Do certain cigars taste/smoke better at certain RH's?

[THEMISCHMAN]

So this thread came about from a discussion we were having in chat. It was regarding dry boxing a certain smoke because it tasted and smoked better at an RH in the low 60's as opposed to 65 or higher. Now, I know a lot of people have different feelings and preferences regarding the RH that they maintain in their respective storage apparatus'. My question is, is it possible that cigar 'A' will smoke better than cigar 'B' at 'X' RH. I'm curious to know if there is a "sweet spot", if you will, when it comes to specific RH's affecting the overall flavor or burn characteristics of a certain blend or tobacco from a certain region; or is it all just a matter of preference?

I'm definitely interested in hearing some thoughts from @ssaka, @JonHuber and anyone else who has been in the cigar game for a while.

 

[ssaka]

I gotta prep to bounce to Nica, so this is going to be a short answer…

Yes. Certain cigars taste better at certain absolute moisture contents.

As a general rule of thumb, heavier blends made with heavy materials taste and smoke better at lower RH's while milder one with less heavy materials tend to fair better at higher humidities.

Higher RH produces a smoother smoke overall, but it does so by actually cooling the burn rate. In light materials like Connecticut Shade, Cameroon, and lower priming fillers this is a good thing because when they burn hot they tend to take on a bitter note, but in thicker materials they can actually retard the burn rate too much and not allow for complete combustion of the leaf.

You will find that most folks who smoke heavy stock prefer the lower end of the RH scale for storage.

Keep in mind manufacturers tend to pack at the higher end, 70%-72%regardless of the blend because we are worried about damage in the long transit from origin to the retail store.

Personally I keep my humidor at home between 65%-66%.

And ultimately, it is a matter of personal choice - there is no right or wrong in between 62%-72% RH imo…

BR,

STS

 

[ItsBarbarino]

I definitely haven't been in "the game" very long, but my experience is absolutely there is a sweet spot. For example, I think most Cubans smoke better around 65 or so. Maduros I think tend to do better at higher rh, because of the oily tobaccos.

Here's another added element to this equation, that Skip Martin of RoMa Craft Tobac discussed on a recent episode of Cigar Jukebox; smoking rh vs storage rh. I can't quote it exactly, but off the top of my head, Skip mentioned that he stores his cigars higher, then takes them out the night before to acclimate and dry out a little bit. So, it can be said that certain cigars perform best at one rh for storage, and smoke better low.

I have found that by keeping my wineador around 65 or 63, I don't have construction problems or tight draws, most of the time. After my drawers arrive I'm going to try to crank rh on some to achieve better long term aging.

 

[Whtwtrman79]

@ ssaka really appreciate your presence and knowledge here on the board, I always learn something new

 

[UpInSmoke]

Difference between 60% and 70% is big for me. I enjoy everything at 60%. Just seems to smoke better.

All your own preference though

 

[D Quintero]

As an avid outdoorsman smoker - i.e. having the window cracked , I would also factor in the relative rh .
especially with drafts from humid warmer weather ... muted flavors and wonky ass burns galore

 

[ENV]

I keep mostly everything between 64-67. I did notice recently though (as we discussed in chat) that certain cigars taste better at higher rH without dryboxing. One example is the TAA14. It is a cigar that has a stronger flavor set to it at higher rh I have a travel humi with 2 69 boveda packs and the TAA14 seem to taste better on the "wet" side.

 

[Hoshneer]

It's all a personal preference. I think some do though.