If you're currently staring at your hygrometer and thinking what humidity should a humidor be at , you aren't alone; it's the particular one thing every single cigar smoker obsesses over at several point. The short answer that most people will provide you is 70%, but if you ask three different veteran smokers, you're probably going to obtain four different solutions. While 70% is the classic "textbook" number, the truth of keeping your sticks in good shape is a little more nuanced than simply hitting a single digit on a screen.
Most experts concur the sweet spot for a humidor is approximately 65% plus 72% relative humidity (RH) . Where you choose to be able to land in that range depends upon what you're smoking, just how you like your cigars to burn off, and even the climate you reside in. Let's break up why that will range exists and how to find the perfect level for your specific collection.
The classic 70/70 rule
For many years, the standard suggestions has been the 70/70 rule: 70% humidity and 70 levels Fahrenheit. It's a nice, easy-to-remember target, but it's even more of a base than a strict law. The idea is in order to mimic the exotic climate where many tobacco is cultivated and rolled. Whenever tobacco is held at this level, it stays flexible, the oils remain active, as well as the stogie maintains its structural integrity.
Nevertheless, many modern fans find that 70% is actually a little too high. When a cigar is that "wet, " it can sometimes be hard to keep lit, or the draw might feel uncomfortably tight because the tobacco leaves have swelled up along with moisture. If you've ever had a cigar that seemed you were attempting to suck a milkshake through a straw, there's a good chance this was sitting at 70% or increased.
Why 65% is becoming the fresh favorite
Recently, there's been a big shift towards keeping humidors at 65% . A great deal of seasoned smokers swear by this particular lower number mainly because it tends to offer a better "smokeability. " At 65%, the cigar will be still perfectly hydrated and safe through cracking, but this burns a little bit more evenly as well as the flavors can sometimes feel a bit brighter and more distinct.
An additional perk from the 65% mark is that it gives you a bit of a safety buffer. In case the temperature inside your room spikes, or if you accidentally over-humidify the container, you're more unlikely to hit the "danger zone" where mildew starts to grow. Mold loves high humidity and hot temperatures, so keeping things slightly more lean can help you save a lot of heartache down the road.
Different cigars, different needs
Not really all cigars are usually created equal, plus where they come from might alter your answer to what humidity should a humidor be at .
When you're fortunate enough to have a stash of Cuban pipes, you'll probably want to keep them on the lower end of the spectrum—usually about 62% to 65% . Cubans are well known for being folded quite tightly, and they can be almost unsmokeable when they saturate up too very much moisture. Lower humidity helps to ensure they attract properly and don't plug up.
However, if you prefer rich, oily Maduro wrappers through Nicaragua or maybe the Dominican Republic, you might find they will perform better nearer to 68% or 70% . These thicker wrappers can deal with a bit more moisture and occasionally need it to help keep from becoming frail.
The relationship between humidity plus temperature
A person can't really speak about humidity without mentioning temperature. They're essentially two edges of the exact same coin. The "relative" in relative humidity implies that the air's capability to hold drinking water changes based upon how hot or cold it will be.
If your house will get really warm within the summer—say, 80 degrees—that 70% humidity is going in order to feel a lot "wetter" than it would at 65 degrees. Warm surroundings holds more wetness, which creates a breeding ground with regard to tobacco beetles plus mold. If you can't keep the humidor in an awesome spot, you should definitely strive for a lower humidity level (around 62-65%) to compensate for the particular heat.
Symptoms your humidity is usually off
Sometimes your hygrometer might lie to you (especially the inexpensive analog ones with the needle), so it's important in order to pay attention to how your cigars actually experience and smoke.
In case your humidity is too high: * The cigars experience "spongy" or gentle when you give them a gentle squeeze. * You're constantly relighting the particular cigar. * The particular wrapper begins to peel off or "tunnel" (where the inside uses up faster than the particular outside). * You see fuzzy whitened spots (mold) on the foot or even wrapper.
If your humidity is simply too low: * The cigars feel brittle or "crunchy. " * The wrapper is cracking or flaking off. * The cigar burns very quickly and likes hot or sour. * The smoke feels thin plus lacks the usual flavor profile.
If you observe some of these things, don't panic. You don't want to make massive, unexpected changes. Just gradually adjust your humidification source and provide the cigars a week or 2 to stabilize at the new degree.
Consistency will be king
Whilst we spend a lot of time debating whether 65% or 69% will be better, it is important is really persistence . Cigars are usually made of natural material that grows and contracts based on moisture. When your humidor is usually swinging from 60% to 75% almost every other week, that continuous "breathing" is going to put a lot of tension on the tobacco. Eventually, the wrapper can give up and crack.
It's far better to have got a steady 64% than a humidor that constantly bounces around the "perfect" 70%. This is why many people have got moved far from the old-school green flower foam pucks and toward two-way humidity packs like Boveda. Those packs are usually great because they both add plus remove moisture, maintaining things locked within at exactly the number printed on the bag.
Environmental factors
Where you live plays a large role in what humidity should a humidor be at and exactly how hard you have to work to sustain it. If you reside in a swampy area like Sarasota, your challenge is keeping the humidity down . Your humidor might naturally sit at 72% simply because the air outside is really thick.
Conversely, if you're in a dried out climate or when it's winter plus your heater will be running 24/7, the particular air in your house might be as low as 20%. In individuals cases, your humidor will probably be fighting a constant battle to remain hydrated. You might need to use a slightly increased percentage pack or check your water levels more frequently to make certain the wood isn't sucking all the particular moisture far from your own cigars.
The particular pinch test
If you're ever in doubt and don't trust your own equipment, try the "pinch test. " Take a cigar and gently press it between your thumb and forefinger near the foot.
- It should have a tiny bit of "give" but still sense firm, like a ripe fingerling spud.
- If this feels like a bit of dry wood and makes a crackling sound, it's as well dry.
- If it feels like a marshmallow and doesn't bounce back, it's too wet.
Gift wrapping things up
So, at the end during, what humidity should a humidor be at ? If you need a safe, "set it and overlook it" number, move with 69% . It's the perfect center ground for most airtight humidors plus wooden boxes. In the event that you find your cigars are burning a little not fast enough or you would like to be extra safe against form, drop it down to 65% .
Don't let the numbers stress a person out too much. As long because you're within that 65-72% range and your cigars taste good when you lighting them up, you're doing great. The particular whole point from the hobby is to relax, so discover the level that works for your own palate and your environment, and stick with it. Joyful smoking!