How do I know how old my cigar is?

[Aaron871]

I was wondering how to tell how old a cigar is when purchased from a local shop, online, ect.

How do I know if it is aged or immature without smoking and comparing?

[scottw]

Hi, welcome to Puff, why not do an introduction so we know who you are.

[Herf N Turf]

Originally Posted by scottw

Hi, welcome to Puff, why not do an introduction so we know who you are.

+1

In truth, you dont. Unless there has been some aesthetic change, like band, etc., it's nearly impossible. I try to keep tabs on my local B&Ms and have a mental picture of what they have. With my main B&M, Im there several times a week, so I know what's there 99% of the time. They pretty much stock whatever I request and call me when it comes in. They have had things sitting in their humis for years, which are nicely aged and other stuff, which is dead fresh.

With my other, less traveled, B&Ms, I ask. Most times Im there when the managers are in and they stay pretty well abreast of inventory. They have very high turnover, so it's safe to assume everything in the shop is more or less fresh.

Online? Roll the dice. With bigger outfits like CI, Famous, JR, etc., they do extreme volume and most everything I get from them seems fresh.

[GrtndpwrflOZ]

Cut it in half and count the rings

[SkinsFanLarry]

If the cello has started turning yellow, that usually indicates some age on the cigar.

[Aaron871]

Originally Posted by GrtndpwrflOZ

Cut it in half and count the rings

No need to cut it in half.... the package says it has 42 rings...

[GoodFella]

aks your shop. That the cigar is NC it dont matter. Age will do almost nothing to a NC. if u are looking at years then u will be ok but i dont think the shop would have cigars sitting around that long

[Aaron871]

Originally Posted by GoodFella

aks your shop. That the cigar is NC it dont matter. Age will do almost nothing to a NC. if u are looking at years then u will be ok but i dont think the shop would have cigars sitting around that long

help, what is "NC"

[madurolover]

Originally Posted by Aaron871

help, what is "NC"

non-Cuban

I have to agree, a lot of age on a non-Cuban does not make much difference most of the time. Anything over 3 - 4 years for a non-Cuban is overkill IMO.

[Aaron871]

I see, I'm dealing with NC exclusively due to my location.

I was wondering more about getting cigars that are only a few weeks old vs. a few months vs. a few years. Will I see a difference in a mailorder H. Upman Vintage Cameroon (JR cigar) after aging in my humidor?

[Herf N Turf]

There are some non-cubans, which I feel do benefit from a little "age". Age, to most of us, means something approaching or in excess of about 2yrs. Again, to most, anything else, is a "rest". Examples of NC's which seem to do with age, most notably, the venerable Opus X. LGC maduros and Oliva O and G seem to like about a year's rest. I have some JdN Antano, which have lost a little power, but the flavors have married nicely and are more delicate and complex. As a general rule, avoid aging anything mild-medium. They just go flat.

That said, I tend to prefer stronger cigars and as such, I smoke most NC's on the fresher side.

[GoodFella]

Originally Posted by Herf N Turf

There are some non-cubans, which I feel do benefit from a little "age". Age, to most of us, means something approaching or in excess of about 2yrs. Again, to most, anything else, is a "rest". Examples of NC's which seem to do with age, most notably, the venerable Opus X. LGC maduros and Oliva O and G seem to like about a year's rest. I have some JdN Antano, which have lost a little power, but the flavors have married nicely and are more delicate and complex. As a general rule, avoid aging anything mild-medium. They just go flat.

That said, I tend to prefer stronger cigars and as such, I smoke most NC's on the fresher side.

i have not smoke the cigars that u are talking about with age but i do agree with you. i have smoke a opus that was about 10 years old, it was pretty good. all really fresh NC cigars will do well with a few month nap. the nap will give the cigar time to let some of the ammonia out. The ammonia is what gives lots of cigars that veary fresh flavor. Some cigars that do well with a long rest are cigars rolled with Nic. such at Tats and other DPGs.

Any cigars that is from JRs will be very fresh because they have ahuge turn over. i remmber a long time ago that jr was selling 10year old NC cigars. those were just over priced crap. As far as age with NC goes just smoke the cigars and find what u like. worry about age when u get to the dark side.

[GrtndpwrflOZ]

Thread Jack: ON

I can't help myself, I have to ask.
So NC's are not effected by aging (most of them anyways) due to the fact that they have already been fermented. Correct? This is what I have learned here, there, and the other place.
Cuban cigars have not been fermented. Correct? this is why they may be aged with much affect.
Does the fermentation process take FOREVER?
If not then aging cuban cigars is pointless after awhile. Correct?

I still don't have a handle on this.
If anyone can enlighten me, please do.

Thred Jack: OFF

[Aaron871]

and another thing....

Will a spanish cedar humidor change the flavor of cigars or is that myth?

[KINGLISH]

Welcome! I say Just smoke it an be happy!