More bead experiments

[theoneandonlyhoppy]

I finally got my coolerdor sealed properly with dense foam weather-stripping and a good lid latch. I was using 65% beads and the RH has been a steady 62% for weeks without any bead maintence (I suspect it's really 65 but I'm just seeing my hygrometer error). Due to the air conditioner and heating system in my house the ambient RH is usually somewhere in the 40's in the room the coolerdor is in.

My cigars have really improved as far as burn goes, but the taste has been kind of harsh. I smoked a Cusano 18 this morning and the cigar has lost it's characteristic "creamy" taste and now it kind of bites the tongue. I noticed the same with my Padrons and Flor De Olivas lately.

I have switched back to the 70% beads (hygrometer now reads 67%) to see if this reverses itself in the next few weeks. I'll swap a little burn problems for a better tasting cigar overall.

Hey, it's a hobby after all.