I smoke about 98% Cuban, and I understand that some people prefer their NCs closer to 70% than to 65%.

Same here but I also prefer my nc's at the same low rh too. Of course, 99% of my nc's are Pepins and he says to store his cigars between 60-65 for optimum enjoyment. When stored too wet, I find they are a bit harsh and the flavors are muted as well.

icehog3 · 03-03-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cigary

I keep my cigars between 68 and 70% and always have a great cigar burn. I also dry box them for a day at least before smoking. This routine gives me optimum smokeability. Everyone has their own routine as to how they like their 'gars',,,I don't like a cigar that has a 60-64 RH,,just burns too dry for my tastes,,,but that's me.

Don't you think that if you store a cigar at 68%, dry box it for a day or more, then you are smoking it when the RH has reached 64% or less? I would guess the RH would drop at least 4% in >24 hours of dryboxing, so what's the difference between that and a cigar stored at 64%? Not being a smart-arse, really curious about the logic.

WildBlueSooner · 03-03-2009, 04:28 PM

My humi usually hovers between 67-69%. I have not had any problems yet. Temp wise it is at 66F right now.

Starscream · 03-03-2009, 05:05 PM

60-65 for me. I tend to have burn and draw issues w/ sticks that rest at 67 and up.

Smokin Gator · 03-03-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3

Don't you think that if you store a cigar at 68%, dry box it for a day or more, then you are smoking it when the RH has reached 64% or less? I would guess the RH would drop at least 4% in >24 hours of dryboxing, so what's the difference between that and a cigar stored at 64%? Not being a smart-arse, really curious about the logic.

I thought the same thing... I am curious!!!

I keep most of my sticks at about 65% and dry box smaller RG stuff for a day or so. Most of the time that works for me.

DocLogic77 · 03-03-2009, 06:46 PM

60-65% for me...and I know a few knowledgeable BOTL who keep theirs lower. 70 is way too wet.

WildBlueSooner · 03-03-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocLogic77

60-65% for me...and I know a few knowledgeable BOTL who keep theirs lower. 70 is way too wet.

Maybe way to wet for you. I have smoked many sticks at 70 and enjoyed them. However, I do prefer around 68%

ucla695 · 03-03-2009, 09:11 PM

62-65% here. I haven't had many draw, burn problems at these levels.

DocLogic77 · 03-03-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildBlueSooner

Maybe way to wet for you. I have smoked many sticks at 70 and enjoyed them. However, I do prefer around 68%

Yes, too wet for me...sorry I didn't clarify.

I believe the french like theirs higher than 70% so to each their own. But, I have also noticed alot of burn issues with my sticks on the higher humidity side.

TomHagen · 03-03-2009, 10:14 PM

I aim for 67%. One long term humi is at 67-69, short-term/ready to smoke at 63-67%.

Pete Johnson from Tat keeps his walk-in at 67-68, and I smoke a lot of Tat, DPG, CC, so I go for that range and have been successful for my taste. 63 and under is too low for me.

03-04-2009, 12:10 AM

Thanks for the responses guys!

I'll have to test a couple smokes and see what would be prime for my smoking, but right now I'm good with my RH.

WildBlueSooner · 03-04-2009, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocLogic77

Yes, too wet for me...sorry I didn't clarify.

I believe the french like theirs higher than 70% so to each their own. But, I have also noticed alot of burn issues with my sticks on the higher humidity side.

Perhaps I will have to try a little lower. Maybe I will like cigars even more

03-02-2009, 07:33 PM	#1
Chompers Guest Posts: n/a	RH difference? Does anybody else not notice any difference in how their sticks smoke when they are rested between a certain RH%? I just try to keep mine at 65%ish so they don't get to dry/wet. Maybe I just haven't smoked long enough to tell.. So, for those of you that can notice a difference(I'm assuming I'm the only one who can't,), what kind of change do you notice?

03-02-2009, 08:37 PM	#2
karmaz00 Habanos Join Date: Dec 2008 First Name: Jason Location: victoria Posts: 1,855 Trading: (1)	Re: RH difference? i keep mine around 68-70 ...not to wet, but not dry enough to make them brittle __________________ Habanos Collector Since 2003

03-02-2009, 11:10 PM	#3
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,440 Trading: (60)	Re: RH difference? I find dryer than 60% leads them to burn hot, fast, and "nasty". Above 68% and I have problems keeping them lit and burning straight. I keep mine at 63% and prefer the way they smoke at that RH. Keep in mind I smoke about 98% Cuban, and I understand that some people prefer their NCs closer to 70% than to 65%. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

03-02-2009, 11:16 PM	#4
Kreth Ronin smoker Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Oneonta, NY Posts: 3,620 Trading: (14)	Re: RH difference? My humi runs 63-66%. I haven't had any burn issues with smokes that I've let rest a bit.

