by ggilbertva » Thu Sep 09, 2010 9:46 am
Bob - a suggestion if I may. We have all had bourbon at various proofs and have even taken a bourbon like Stagg and diluted it down to enjoy the profile at differing proofs. A similar argument can be made of cigars, specifically the level of humidity. We've all heard of the 70/70 rule (70%/70 degrees) but I've found that 70% humidity is the absolute upper end. I keep my cigars between 62-64%. I know some folks that keep their cigars at 58%. Point is, it comes down to taste. A drier cigar (again IMHO), exhibits more flavor at a drier state. If I try and smoke a cigar coming off at 70% humidity and go outside where it's humid, the cigar has trouble staying lit....it's just too moist (which can mask some flavor components). Also, a more humid cigar will become spongy as you smoke it because of the higher moister content combined with the heat. I view changing the humidity level of a cigar akin to changing a bourbons proof. If your cigars are stable at 70%, try pulling a cigar out and dry boxing it over a day or two to bring the % down before smoking it and see how it changes for you (if at all). Just as there's no right or wrong way to drink bourbon, the same can be said of cigars, but it's fun to experiment to see how a profile can change with subtle tweaks.