Cigar Aging - By Steve Saka - CNX Cigar Counsel

[RPB67]

Cigar Aging - By Steve Saka - CNX Cigar Counsel

Thoughts Anyone?

wholeheartedly subscribe to the theory that aging has a critical impact on a cigar's body and flavor. Initial aging after their rolling is essential to allow the cigar to dry and stabilize. Not only will this greatly improve the flavor, but also greatly improve the burn and draw. Stabilization takes only 6 to 8 weeks, however allowing your cigars to age even longer will let the flavors of the blend meld and mellow into a more harmonious smoke. A cigar's complexities and nuances will be greatly enhanced with long-term aging in a proper environment.

On the other hand, I am also a firm believer that cigars do not perpetually age for the better. Every cigar eventually hits a peak, and from there on it is downhill. So it is just as important to not overage your cigars, as it is to age them in the first place.

The younger the cigar the more drastic the impact time has upon it; 3 months can mean a world of difference to a freshly rolled cigar, whereas 3 months are negligible when dealing with 15 year old sticks.

Assigning fixed blocks of time is impossible, each box of cigars is different, and it will respond differently to aging. With that said, here are some ballpark figures to use:

1 Year - Cigars should be smoked within a few weeks of being rolled if you desire that "Chincales" type flavor, otherwise they should be allowed to rest for a year without exception. All cigars are better a year later in my opinion.
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1-2 Years - This is a good time to start smoking those Habanos and Hondurans. This is also the peak period for many Dominicans, and most light bodied smokes.
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2 - 5 Years - These are the peak years for most other cigars. Typically the stronger fuller bodied cigars age better over a longer duration of time. This is why Havana Bolivars, Partagas, and Ramon Allones are all considered cigars that age beautifully. The same logic applies to all countries of origin
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7-10 Years - This is about the maximum aging time for me on almost all cigars. After this point, I find most cigars become too mellow and too pale in body for me to enjoy.
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10 Plus Years - At this point we enter into the realm of "vintage" cigars in my book. Many of these cigars will be so flat and boring they are worthless to smoke, while others will take on unique characteristics that will make them enjoyable smokes. One such trait is a musty smell and a taste that is similar to snuff. Another rarer long-term aging trait is cigars taking on an odd scent that is commonly referred to as the "stinky cheese-like smell." This odd reference is due to their pre-light bouquet being similar in scent to a ripe wheel of Stilton Cheese. Though it may sound unappealing, these cigars are a delight to smoke and are highly prized by vintage cigar collectors worldwide. Many pay top dollar to secure these smokes. Regardless of the flavor characteristics of vintage vitlolas, very seldom do any of these cigars maintain any quantitative strength at this level of aging. Also, only the fullest bodied cigars have any chance of being worthwhile smokes after this many years.



There are many exceptions to the above, it is only meant to serve as a rough guideline for your convenience. All handmade long filler cigars improve with aging, so before you dismiss any cigar as "bad" you should allow it to rest untouched for awhile. You will be genuinely surprised how many of those poor cigars blossom into enjoyable smokes. However, aging can not improve cigars that are made from inferior or under-cured tobacco.

The best way to determine the impact of time on your cigars is to smoke one occasionally from an aging box and to take detailed tasting notes. I am certain that you will see drastic improvement in the quality of your smoking experience as you allow your cigars to age. However, regardless of the age, once you find a box that no longer is improving with time consider the smoking lamp lit and enjoy them!

[KyLongbeard]

This should be a sticky. Great post!

[ntrem]

Wow, you are great. Thanks a lot.

[DudeGroovin]

Originally Posted by KyLongbeard

This should be a sticky. Great post!

Considering the topic, perhaps it should be a stinky.

Great post. Thanks for the great article.

Dude

[Big D]

Thanks for the info!

[jgros001]

I disagree with his sentiments about 7-10 years and 10+. Yes some cigars may become mellow and boring. But I have tried a few cigars from the '97 and '98 range and none have been boring. He seems to lump all cigars together - and maybe this is the case for non cuban cigars but I have never tried one of those with this type of age. Cuban cigars I have tried in this range have been the exact opposite of his characterization. One of the best cigars I have had was an '84 Monte Espec (also a Romeo Church from '85)...absolutely fantastic.

