Resting Cigars

I read where a cigar magazine smoked a cigar right out of a box, and rested the rest of the box, pulling one out to smoke every month for two years. The conclusion was most cigars should benefit from two months of resting, or longer if you have the willpower :)

As for cigars acclimating to a different RH, the rule of thumb is 1% change per week. It takes time for the humidity changes to reach all the way to the filler leaves.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rodwha

How would you go about checking the RH of a cigar?

I'm not sure my palate is acclimated enough to know well enough. I've only just become more serious. Prior to now I've only had a couple of cigars with a friend who had the real deal, and several that SWMBO bought me over the years. Only now have I smoked more than maybe 2 or 3 in a year. Maybe I ought to give it a try though. The one cigar, other than the Cohiba, is the Avo Classic, and I have 10 on the way with 15 other cigars to smoke.

I actually have no idea what RH mine sit at. I've been using a Drymistat with Xikar propylene glycol 70% RH fluid, but have no idea if it's consistent or how it behaves in a tupperdore.

---

Look into Boveda pack's. all I use, I don't even bother with a hygrometer. They hold the RH (relative humidity) to whatever Boveda you use. I'm currently using 62% which I think might be a bit low, going to try 65's next time, but in a sealed container like tupperware, they'll be completely maintenance free and worry free. Great for a new cigarbum.

I certainly intend on a hygrometer. Just starting out I've spent most of my hobby funds on cigars. Eventually I'll be set so that I can spend my funds on better equipment.

I was tempted to buy a cheaper 50 count desktop humidor. I'm glad I listened and used Tupperware instead. I can see that I'll be wanting more like a 100-200 ct humidor!

From what I've read it seems the Boveda packs are about the best. But it also seemed I read that also using another type of pack that absorbs anything above a certain RH was ideal. Is this not necessary with Boveda packs?

Boveda's are 2 way, They'll bring it down to or up to whatever RH they're made for.

Nice! ~65-68 RH being about ideal?

I prefer 65s. They last a lot longer in plastic than in wood containers.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rodwha

Nice! ~65-68 RH being about ideal?

---

65% is a good place to be IMO and where many here keep their cigars. Some prefer lower at 60-62 and some prefer 67-68.

I jumped into cigars with the higher 72 I believe it was and it was way to high. I now have a bunch at 62 which I think might be a little too low. Next time I'm going to give the 65's a go.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rodwha

Nice! ~65-68 RH being about ideal?

---

Keep in mind two factors:

1. Where you live matters. Cigars resting in Florida will be different than ones in Maine. You should adjust based on your weather.

2. Humidor seal. How well your humidor keeps is very important. Most cheap humidors built by machines overseas don't hold a seal well. The humidors I have, most of them, are made by Michael Dixon and only need to be maintained once a month (sometimes two if I open it enough). Now, I have other humidors where I need to maintain it about once a week.

Overall, I personally prefer 68. But, each person is different and live in a different climate.

How does the climate come in to play? I would have thought it was its own climate. I'm guessing where it's humid a lower RH might be wanted?