Expert: M J Robbins - 3/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: If I keep my cigars @ 64 in a wine cooler what humidity level should I keep them at to compensate for lower temp ?They are in boxes an loose. Also there are many types of humification devices out there do you know of any temperature controlled devices that will go to 70 degrees can be self installed ? In a very small cabinet humidor like the Don Salvatore #1480. Thanks, Mike

ANSWER: 73% humidity at 64 degrees is perfect.

There are no temperature control devices that I know of for small humidors.
But check with Vigilant humidors.
Vigilant is the best made for temperature and humidity control cabinet humidors. They designed the warehouse for General Cigars where they maintain the temp at 65 degrees and 73% humidity. As temperature falls humidity must rise.
I like the wine cooler idea and just keep the humidity up to 73%.
For the cabinet humidor,
I say keep your house cool 70 to 73 degrees is fine, or like a friend that keeps a lot of cigars in one room, add an air conditioner to that room to keep it 70 degrees or less. He bought the big one from Costco that has an exhaust pipe you put through the wall. He keeps $50,000 of Cuban cigars he collects in that room in a display cabinet humidor along one wall. The humidor keeps up the humidity, the Air conditioner keeps the room cool and the humidity down, also, because he is right on the ocean.

MJR

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply if I maintain 64 F degrees all the time can I use the Boveda  packs with 72% humidity ? The wine celler is lined in plastic. Thanks again, Mike

Answer
That is the simplest way but Boveda makes a 75% and this might be best at the lower temperature. 72% will be about 68.5% in your cigars at 64 degrees. 75% will be about 71% in your cigars at 64 degrees.
Because the Boveda releases humidity very slowly I like the idea of a little more and that gives you a humidity cushion of 1 or 2%.
You can sample the results and adjust to your own taste.

MJR