What are some FOHers' cigar-specific RH preferences?

[BrightonCorgi]

The Aristocrat says 67%. I don't know if that's accurate or not, but it's been that way for 20 years and no reason to alter it.

I inevitably rinse the head of the cigar before cutting just to ensure that there's no cracks.

[KCCubano]

6 hours ago, BrightonCorgi said:

The Aristocrat says 67%.  I don't know if that's accurate or not, but it's been that way for 20 years and no reason to alter it.

I inevitably rinse the head of the cigar before cutting just to ensure that there's no cracks.

I have my Aristocrat at 62% and 68F. I have not messed with it since 2003. 

[JPark3]

I've always went with 65% for CC's and 69% for NC's, but I've noticed certain NC's like the Fab5s are fine anywhere between 65-69%. I think Padrons are the NC's I am most adamant about keeping at 69% since I find they lose flavor when drier.

I have, however, started buying into the 62% for some CC's since the box of Partagas Mille Fleurs that have been terribly tight are suddenly drawing great. I smoked a handful around New Year's purely because they were finally enjoyable lol. I'd say most CC's are good with lower 60s and cocoa/chocolate/fruity CC's should stay mid 60s.

[LizardGizmo]

My Cubans and Hondurans are at 61/62 and my others are all at 64/65. All stay at room temp of 68-70°F.

I don’t have any Cubans I prefer at a higher humidity.

Exceptions for non-Cubans are the Dominican Stoic cigars, which I like a little higher at 67/68. There are some fresh Fab5 cigars that I prefer a bit higher, but after time they’re all smoking great for me at 65 with no adjustment needed.

[El Niño]

I enjoy a Padron a bit higher, around 67%. The flavors meld together nicely and the smoke is thicker.

Other than that, I like Cubans at 62 and New Worlds at 65% give or take. I don't really care too much if my NW humidor is off by a percentage point or two on any given day, but if my CC humidor is too humid, I definitely try to get it down.

8 hours ago, LizardGizmo said:

Exceptions for non-Cubans are the Dominican Stoic cigars, which I like a little higher at 67/68.

Do you find this to be the case for Dominican cigars broadly, or just Stoic? I feel like I've heard people say that DR cigars can take higher humidity.

[Ford2112]

I keep all.my cigars around 64%. 

[Çnote]

I just loaded a pound of these into the new-to-me Aristocrat, I reorganized so everything there is what should be smoked over the next year or so.

Low low low low low low low

I definitely get fewer draw issues with CC <65%, but I also seem to get more distinct spice and less harshness, rounder flavors in general.

NCs at the same level I get cleaner burns, but often more nasal flavors until blends come together.

This is all personal preference at the end of the day. I know guys with BHK, Davi and Opus at 72, I don't know how they do it (or afford it).

[TheCigarSoldier]

In a perfect world I'd keep Cubans 63-65%, New Worlds 65-66%. I don't make it too difficult, just keep everything around 64-65% and bring things up or down accordingly depending on general guidelines, feel, and historical preferences. Usually though, everything smokes to my liking from 64-66%. After doing this so long, I can hardly smoke anything from a shop right away at 69-70%. It just gets too sponge-y.

[WestCoastSmokin]

This last year I averaged 67% RH for CC. I’m leaning towards buying a Raching humidor and putting all my CC and Fabrica5 cigars in there as well and setting it to 65/65 or 65/62. Tired of dealing with fluctuating temps and RH. Especially since I want to age these for long term as well.