70% vs 75%

[MadurosRock]

I agree that 78 is way too high, i'm just saying that it probably won't kill your cigar. My cigars rarely get into the 70's much less high-70's. I try'n keep my cigars at about 67% Taht's where I like the way they burn and taste, granted I probably don't go lower, b/c then my Medium-full/Full cigars would be a tad too harsh. All I was saying is that its mainly a taste preference, so long as you don't go too far, and let mold grow, or let your cigars dry out into dust.

[cigarsarge]

I keep mine at 65% RH. I you get much higher than 70% you run the risl of mold envading your cigars.

[Chè]

75% will work for Domincans and non Cuban smokes, but I bet after about 73% with Cuban cigars you'll be looking at mold. 62% (some mistakingly believe is too dry) - about 70% rh is what I maintain prefering cigars that have been at an extended period of under about 66%

A change in ash color was noted. I'd be curious to know if you felt the ash burned a little darker and less white at the higher rh level. My assumption is because of the higher moisture, the tobacco would be less combustible and burn less complete leaving a darker ash behind.

Lastly as some suggested, you're hydrometer might be slightly off. If you've been used to cigars being stored 70% or below, I´m sure 75% would at least yield a few noticable differences.

[Scientific]

75% will work for Domincans and non Cuban smokes, but I bet after about 73% with Cuban cigars you'll be looking at mold. 62% (some mistakingly believe is too dry) - about 70% rh is what I maintain prefering cigars that have been at an extended period of under about 66%

The cigars that are in this humi, are from all over (cept Cuba), and all have the cellophane still on them, which is part of the reason I think the higher rh might not be affecting them so much. Thoughts?

A change in ash color was noted. I'd be curious to know if you felt the ash burned a little darker and less white at the higher rh level. My assumption is because of the higher moisture, the tobacco would be less combustible and burn less complete leaving a darker ash behind.

Yeah, the ash changed to a darker color, But as I stated I noted little change in taste. Also I have stored Cubans in a higher rh% around 77% in fact and had no issues, granted it was a BIG humi which might of had somthing to do with the higher rh% being ok, With extra air flow and all, more room for the sticks to breathe. I honestly don't know at this point. Everyone has their 2 cents or nickels and it all makes sense, but I'm starting to think that cigars are not as picky or fickle as we all think. 65% - 75% seems to be acceptable for most cigars

Lastly as some suggested, you're hydrometer might be slightly off. If you've been used to cigars being stored 70% or below, I´m sure 75% would at least yield a few noticable differences.

I use a digital hydrometer, that is tested once every 3 months and comes up near perfect (+or - 1% at most) every time.