What do you age longer? What don't you?

[fulloflead]

I just tried my first Opus X. While I'm fond of smoking full-bodied cigars, this one knocked my dick off. I did some reading on this forum and found that many opine that they could use another year in a humidor. I have to agree.

A wile back I was equally disapponted by a bunch of H.Upmanns I'd acquired - too harsh and a tad bitter. I stuck them in my humidor for about 9 months and forgot about them. I tried one this weekend and was amazed at the difference. They're ready!

So, I guess if you're buying ONE cigar, you don't really know until you light it, but if you buy a box or 5 or 10 you can try one and put them away if neccessary.

Am I correct in assuming that there is no real way to know, ahead of time, if you're going to have to let them sit in your humidor for a while? What does everyone else do? Just try one and see or is there a way to predict?

.

[Baric]

Erm...as a very general rule i age ISOMs as these tend to be sold fresh, whilst i do not age NCs as these tend to be aged before they get to you.
However, as your post puts it, this is not always the case.
I do tend to try one cigar from each box just to get to know said box - does it need aging, is the quality good, whats the draw like, etc.
Also, do some research on the gar beforehand-use a review site, many will say "this cgar is great fresh, this one needs aging etc" and finally, if youre interested about a particular 'gar, dont be afraid to post here. somebody will have had experience and will be able to give you advice!

[fulloflead]

Originally Posted by Baric

ISOMs

Originally Posted by Baric

NCs

Duh... is there a "knowledge base" or glossary of some sort where I can educate myself on such terms?

.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by fulloflead

Duh... is there a "knowledge base" or glossary of some sort where I can educate myself on such terms?

.

Sticky posts contain so much useful info.

http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4398


NCRM

[zamco17]

I try to age everything. NC's-a few weeks to a couple months. ISOM's at least 6 months but damn is hard to wait!!!!

[fulloflead]

Originally Posted by zamco17

I try to age everything. NC's-a few weeks to a couple months. ISOM's at least 6 months but damn is hard to wait!!!!

Yeah, I do that accidently sometimes. I have 3 humidors.

One for everyday - getting into every day and I have to watch the humidity.

One for my super-high-end stuff that I usually can't afford that I dig into on special occasions when I'm in the mood.

One that holds about 50 for aging/storing.

.

[kenstogie]

Originally Posted by zamco17

I try to age everything. NC's-a few weeks to a couple months. ISOM's at least 6 months but damn is hard to wait!!!!

I like to age everything. It never hurts and often helps.

[punch]

Depends on where I get them. Mail order - I like to let them sit a few months. B&M - I ask how long he has had them. I really don't need to age the 2004 Punch Rare Corojos that he still has in boxes. I also like buying Davidoffs from him that are old enough that the cello is yellow and the bands have turned a nice aged ivory color. I don't age these either.

[donp]

>>Am I correct in assuming that there is no real way to know, ahead of time, if you're going to have to let them sit in your humidor for a while? What does everyone else do? Just try one and see or is there a way to predict?<<

I agree; there is no way to know until you try one or two (if you have a box). If there is some flavor or aspect of the stick you don't like (ie: burn, taste) you can always let em sit (rest) for a while. Chances are they will get better if you age them under the appropriate conditions.