Cigars/Temp Control
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Question
QUESTION: Mr. Yee,
I know that the "best" temp/RH range for a humidor is 70degF/70%RH, and I have little trouble maintaining the 70%RH part of the equation. However, because my humidor is located in my home (in a cool area, not near a window or anything), the temp fluctuates daily from a high of about 76degF mid afternoon, to a low of 70degF early in the morning. While not ideal, is this fluctuation harmful? What levels of temp fluctuation are ok or normal?
Thanks!
ANSWER: Hi Greg,
No, the temperature fluctuation that you're experiencing is not harmful to your cigars. Tobacco beetle eggs begin incubation and hatch at 79-80 degrees Fahrenheit so even though your humidor's temperature fluctuates from 70-76 degrees Fahrenheit during the course of a day, your cigars are perfectly safe.
As you mentioned, your humidor is already kept in a cool area away from windows and natural and artificial lighting so you shouldn't worry about your cigars being at risk. What you're doing to keep your humidor cool is already perfect.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask.
Regards,
James
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: So, that being said, RH fluctuation is more of a concern than temp fluctuation, correct?
Hi Greg,
Yes, cigar mold becomes active at 75% humidity which is dangerously close to the humidity safe range of 67%-73% so maintaining a proper humidity is much more tricky and a bigger concern than maintaining temperature. However, it's always best to keep an eye on the temperature as well and do not allow it to reach 79-80 degres.
Regards,
James
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James Yee
Expertise
My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".
Experience
I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.
Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)
Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto
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