Ageing of Tubed Cigars

[Cubist]

I know this is a well vexed subject, however, I have some thoughts on the subject and I would like to know what other people think.

If there is room I tend to un-tube the cigars and put them in the humi as I think they age better this way.
My reasoning is that cigars normally age in the presence of oxygen, so assuming the ageing process (whether chemical, biological or both) involves oxygen, then if the cigar is sealed in an airtight tube, after a period of time the oxygen will become depleted, and so the aging process will either slow considerably, stop, or possibly even change to an anaerobic process.

So, any thoughts? Any merit in the theory?

Sorry if its already been discussed. I did a quick search and did not see any mention of it.

Simon.

[PeeJay]

I take then out of the tubes because they look nicer, never considered the science of it. Some people keep them in the tube but loosen the cap to allow the passage of air.

[tippexx]

My reasoning is that cigars normally age in the presence of oxygen, so assuming the ageing process (whether chemical, biological or both) involves oxygen, then if the cigar is sealed in an airtight tube, after a period of time the oxygen will become depleted,

The tubes aren't totally airtight. Therefore for any oxygen which escapes, oxygen can also get in.

The tubes are intended to retain optimum humidity (that of the cigar factory) and to assist the maturation process. Somewhere in their vaults Mitch, JJ Fox or Ajay may have Dunhill Estupendos, I think it very unlikely they would store them caps off.

[ValeTudoGuy]

I know this is a well vexed subject, however, I have some thoughts on the subject and I would like to know what other people think.

If there is room I tend to un-tube the cigars and put them in the humi as I think they age better this way.
My reasoning is that cigars normally age in the presence of oxygen, so assuming the ageing process (whether chemical, biological or both) involves oxygen, then if the cigar is sealed in an airtight tube, after a period of time the oxygen will become depleted, and so the aging process will either slow considerably, stop, or possibly even change to an anaerobic process.

So, any thoughts? Any merit in the theory?

Sorry if its already been discussed. I did a quick search and did not see any mention of it.

Simon.

Your line of thinking seems sound to me, I keep mine in the tubes to save space but I don't have enough to worry about ageing yet.

[ValeTudoGuy]

The tubes aren't totally airtight. Therefore for any oxygen which escapes, oxygen can also get in.

The tubes are intended to retain optimum humidity (that of the cigar factory) and to assist the maturation process. Somewhere in their vaults Mitch, JJ Fox or Ajay may have Dunhill Estupendos, I think it very unlikely they would store them caps off.

Interesting I understand that oxygen transfer will take place, I suppose my initial thought was stale air without some movement. Out of interest how long would you trust a tube to maintain reasonable conditions outside a humi?

[PeeJay]

If oxygen can get in and out then surely humidity can too?

[ValeTudoGuy]

Oh it will, without doubt John. At what rate, I have no idea.

[TJCoro]

Keep 'er tubed!

The tubes aren't totally airtight. Therefore for any oxygen which escapes, oxygen can also get in. The tubes are intended to retain optimum humidity (that of the cigar factory) and to assist the maturation process. Somewhere in their vaults Mitch, JJ Fox or Ajay may have Dunhill Estupendos, I think it very unlikely they would store them caps off.

...and furthermore chico Cube, according to some, tubed puros age better, but slower.

From my limited experience with tubed sticks, I find well-aged and cared for tubed puros superior to non-tubed puros.

But that's just me.


Names Perro, el Perro


Haha! Someone should put you in a tube, ya' stupid looking dawg smiley!

[Cubist]

If oxygen can get in and out then surely humidity can too?

Thats my thought as well. How I see it, if the seal on the tube is tight enough to stop water vapour then its tight enough to stop oxygen. If its not tight enough to stop one, it wont stop either. I think its very unlikely that the seal is designed and engineered to the point it can stop water vapour but not oxygen.

[Cubist]

Hi TJCoro. Your observation about tubed cigars aging slower may just hint towards my theory of the aging process slowing down. Who knows?

[ValeTudoGuy]

I still haven't found anything definitive about what we are expecting to happen when a cigar is aged, the closest I have come is finding a comment by a guy called Michael Herklots who is apparently a "certified master tobacconist" suggesting that the Ammonia disperses and the acidity neutralises.

Depending on what is taking place could make a difference in which conditions would be favourable.

[butternutsquashpie]

Way i see it, Habanos has tubes for a reason. leave em in there for the exact same reason.
Punch Punch i had yesterday from 09 seemed to taste younger than the Punch Punch i had untubed from 09 a while back. whilst being smoother and woodier, you can definite taste that the tubed one wasn't ripe yet.....

And on the note of woodiness. many people prefer the tubed versions of things. for example: the Bolivar RC, RYJ Churchill (which i have 12-20 of ageing in my humidor IN their tubes), monte tubos/petit tubos (can't stand the box pressing of the monte 4s and 1s).
and that's a final thing: tubed cigars are not box pressed. the monte 4 that comes in a tube (monte petit tubos) are not box pressed and if you can take my word for it, slightly better.


as a side note:

Names Perro, el Perro

huzzah! El P's back!!

[PeeJay]

So the cedar lining obviously makes a difference then. The tubed American Bering cigar I had was in an unlined tube.

[Cubist]

Picking up on butternut's comment about Habanos tubing cigars for a reason, it would be interesting to know why they do tube certain cigars. Is it just for physical protection, to eliminate the need for a humidor, or to influence the flavour?

[Stevieboy]

Picking up on butternut's comment about Habanos tubing cigars for a reason, it would be interesting to know why they do tube certain cigars. Is it just for physical protection, to eliminate the need for a humidor, or to influence the flavour?

For quick, easy sales probably......I think they're designed with the retailer in mind and not the consumer

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