Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 4/26/2010

Question
I have recently purchesed some cigars in the canary islands, some of them being immensely dry. I bought a little humidor, but was thinking about storing the majority of my cigars on a shelf in my basement. The reason behind this is that I have about 60-65 degrees there and a humidity varying between 60 and 67%. Does this have the same effect, if they are in a big open room, or is there a good argument against that?

I am still learning about all this and my little humidor only takes about 15-20 cigars, plus it has a temperature of about 75F in there (more or less room temperature). And since it is new it takes me a while to figure out how long it will take to have the proper humidity in there.

thanks for your advise

Answer
Matt,

Only one problem with your theory. The ideal relative humidity to store cigars at is 70%, only if the temperature is also 70. Remember that you are measuring relative humidity, that is the humidity relative to the temperature. As temperature decreases, your target humidity increases. When your basement temperature is 60 Fahrenheit, your target humidity is 80%. If you just store your cigars exposed in the basement, I don't think they'll maintain humidity well at all.

I can email you a chart of temperature/target humidity and some basic cigar storage tips if you are interested. Just send your email address to me at b.finck@finckcigarcompany.com.

Hope this helps.
Bill