RH 65% or 70%

**tbroadley** · 01-19-2007, 11:23 AM

Ok
65% or 70% RH for the Humidors
Which is better and why?
thanks
Tim

**cls515** · 01-19-2007, 11:38 AM

We've noticed some cigars taste differently at different humidity levels. I use 65 so that they are more on the dryer side. And, even with beeds, the rh fluctuates a little. I'd rather have it fluctuate to 70 with 65 beads, rather than 75 with 70 beads.

I've heard 70 is better for long term aging but I can't attest to any truth in that.

**Cabaiguan Juan** · 01-19-2007, 11:45 AM

65%, your sticks have a much more 'smokable' when the humidity fluctuates. Plus, at 70% I find smokes to be a little too wet.

Disclaimer: that’s my own personal preference.

**8-5-8** · 01-19-2007, 11:56 AM

It's really a matter of personal preference as to where in the "range" you want to be. I keep mine on the dry side 60-63% becuase they tend to burn better. Over time you'll find your "sweet spot" that suits your preference.

**ashauler** · 01-19-2007, 01:48 PM

Between 65 and 68, as others have said, lower RH allows my sticks to stay pretty smokeable even with minor RH fluctuations, but indeed this is an individual thing.

**Big Jack** · 01-19-2007, 01:59 PM

I'm with 8-5-8 on this. I prefer my smokes on the dryer side. I keep my humis at around 60-63%, and will even pre-cut, and dry-box certain cigars, before I light 'em.

CAO's especially seem to like a lower RH. If you've ever had a cigar that seems to burn hot, and have a quite a bit of harshness, try letting them dry out a bit.

**cigar no baka** · 01-19-2007, 02:30 PM

Personally, I try to keep my sticks around 65-67. I find 70 is too high and causes a few more burn problems. Anything less than 65 and they get too dry and I have problems with wrappers cracking.

**sprangalang** · 01-19-2007, 03:24 PM

I think 70 is too wet. It seems B&Ms keep at 70%, and the cigars are a little wet for my taste. 62 to 65, much better, and even then, maybe a dry box for a day or two, if the draw or roll is tight. Just my HO. Better burn, more smoke, easier draw.

**guado** · 01-19-2007, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by Big Jack

I'm with 8-5-8 on this. I prefer my smokes on the dryer side. I keep my humis at around 60-63%, and will even pre-cut, and dry-box certain cigars, before I light 'em.

CAO's especially seem to like a lower RH. If you've ever had a cigar that seems to burn hot, and have a quite a bit of harshness, try letting them dry out a bit.

IMO burning hot and being harsh is relative to being TOO dry.

**MadAl** · 01-19-2007, 04:02 PM

I prefer 65, just like the burn and flavor at that level

**cigar no baka** · 01-19-2007, 04:49 PM

I think I know why B&M's keep their humidity at 70%. Even seen someone walk into the humidor and start finger-fucking every cigar in sight? If the cigars were at 65%, they'd get a lot more split wrappers than they already do.

I speak of finger-fucking from lots of first-hand viewing at my B&M, where I hang out a lot. I'd say half the customers come in and have to pick up every damn cigar that catches their eye, and if they put too much pressure on the wrapper, the cigar will go POP and the wrapper will crack. It would be much worse if they kept their humidor at 65%, it's bad enough at 70%.

**Monk** · 01-19-2007, 10:57 PM

I'm also a fan of the 65% range, any fluctuations keep the smoke smokeable the way I like em. I have had a few from a much higher humidity from say a B&M that I have let sit to actually dry out in the 65% so that they burn properly. I too have also heard that 70% is better for ageing but I'm not convinced.

-W.

420seth · 01-20-2007, 12:46 AM

70% is better. More moist is always better. A dry stick is no fun.

**drew_goring** · 01-20-2007, 01:22 AM

Originally Posted by 420seth

70% is better. More moist is always better. A dry stick is no fun.

WRONG!

Dumbass!

**basil** · 01-20-2007, 01:41 AM

Originally Posted by drew_goring

WRONG!

Dumbass!

Straight up.

**mauied1101** · 01-20-2007, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by 420seth

70% is better. More moist is always better. A dry stick is no fun.

I don't think he's talking about cigars at this point...

**mauied1101** · 01-20-2007, 01:55 PM

I keep mine around 65 - and that's just the beads talking. Like folks have mentioned, it's all preference - and some folks like to keep their ISOMs at a lower RH than other sticks.

As for the B&Ms - I think it's also the traffic - and how much/how long you keep the humidor closed versus constantly opening/closing it.