Cellaring and Seasonal Temp Changes?

[Smoking In The Fast Lane]

Everything I've read says we should store/cellar our tobacco in a controlled/stable temp environment. With that I'm curious about seasonal temp changes... I know many people who run thier homes a little hotter in the summer and cooler in the winter purely for economical reasons, me being one of them. Mass cellaring seems to be a recent(ish) trend, but I'm curious what the evidence (anecdotal or otherwise) says thus far about allowance for seasonal temp changes in our cellars. Does everyone with a home cellar lock thier thermostat year round or do we have some who adjust based on the season as I do? Thanks in advance for any inputs.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Unless the swings in temp are major, I'd not worry about it. And I'd wager no one has done a proper study of what differences (if any) between a cellar kept at 68º constant and one that varies from 60-80º for example.

 

[jpmcwjr]

As to what I do, FWIW, my tobacco rests quietly in closed cabinets in the utility room. Usually around 65-70 year 'round.

 

[Smoking In The Fast Lane]

As to what I do, FWIW, my tobacco rests quietly in closed cabinets in the utility room. Usually around 65-70 year 'round.

Thanks for the input, perhaps I'm overthinking it. More smoking, less thinking from here on out!

 

[Chasing Embers]

My home stays at 76°F-80°F year round. No issues with the jars in three decades.

 

[Smoking In The Fast Lane]

My home stays at 76°F-80°F year round. No issues with the jars in three decades.

Thats good to hear, we let our house get a bit warmer here in California as well. After three decades in the game what's the oldest survivor in your cellar?

 

[Chasing Embers]

After three decades in the game what's the oldest survivor in your cellar?

'94 Christmas Cheer
'99-'01 Black Frigate
'04 Charring Cross
'04 Maltese Falcon
'07 Penzance

Many just as old and in between but these are the standouts.

 

[Smoking In The Fast Lane]

'94 Christmas Cheer
'99-'01 Black Frigate
'04 Charring Cross
'04 Maltese Falcon
'07 Penzance

Many just as old and in between but these are the standouts.

Sounds like a dangerous collection to drink around! I'd be interested in a side-by-side of your Maltese Falcon with a new tin. I didn't realize it was even around in '04.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I'd be interested in a side-by-side of your Maltese Falcon with a new tin. I didn't realize it was even around in '04.

That was a typo. The MF is from '08. Probably haven't opened a tin of it in over 10 years. That was when I was frantically looking for a Mephisto replacement.? May get around to opening one soon though.

 

[tg51]

Unless the swings in temp are major, I'd not worry about it. And I'd wager no one has done a proper study of what differences (if any) between a cellar kept at 68º constant and one that varies from 60-80º for example.

If you want to send me two tins of all the blends in your cellar I’ll conduct a study for you
I’ll work for free I just don’t know if you’d get any tobacco back as the study will require immense research

 

[jpmcwjr]

Great plan! I'd go for it, but I'll be dead before the results are in.

Thanks, anyway. Almost anything for science!

 

[Smoking In The Fast Lane]

That was a typo. The MF is from '08. Probably haven't opened a tin of it in over 10 years. That was when I was frantically looking for a Mephisto replacement.? May get around to opening one soon though.

Please share the details if you do!

 

[cortezattic]

IMO, sealed tobacco probably won't suffer from gradual temperature swings from 65 - 75°F. But the seal on square tins (and to a lesser extent round flat tins) may suffer under that condition as it gets older and less flexible.

 

[cortezattic]

Rusting, from the inside out, may occur if a warm tin is suddenly exposed to cold conditions, since the moisture in the relatively warm tobacco might condense on the inside of the tin.

 

[Smoking In The Fast Lane]

Rusting, from the inside out, may occur if a warm tin is suddenly exposed to cold conditions, since the moisture in the relatively warm tobacco might condense on the inside of the tin.

I wasnt considering seal integrity or rusting, but both seem valid concerns. I plan to keep the temp swings to no more than about 8-10°F over the seasonal changes. Thanks for the additional food for thought.