Expert: James Yee - 6/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello James,
Hope you are well. I've been smoking cigars a bit more constantly in the last few months and recently purchased a humidor.
Now that I'm beginning a collection I wanted to ask about some robustos as I find that I love a larger ring guage.

I like the few that I've tried, but have not had many cubans. I'm looking for a tobacco/coffea flavour in a cigar but also something not too strong (mild to medium bodied preffered)
Any suggestions?

ANSWER: Hi DS,

Here are some mild-to-medium, robusto-sized Cuban cigars:

Vegas Robaina Famosos
Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion #4
Saint Luis Rey Regios
H. Upmann Magnum 50
San Cristobal La Fuerza.
El Rey du Mundo Choix Supreme
Montecristo Eagle, Master

For medium-to-full bodied, try:

Partagas Serie D. 4
Ramon Allones Specially Selected
Bolivar Royal Coronas
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2
Cohiba Robusto
Montecristo Edmundo & Petit Edmundo

Some of these cigars are actually Hermosos-sized cigars (48 ring gauge) but are still commonly referred to as a Robusto-sized cigar because of their similar dimensions.

Hopes this helps!  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply James,
I'll be sure to try as many of the cigars you suggested as possible.
I'd also like to know, being that I am a fan of the Gran Habano Corojo #5 Imperiales, are there any other non cubans that are similar in size(6" x 60) and taste?
and lastly,
I've just seasoned my humidor and find it's humidity level maintaining at 67%. Is this a bit too low? and if so, what should I do to increase it? btw, I havent transferred my cigars in yet.

Thanks,
DS

Answer
Hi DS,

If you like the Gran Habano #5, try Rocky Patel Edge Battalion.  Zino Platinum, La Gloria Cubana (non-Cuban version) and Camacho (El Legend) also makes a 6x60 cigars that are really good.

As for your humidor, you can increase the humidity by adding a second, smaller humidification element to your humidor.  Try adding humidor a small amount of humidor crystals/beads (or gel pillows) to boost the humidity.  If your humidor is using a aquafoam-core humidification device, consider upgrading to an electronic unit that allows you to preset your desired humidity level.  (Cigar Oasis makes good electronic humidifiers.)

Hopes this helps.  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James