LOL my beetle obsession has calmed down some. I don't buy cheap sticks so I'm not too worried about it. I'd rather enjoy my cigars at the right humidity(for me 70%) and risk beetles than to smoke dry or otherwise not prime condition cigars. I've been doing a lot of research, and my conclusion has been temperature has less affect on cigars than most think it does. Quick temperature changes cause damage and you wouldn't want to leave your cigars in extreme temps. But if your humi is between 60-80* (which it should always be indoors) you'll be fine. I just keep an eye on them when it feels hot.

we can argure all day on if 70% if "ideal" for cigars. But i do agree that temp makes less of an issue. once you get above 75* or so there should be at least some thought about beetles. the temp shouldnt hurt the condition of cigars, but the beetles may. I prefer the RH at 65% but i can deal with 62%. the flavor isnt noticeably different. the burn seems a bit faster but not much.

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Kuzi's cigar catalog blending 101 developing your palate

Oh I definetly didn't mean that 70% is ideal for everyone thats why I threw in the "for me". I just personally like mine a little higher and everything I've read and heard from people who are in the business say that 70% is what is used professionally for aging.

Like I now know Oliva ages at 69- 71% :)

75°+ one should definetly start watching for bugs. I think sometimes we worry about the humidity too much, you should gauge things by how your cigar feels and burns and don't be obsessive about what you think is the perfect humidity. I think that varries from the part of the country you live in and what time of year it is. IMHO

Where are you guys getting that we should be worried about bugs at 75*+? I can't find that any where other than forums.

I'm reading they live in anything over 65 degrees.

http://www.tobacconistuniversity.org/faq/faq-tobacco-beetle.asp

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Kuzi's cigar catalog blending 101 developing your palate

Cool thanks. I just found this as well. But its from our favorite pretentious publication.
http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Features/CA_Feature_Basic_Template/0,2344,234,00.html

Interesting. I'm thinking more and more about the wine cooler.

madurofan:

... But its from our favorite pretentious publication.

yeah... i cant read that anymore. i tried. I failed.

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Kuzi's cigar catalog blending 101 developing your palate

madurofan:

Interesting. I'm thinking more and more about the wine cooler.

its kinda costly but in the long run it may be worth it.

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Kuzi's cigar catalog blending 101 developing your palate

I too am having problems with my humi because of the heat. Not too bad yet 69% - 74%. I will probably be putting it down in my basement. My one concern is that I have, what I can only guess as, mold growing on my sponge. Well it's white anyway. Do I just wash it off with distilled water? And if I do, will that raise my level again?

JT just throw away the whole damn sponge and buy either some beads or a cigar oasis. The sponges are easily the worst thing you can put in your humi.

If you purchase an Oasis, I would cut the foam out of it and fill(sparingly) the tank with polymers.