The Power of Aging

[shunoshi]

So, being a noob to cigar smoking, I've dabbled with a few brands now trying to discover what type of flavors I enjoy. With limited funds, I've smoked nearly everything I've bought straight out of the shipped box or B&M. Because of a few outstanding BOTLs here, I have a small collection of random smokes sitting in my makeshift tupper-a-dor now. So, first off, thanks for all the kindness (I'll repay it one day).

Since I've smoked everything right away, I've never really had a cigar that has "sat around" for awhile. I tried the 5 Vegas Gold and instantly fell in love with it. It was a good smoke right out of the box. I decided to pick up a 5-pack of 5 Vegas Alphas (since they've gotten rave reviews on Puff), smoked one a couple weeks ago and didn't like it. It was too spicy up front and continued to be so through the 1st half of the smoke. It mellowed out after that, but it was too late. I was already thrown off.

I decided to have a smoke out in my car and listen to the finale of the Vikings/Packers game tonight. I popped open my tupper-a-dor and surveyed my holdings. In the big pack of sticks that Jerry just sent me last week (Thanks again, btw!) was a 5 Vegas box pressed Apotheosis. My assumption is that Jerry had these smokes in his humidor for awhile before he so generously sent them out to a few of us (I could be wrong). I decided to give it a second chance figuring that maybe some age would make a difference.

Whoa, did it ever.

It started off nice a smooth with a little spice, definitely not overwhelming like the first time. It carried that smooth spice through the first third then took on some hints of woodiness. The final third, carried that woodiness into a slight meaty flavor. At this point I was sold. This is actually a really good cigar (especially for the price).

Either my palate is maturing a little or aging really makes a serious impact on cigar flavor (or maybe a little of both).


Well, this turned out a little longer than expected, but thanks for taking the time to read it anyhow.

[triad47]

I have to let sticks sit in a humidor for a few weeks once I get them. I find if I smoke something I order online right off the truck I hate it.

The only exception is the one or two smokes I get from my local B&M's...but even then I come home and put them in the humi for a bit. I am more apt to smoke those sooner however.

[jeepthing]

Now that I have been smoking for a few months, kinda have a rotation working. Always try to let new sticks set for awhile

[RobustBrad]

Like you said it could be a bit of both. Maturing pallet and an aged cigar can make the world of difference.

Cheers,
Brad

[Flux]

I've been smoking seriously for about 5 years now and have been fortunate enough to collect and smoke some cigars that have had some serious age to them and also to develop my personal preferences at the same time. I try to let whatever I buy stay in my humidor for at least a month ... sometimes even longer.

I've found that I like my cigars with a slight bit of age but not too much. I tend to like that "kick" that a fresh smoke gives but I also like that marriage of all the oils in the cigar as well. There is a sweet spot that you find through time and experience. Too much age and a cigar seems to get one dimensional - keep in mind this is just MY personal taste - and bland.

One thing I do if I know I'm going to take cigars out to smoke at a certain time is to remove them and let them sit out in the normal humidity ...especially in the summer months. I find that with a day out of the humidor, they seem to smoke a little better.

It's all about experimentation and personal preference. It's also a hell of a lot of fun finding out what you like and what you don't. Enjoy yourself!