03-03-2009, 07:07 AM	#5
Lucky_Hippo A Cigar = 42 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Gary Location: Kansas Posts: 494 Trading: (2)	Re: RH difference? I used to keep my smokes at the hard set 70/70 rule back in the 1990s. That's what just about everyone strived for. Any magazine article, cigar book, or b&m owner swore by the 70/70 rule (70% humidity - 70 degrees) and anything else was kind of wrong. I had a lot of cigars tunnel, canoe and sputter out when not constantly puffed on. I'm no expert, but since the internet boards blew up over the last 7 or 8 years a new consensus by actual cigar smokers have generaly lowered that number to somewhere around 65%. I switched over about 4 years ago and couldn't be happier with the way my sticks burn now. If I have an issue with a tunnel, canoe or faint ember it's either a construction problem or they havn't been in the humi long enough to settle down. Everyone has differnt taste and expectations from thier own cigars. I'd suggest keeping one at 70% and another at 63% (you can use tupperware) for a month and try them back to back to see if you notice any preference. Enjoy!! __________________ Who wants an orange whip? Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips. -J.Candy

03-03-2009, 07:21 AM	#6
md4958 Captain Cannoli Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moe Location: Suffield, CT Posts: 5,712 Trading: (62)	Re: RH difference? I prefer to smoke on the drier side of 65%. I have smoked sticks stored at 55%... you have to sip on them so they dont overheat. __________________ "One fart can foul the air for everyone" - Esteemed philosopher "If avoiding the nasty $hit is being a snob, them I am guilty as charged."- Same esteemed philosopher.

03-03-2009, 10:02 AM	#7
Cigary Guest Posts: n/a	Re: RH difference? I keep my cigars between 68 and 70% and always have a great cigar burn. I also dry box them for a day at least before smoking. This routine gives me optimum smokeability. Everyone has their own routine as to how they like their 'gars',,,I don't like a cigar that has a 60-64 RH,,just burns too dry for my tastes,,,but that's me.

03-03-2009, 10:32 AM	#8
kaisersozei The Homebrew Hammer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Gerard Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 3,183 Trading: (40)	Re: RH difference? I have coolidor sticks at 70/70% and a humi that runs around 68/62-65. The humi struggles to maintain 60-63 in the winter. I let my cooler sticks drybox for a day or so prior to smoking, otherwise they just burn funny; my humi sticks are typically razor straight and draw much better. ymmv __________________

03-03-2009, 04:28 PM	#11
WildBlueSooner I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: James Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,322 Trading: (19)	Re: RH difference? My humi usually hovers between 67-69%. I have not had any problems yet. Temp wise it is at 66F right now.

03-03-2009, 05:05 PM	#12
Starscream Knowhutimean, Vern? Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andy Location: In a little town somewhere in the USA Posts: 10,237 Trading: (4)	Re: RH difference? 60-65 for me. I tend to have burn and draw issues w/ sticks that rest at 67 and up. __________________ Insert quote here.

03-03-2009, 06:46 PM	#14
DocLogic77 Feeling at Home Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Shawn Location: Deliverance Country Posts: 504 Trading: (1)	Re: RH difference? 60-65% for me...and I know a few knowledgeable BOTL who keep theirs lower. 70 is way too wet. __________________ Talent wins games...heart wins championships. Go Steelers!

03-03-2009, 09:11 PM	#16
ucla695 Neither here, nor there Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Pool Posts: 3,696 Trading: (5)	Re: RH difference? 62-65% here. I haven't had many draw, burn problems at these levels.

03-03-2009, 10:14 PM	#18
TomHagen Rabbinic Consigliere Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tattejuaje Location: NY Posts: 601 Trading: (12)	Re: RH difference? I aim for 67%. One long term humi is at 67-69, short-term/ready to smoke at 63-67%. Pete Johnson from Tat keeps his walk-in at 67-68, and I smoke a lot of Tat, DPG, CC, so I go for that range and have been successful for my taste. 63 and under is too low for me. __________________ Cigar Asylum Minyan///Corona Gorda Comparison Thread Do Acts of Goodness and Kindness!!

03-04-2009, 12:10 AM	#19
Chompers Guest Posts: n/a	Re: RH difference? Thanks for the responses guys! I'll have to test a couple smokes and see what would be prime for my smoking, but right now I'm good with my RH.