Boveda 65 vs 69: which humidity is best for cigars?

The Cuban vs New World humidity preference

Cuban cigars are rolled more tightly with dense long-filler leaf, meaning they perform significantly better at slightly lower humidity. At 68-70% humidity, Cuban cigars can swell, resulting in a tight, plugged draw and muted flavours. At 63-65% relative humidity, they burn evenly and release crisp flavours.

New World cigars from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras are rolled with more airflow and thicker wrapper varietals that tolerate 67-69% humidity comfortably.

If your collection is predominantly Cuban, 65% is the universal recommendation of UK cigar merchants.

Wooden desktop humidors versus airtight containers

The type of container determines how Boveda packs perform. In a completely airtight Tupperware or acrylic humidor with a rubber gasket, zero moisture escapes. A 69% pack inside will hold the air at an exact 69-70% RH.

In a traditional Spanish cedar desktop humidor, the wooden lid seal is not hermetic. In British homes, a wooden humidor typically runs 2% to 4% lower than the pack rating. A 69% pack in a wooden box therefore produces an actual internal climate of 65% to 67% RH — which is practically perfect.

If you use a tupperdor or travel case, choose 65% or even 62%. If you use a wooden humidor, stick with 69%.

UK indoor climate across the seasons

British winters pose a unique hazard: indoor central heating drops relative room humidity to 20-30%. During winter, wooden humidors bleed moisture much faster, so checking your packs every 60 days is vital.

Never place your humidor near radiators or exterior draughty windows. Stable room temperature between 16°C and 20°C prevents condensation and temperature spikes.