Would like to hear some comments on this..."Typically the stronger fuller bodied cigars age better over a longer duration of time." I have heard great things about aged El Rey Choix - haven't had the experience yet but there have to be some that can comment.

[j6ppc]

Dunno - I've been fortunate to have had a few cigars with 15 or more years of age and they were anything but boring. Smoking a '98 ERDM Lonsdale at the moment and my gut feeling is that it will still have a few years of improvement left. As it is it is sublime but I sense greatness in another few years from this cigar.

[Sigarz]

I think Ive seen that somewhere but its very good info thanks for the refresher.

[TMoneYNYY]

There are a lot of people who don't think that aging does much, but after only a few aged sticks, I wouldn't smoke a cigar without aging them anymore! Thanks for the info!!!!!

[25box]

Outstanding post! There are some that think you can only age ISOMs! Good info, thanks

[icehog3]

Thanks for the great post Richard, some truly interesting opinion.

I too think the 7-10+ statement is much too much of a generalization. I do have been fortunate enough through the generousity of others to smoke cigars from the 70s and 80s, and finding them dull and flat has been the exception rather than the rule. Some of them have been nothing short of amazing.

[ColdCuts]

Originally Posted by Sigarz

I think Ive seen that somewhere but its very good info thanks for the refresher.

I read this just the other day on the JR Cigars website. There's a lot of good info there. Just click on JR University. <== clicky

[six string]

I've read this before and I agree with some of his experiences and disagree with others. But he's really just talking about guidelines or "ball park" figures as he puts it.

Aging is a relative thing with each person, because until you've experimented yourself and determined what your preferences are with the blends you like, then something like this article is 100% subjective.

But, IMO I would modify with his figures in a couple of spots.

1) I would add another 2-3 years on his Cuban cigar estimates in terms of when to start smoking and taste testing some of the fuller bodied stuff like Bolivar, RA, Partagas, etc...

2) As far as most cigars beyond 10yrs... I disagree with his opinion here. Many Cubans and NC's can become fantastic smokes with 10+ yrs on them. In fact some of the most legendary Cuban cigars got their reputations from the fact that they become truly great smokes after a decade or more of rest. Alot of other NC blends are proving their potential in this time frame now too (actually have been for years), like La Gloria Cubana, Fuente, Padron just to name a few. He also kind of implies that Dominicans are "light bodied", and don't benefit from long term aging, but just ask anyone that has smoked an OR Opus or a Don Carlos with 10+ yrs on it and they will tell you a different story.

It also goes without saying that the storage conditions for 5-10yrs+ are the most important part to ensuring that your stock will age properly.

Maybe the 10+ stuff that he smoked didn't have the best home, maybe it's just his personal tastes, but 10+ does not = flat and boring.

[Rploaded]

Originally Posted by six string

I've read this before and I agree with some of his experiences and disagree with others. But he's really just talking about guidelines or "ball park" figures as he puts it.

Aging is a relative thing with each person, because until you've experimented yourself and determined what your preferences are with the blends you like, then something like this article is 100% subjective.

But, IMO I would modify with his figures in a couple of spots.

1) I would add another 2-3 years on his Cuban cigar estimates in terms of when to start smoking and taste testing some of the fuller bodied stuff like Bolivar, RA, Partagas, etc...

2) As far as most cigars beyond 10yrs... I disagree with his opinion here. Many Cubans and NC's can become fantastic smokes with 10+ yrs on them. In fact some of the most legendary Cuban cigars got their reputations from the fact that they become truly great smokes after a decade or more of rest. Alot of other NC blends are proving their potential in this time frame now too (actually have been for years), like La Gloria Cubana, Fuente, Padron just to name a few. He also kind of implies that Dominicans are "light bodied", and don't benefit from long term aging, but just ask anyone that has smoked an OR Opus or a Don Carlos with 10+ yrs on it and they will tell you a different story.

It also goes without saying that the storage conditions for 5-10yrs+ are the most important part to ensuring that your stock will age properly.

Maybe the 10+ stuff that he smoked didn't have the best home, maybe it's just his personal tastes, but 10+ does not = flat and boring.

I agree with your additions/changes to the statement. Many NC cigars become briliant with some time on them.

[kjd2121]

I can agree that ageing helps a cigar. I just smoked a Brazillia with 3 months in my humi and it was totally different than a fresh one. Time will tell.