Monday, November 29 1999
Q. Some of my cigars are coming unrolled as I smoke them. Can you give me some examples as to why this is happening? I am fairly new to this. My humidity in my humidor stays about 60%. Is that good enough, or should I try to get it up to 65 or 70?
Thank You,
T. Howard
A. Actually, you answered your own question. The cigars must be kept at a relative humidity (RH) of 68% - 70% to remain supple. Assuming your 60% is an accurate number, your cigars are drying out and that's most likely why they're unraveling. They would also feel dry and a little stiff.
It depends on where they're unraveling from, too. If they're unraveling from the head, you could just be cutting them too deeply. But if they more often do so from the foot (the lit end), I would lay my money on your RH being too low.
Plus, make sure your humidor's ambient temperature isn't too high or low, either. In some instances temperature will also affect the "behaviour" of the wrapper. 67-70 degrees is a good comfort zone.
Get them up to 70% and let them setttle there for at least a week before you smoke one. Make sure your hygrometer is also properly calibrated, or at least test it so you know exactly what RH you're dealing with when you read it.
