76-78F Humi Temperature...

[rfenst]

FOH,

I live in Orlando, Florida, where daily summer temperatures routinely reach 95F. We run the a/c in the house at 75F. My humidors with CC routinely reach 76-78F for prolonged periods. I have reduced the RH to approximately 61% to accomodate for the higher temperature, but this only helps keep the cigars more smokeable and reduces the chance of mold.

Obviously, my main concern for my CC is beetle eggs incubating and hatching due to high temperature. I segregate all new CC for approximately 30 days at this temperature before introducing them to my humidors, but wonder if this is sufficient and how much I should worry about beetle infestation.

I know there are some articles out there on refrigerating and/or freezing cigars for different lengths of time depending on the temperature in order to kill all the beetle eggs. So, My questions are:

1. Can anyone please direct me to the links for articles on storage temperature/beetles/chilling and freezing cigars?

2. Does anyone else have a similar set of circumstances? If so, what specific advice can you offer?

3. What other general advise do you have to offer?

Thanks,

rfenst

P.S. My intention is to acquire a refrigerated humidor cabinet, but this is simply not something that I anticipate being able to afford until after this summer.

[yossie]

Robert.

Current CCs are freezed before shipping from Cuba. Some of people here claim they still meet the situation beetles hatching. but I've never done for this 3 years at almost same climate with yours.

If you are minding the date of delivery of climate controlled cabinet, You should use wine fridge instead of that.

[anacostiakat]

Robert, for my money you want that temp to be a consistent 70 or below. Unless you want to deep freeze all of your stock and I mean freezer freeze not in the fridge freezer.

If your constant temp is 75 or above that is too high. YMMV

[FlyFishingDude]

You could look into a thermoelectric wine cooler, like VinoTemp. The 12 bottle model will hold 6 - 8 boxes of cigars. It has a temp range from 55 - 66 degrees. You will have to supply the humidity, usually with humidity beads. Quite a few people use them, I just ordered one myself. Ebay has them for $59.00 shipped and they're going quick.

Mike

[Jesuscookies]

I converted a full size refrigerator for a whopping total cost of $155 USD. Storage space for 100-150 boxes, and a constant temp of 64F.

Maybe this is an option for you, until you can afford the cabinet.

[Trevor2118]

1. Can anyone please direct me to the links for articles on storage temperature/beetles/chilling and freezing cigars?

The information you requested is at:

http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/aez/41/1/87/_pdf

It is a scientific study.

Other general information is on my website at:

http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/7-cigars...._&_Problems

Hope this helps,

Trevor

[El Presidente]

If you are seriously concerned then Deep Freeze the cigars 5 days. One in the crisper, one on the kitchen bench or desk and then back to your humidor.

Wine fridges (with additional beads) are the way to go long term. Great capacity, inexpensive, peace of mind.

[BobLobLaw]

Follow up related question. Suppose you get a box of cigars and keep it at 80 degrees for 30 days. No beetles hatch. Is it safe to assume that box does not have any live eggs in it and is "safe" to be kept at a higher temp permanently?