Expert: James Yee - 5/10/2009

Question
Hi James
I understand the 70/70 rule for humidors. However it's really difficult for me to keep the temperature down in my humidor in a Tokyo summer where temps regularly reach the 90s. RH is no problem because I can juggle the water/glycol mix.
But here's a thought - check climate info on Cuba and you'll find average temps between 80F and 90F in summer and fall, and RH rising from 71% in March to 78% in Sep/Oct.
So surely in Cuba they grow/make/store their leaves/cigars in temperatures often much higher than 70F?
I have no basement or cool area in my house, so is humidor temp in the 80s really going to cause a problem? And if the temp is higher than 70f, will it help if I keep my RH lower than usual, say 60% or so?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.
Andrew

Answer
Hi Andrew,

Temperatures in Cuba are indeed much higher than a humidor environment and this helps with the tobacco curing process.  However, once the tobacco is rolled into cigars, the cigars are stored at a more ideal temperature level.

At 80 degrees Fahrenheit, tobacco beetles (if present) will incubate and hatch in your cigars.  They're common at 80 degrees but have been known to appear at 75-76 degrees Fahrenheit.  A high temperature in your humidor can also deplete your humidity faster and require you to refill your humidification device more frequently.  On the other hand, if your temperature is too cool (60 degrees Fahrenheit or lower), your humidor will have a hard time maintaining proper humidity.  The colder the air, the less humidity there is.  As a result, it's always best to keep your temperature between 65-74 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you don't have a basement or a cool area in your home, I would recommend upgrading to a thermo-electric humidor that allows you to electronically set the desired temperature level for your cigars.  Vinotemp makes a 100-count thermoelectric humidor for $199.  As an alternative, you can also store your cigars in an electric wine fridge that allows you to custom set the temperature level.  A wine fridge is a popular storage method for cigar smokers/collectors with a large collection.  Simply retro-fit the wine fridge with Spanish cedar paneling/shelving, install an electronic humidification unit such as a Cigar Oasis and you'll be able to store not only single cigars but whole boxes as well.

Hopes this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James