Storing tobacco at higher temps?

[Plöjarn]

I'm building a dedicated cabinet for storing tobacco. My home grown de-stemmed leafs, finished pipe-blends and cigars. I will use Heartfelt beads to keep the humidity at 65% and the air will be circulated by a fan.

I was thinking I might incorporate some sort of heating system. I understand that the enzymatic ageing occurs in presence of oxygen and water and are accelerated at higher temperatures. I thought I might keep the temperature at 30+ degrees celsius in the cabinet to speed up the aging process. Sort of a "slow kiln". Do you think this is a good idea?

 

[Alpine]

Might be but be aware that mold growth is NOT inhibited below 50 degrees C. High relative humidity and temps around 30C seem to me the right conditions to successfully grow mold. I would stick with the good ole method of kilning for a month then store as dry as possible. But I might be wrong here.

pier

 

[CobGuy]

I would agree with Alpine on this … sounds like a mold risk.
Also, while 65% is perfect for cigars, it's too high for pipe tobacco, IMO.

~Darin

 

[burge]

Its a good idea if the tobacco is sealed in the vapour proof airtight bags. Varying the temperature will help more in aging tobacco.

 

[Plöjarn]

OK, good, I won't put in any additional heat. Thanks!

 

[burge]

Air tight I think you are fine. The humidity here is quite low so the tobacco goes dry quickly in open air like anything high moisture and open air equals mold. When tobacco is a little over moist and pressed it sticks together forms a kind of cake and increases enzymes thus making the tobacco ferment. I find there is a noticeable difference of flavour within a week. Leave it for a couple of months and wow.