Need help: bitter cigars

[sneak_a_cigar]

Short version- last two smokes were bitter. I suspect the temp in my humi (77over the summer) is the cause but I don't have a way to control that.

First was a petit cabaiguan that had a super tight draw and so bitter it was unsmokable. It wa in my humi for 20 days.

Last night was Oliva v beli. Burn and draw perfect. Smoke not terrible but still bitter. 6-8 weeks in the humi.

Is the temp ruining my cigars? So quickly?

 

[AussieMitch]

The more experienced brothers here will be able to give you more info, but from what I've read of late, bitterness points toward RH, and in a lot of cases just plainly smoking too quickly.
I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

 

[javajunkie]

The more experienced brothers here will be able to give you more info, but from what I've read of late, bitterness points toward RH, and in a lot of cases just plainly smoking too quickly.
I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

think you nailed it there. would suggest dry boxing? if you have another cabbie or serie v, pull one out 12-24hr before smoking, and if it clears things up, you may have bad humidification or just an upward fluctuation of humidity.

and, from a gluttonous bastard, trust me: you want more flavor, but smoke slower! shoot for a puff a minute and you will be rewarded. good luck with it. o)

 

[Treinenwj]

The guys above are spot on. Side note: why are you unable to get your temp below 77? That is waaay too high

 

[StogieNinja]

What are you using for rH balance? I used to use Boveda packs, and found that the sticks resting against them were always far to humid, and had a horrid bitter taste.

 

[sneak_a_cigar]

The guys above are spot on. Side note: why are you unable to get your temp below 77? That is waaay too high

I don't have central air or a wineador. My basement is the coolest part of the house. Humi is down there.

 

[sneak_a_cigar]

What are you using for rH balance? I used to use Boveda packs, and found that the sticks resting against them were always far to humid, and had a horrid bitter taste.

I'm using boveda 69%. Not sure if those sticks were touching but maybe.

 

[b.stone]

I agree with what's been said so far. You can always add dry Heartfelt beads or dry Kitty Litter to help regulate the RH.

 

[TravelingJ]

You need to work on getting the temps down. That's too high.

 

[Cigary43]

The Boveda pack you're using is too high as well....KL will take care of your issues..PM me and I'll explain how to use it and how quickly it will take care of your issue. As far as the bitterness...yes, extreme RH can sour even the best cigars and if they were like that during this summer you might be dealing with their "sick period" as well. Once you get the RH issue resolved you're going to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

 

[Markofoz]

Damn. 77 in a basement. Not to get off subject, Your bedroom must be sweltering how the hell do you sleep...

 

[veeref]

The tight draw and bitterness is because your humidity is too high. It's probably related to your slightly high temp as well. Lower it to the low 70s via a wine cooler if you have to. Your smokes will reward you for it.

 

[GeeRawkz]

77% is a bit brutal, I was going nuts with my new standing humidor getting a damn fluctuating RH above and below the cigar trays between 69% to 75%. Based on some research and discussions with other cigar lovers, I'm going to try out the beads from cigarmony.com. Now the only tough question left is 65% vs. 70% so the research most continue!

 

[sneak_a_cigar]

Thanks for the replies so far. All very helpful.

Cigary is nice enough to pm me some info and answer some questions. Thanks!

Of note: my rh has been steady at67-69. It's the TEMP that has been high.

 

[Tobacco Giant]

Thanks for the replies so far. All very helpful.

Cigary is nice enough to pm me some info and answer some questions. Thanks!

Of note: my rh has been steady at67-69. It's the TEMP that has been high.

67-69% RH is more humidity at 77 degrees vs 65-70 degrees, which is where most people store them. It did look like some people misunderstood what you wrote, but a higher temperature will mean more humidity as well.

 

[NHaze]

I'm having the exact same problem! Have the same situation with no central air and a 78 F basement. Luckily it's starting to cool down here. Definitely my biggest reason for getting a wineador going before next summer. Also making the switch to 65% HF beads from xikar gel/drymistat tubes. Hopefully it helps.