How low can you go ?

[FatPete]

Hi everyone,

I read Min Ron Nee's advice about storing cigars at 12C for ageing.

I currently store my cigars in a coolidor in an outside container. With winter upon us, I have noticed the temperature in the coolidor has dropped to 10C. I suspect it will fall further, and am looking for advice as to wether even lower temperatures would harm the cigars or if anyone stores them in a similar place.

Thanks

FatPete

 

[Homer]

Habanos SA recommends 16-18C.

[Fugu]

5 hours ago, FatPete said:

I currently store my cigars in a coolidor in an outside container.

Wouldn't do that. Too much temp variability (even in tropical UK... ). Stable conditions are more important than absolute storage temperatures (within margin). No need to keep cigars chilled.

[stunod]

13 minutes ago, Fugu said:

Wouldn't do that. Too much temp variability (even in tropical UK... ). Stable conditions are more important than absolute storage temperatures (within margin). No need to keep cigars chilled.

I agree. Stable temp is key

[PigFish]

Without offense, I find it interesting that one would follow blindly a cigar author, then ask those, most of which don't do the same thing that he does if it is okay to deviate from author's process.

I would say if you wish to emulate, then emulate without deviation. What then is the reason to emulate if you are in fact not emulating???

Refrigerating cigars to an unnatural point is meaningless (MHO). You are asking for mold growth unless you really have a handle on your rH.

On one hand you have one collector doing something extremely odd for his own reasons, none of which he can prove. On the other hand you have many years of cigar smoking experience on this forum, from many people smoking the same cigars you do, day in and day out, with a lot of success with a more modest approach.

I would suggest the more modest approach.

Best of luck regardless! -Piggy

[FatPete]

1 hour ago, PigFish said:

Without offense, I find it interesting that one would follow blindly a cigar author, then ask those, most of which don't do the same thing that he does if it is okay to deviate from author's process.

I would say if you wish to emulate, then emulate without deviation. What then is the reason to emulate if you are in fact not emulating???

Refrigerating cigars to an unnatural point is meaningless (MHO). You are asking for mold growth unless you really have a handle on your rH.

On one hand you have one collector doing something extremely odd for his own reasons, none of which he can prove. On the other hand you have many years of cigar smoking experience on this forum, from many people smoking the same cigars you do, day in and day out, with a lot of success with a more modest approach.

I would suggest the more modest approach.

Best of luck regardless! -Piggy

Hi Piggy, 

I think I didn't make myself clear in my post. I'm not trying to emulate anyone, in fact I'm forced to deviate into ever lower temperatures which I am apprehensive of doing. I guess I was seeking reassurance from this learned community that storing them at say a relatively constant 8C would not be too detrimental. 

The other option would be to bring the coolidor into the house, but that would involve giving me undue stress from the lady at home.

i guess I wondered if it was better to stress the cigars ?

[PigFish]

2 hours ago, FatPete said:

Hi Piggy, 

I think I didn't make myself clear in my post. I'm not trying to emulate anyone, in fact I'm forced to deviate into ever lower temperatures which I am apprehensive of doing. I guess I was seeking reassurance from this learned community that storing them at say a relatively constant 8C would not be too detrimental. 

The other option would be to bring the coolidor into the house, but that would involve giving me undue stress from the lady at home.

i guess I wondered if it was better to stress the cigars ?

Based on the context of the post I assumed... Sorry! Your post read like many in the past as one blindly following a guru figure, for whatever the reason.

Cold temperatures, say lower than 68F lead to some folks losing control over their rH and then PMC. I have seen this time and time again as it often leads to mold growth.

While I am not trying to mix it up with you and the lady of the house, a cigar collection is generally of greater value than a pantry of dry goods. Would you just store them outside?

Others have also made good points. What if the sun warms the humidor for several hours then is shaded. I can only imagine the havoc you would wreak on your internal environment.

My best advice is to make a sensible argument to the lady of the house. You smoke cigars and have a need to keep them, and therefore your investment safe. Why protect a 5lb sack of flour that cost $5.00 when your cigars risk loss when the same size package may be worth $1000.00? Just how would she feel if you suggested that her shoes be kept outside?

You should care for your cigars as any other acquisition of value. Even a modest collection can be worth thousands of dollars. Just my 2cts...

-Piggy

[SCgarman]

2 hours ago, FatPete said:

Hi Piggy, 

I think I didn't make myself clear in my post. I'm not trying to emulate anyone, in fact I'm forced to deviate into ever lower temperatures which I am apprehensive of doing. I guess I was seeking reassurance from this learned community that storing them at say a relatively constant 8C would not be too detrimental. 

The other option would be to bring the coolidor into the house, but that would involve giving me undue stress from the lady at home.

i guess I wondered if it was better to stress the cigars ?

If the lady at home has a problem with something as simple as a cooler used to store cigars, it is time to either store her outdoors or find a more understanding lady to live with, JMO 

BTW, a walk in closet is a perfect storage place for a cigar coolidor as it is usually temperature consistent and it is out of sight out of mind.

[FatPete]

1 hour ago, NYgarman said:

If the lady at home has a problem with something as simple as a cooler used to store cigars, it is time to either store her outdoors or find a more understanding lady to live with, JMO 

BTW, a walk in closet is a perfect storage place for a cigar coolidor as it is usually temperature consistent and it is out of sight out of mind.

That's why I love this forum, straight talking honest advice ??

[SCgarman]

16 minutes ago, FatPete said:

That's why I love this forum, straight talking honest advice ??