kyanmyson said:
Thanks guys for all the advice. I initially had my sticks in the freezer because I over seasoned my humidor. I had no other options and was scared my new sticks would be ruined. I ordered a digital hygrometer and some 69% boveda packs. Everything going great now. My humidor fluctuates between 67% and 69% now. The analog hygrometer is still off, they are awful.
I don't mean to poop in your punch bowl, but even digital hygrometers need to be calibrated. Yes, they are very accurate in relative terms (as in, RH went up two points), but you still need to verify their absolute accuracy (as in, when it reads 69% what is it really).
You can do the "salt test" which has been discussed often here. Search will turn it right up. Bovida makes a pretty nice little cal kit at a very reasonable price if you prefer that method. You're off to a good start, this little detail will allow you to know what's really going on.
Now, you get my speech.....
Round up a hundred experienced cigar smokers and ask them what their preferred RH is. You'll get answers all the way from 58% to 75%...maybe more. The bottom line is that it's very much a personal preference, based on what you like and what kind of smokes you enjoy. 65% hits the sweet spot for most guys, but it's only a suggestion. The risk of mold goes up exponentially as you exceed 70%. I run my cabinet with a set point of 68% and it runs 68% - 65% as you move vertically in the cabinet (mine is tall, like a phone booth). Other point is - don't freak out over a point or two in RH. Truth is, most guys can't tell the difference in three or four points of RH, no matter what they say. You won't "ruin" your cigars as long as they are somewhere between 55% and 70%, though they may not smoke the way you want them to. Getting a humidor to settle down and run with some stability takes time....but it's not rocket science. There's a ton of advice here...be patient, and enjoy your smokes.
Cheers - B.B.S.
