Recommended RH vs. B&M Recommendation

[Gerbs]

I recently purchased a 65 Boveda pack from my b&m. They tried to dissuade me from doing so. I can't seem to rectify the contradiction between my b&m's recommended rh (70) and BOTL's consensus (65). I assume there are pro's and con's to both. I do plan to age some Opus X and generally keep everything in 1 humi. Would anyone care to elaborate? Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

[StogieNinja]

70 - cigars will smoke hotter, burn will be wonky, and it will taste more bitter
65 - cigars will smoke better, burn better, and taste better.

Can't really elaborate much more than that. 70% used to be "conventional wisdom." I assume the thought was "higher rH = more retention of oils" and I suppose that's possible. That being said, I've never had a cigar taste better at 70% than it did at 65%, and occasionally going down to 62% is even better.

Try for yourself - grab a 65%, a 70%, and a two tupperware. Put identical sticks in each, and give it a month or two, then smoke each one.

I do know of some BOTLs who will age long term at 70%, and smoke at 65%. I don't have the space or resources to do this but I've yet to see any negative results, and I know many other BOTLs who have aged at 65% for years and had fantastic results.

 

[UpInSmoke]

I use to use 65%, now I use 60% all around. Couldn't be happier

 

[Chief StrongLeaf]

^^^funny, cause I'm at 65 (fir the past 8 months) and I'm planning on going 62. Maybe I should man up and go 60?

 

[Robertsndr68]

My B&M owner used to laugh at me when I used to give him crap for not carrying 65% bovedas. Always said 70% was the only rh to have. Nerrrr

 

[sitruc_btb]

I have noticed that my cigars taste, and burn better, when at 65%, compared to 70%.

 

[UpInSmoke]

Yeah 60% is great IMO. HF beads ftw. Never disappoint

 

[MoJo]

honestly, the difference between 62 and 65 and 70 is just personal preference. I second Ninjas suggestion of trying them both out for yourself.

 

[Gerbs]

Thanks for the insight fellas.