Taking Cigars to the Tropics

[Cabaiguan Juan]

I just got back from a trip to Puerto Rico and I brought along a bunch of cigars with me to PR. I also brought a bag of 65% beads with me and a hygrometer too. One thing I noticed was that while the humidity was high enough to keep my cigars from drying out, the temp was 85 degrees and I was panicking about beetles and just the general affect of temperature on cigars. I noticed that a few cigars I had didn’t taste as good as the ones I’ve had in the past in more controlled conditions. When y’all go down to the tropics and bring your cigars with you, how do you deal with the temperature? Have any of you been daring enough to just leave your cigars out in the heat and humidity of which they were born in?

I’d like to add that since I was staying at a friends place, I didn’t want to run his AC all day and run up his bill. We were right on the water and so we opened up all the windows to create a breeze through his place during the day.

[aceswired]

I've taken some sticks to the Dominican with me a few times and never had the same problem. The humidity almost isn't a concern - it's pretty humid there year-round and I find a double-baggie solution more than enough (of course, I'm never there for more than a week at a time).

I don't think the warmth should be a major concern as far as beetles go, unless your stay is extended. Best advice if you're worried about that is freezing the sticks you're planning to bring. I know some people don't like to freeze, but if you're really worried about it, that'll set your mind at ease.

[Monk]

Ice. If I'm concerned I put some ice in a bucket or icebox, add a layer of towel and then put my "otterbox" equivalent on that. Helps keep the temp down a bit. Shade of course as well.

-W.

[Cabaiguan Juan]

awesome, thanks.