Aging cigars

[SStanford90]

Following my previous thread, the humidity in my humidor seems to be leveling out so I'm keen on filling it with some sticks.

What's the general approach to "aging" cigars? I understand from reading the forum that cigars become better with age, is this true for all?

Is there a limit to how long I should wait before I smoke certain brands (5/10 years etc)?

Would also be interested to hear how this affects their original value.

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[Alexw33]

Some people like aged smokes as it generally mellows them and smooths out any rough edges from youth. Some prefer their smokes young and pugnacious. Personally I enjoy aged smokes, that’s not to say I don’t also enjoy cigars with only a year or two on them.

Generally most will agree that a year or two greatly benefits all (Cuban) cigars, after that it comes down to personal preference and the best way to find out what works for you is to experiment.

[ha_banos]

Buy a box, smoke one a year. After 25 years you will have a full aging profile for that box. Decide how you liked it best.

Repeat for many many boxes.

[K444HEP]

As others have said, this is subjective, though I think the general consensus here is that cigars do benefit from some age.

As an example, I prefer all Cohibas and PLPC with at least 5 years on them. Trinidad Reyes I can smoke fresh and enjoy, but found that I like them more with some age (3+ years). Personally, I don't taste the benefit of aging beyond 10 or so years. The only cigar that has wowed me beyond that 10 year point is the ERDM Grandes de Espana, others have either no discernible benefit for my palate or have actually dulled/muted flavour-wise.

A lot of the LE/RE boxes sky-rocket in value if you have the discipline to hold onto them. I for one, do not!

[gojira]

Well, I think that the others have aswered your question. I really like age cigars even though some are hit or miss since I believe that there's a thing like over aging. I had a 2003 Monte 2 courtesy of @Hookmaker the other day and it was stellar. I wouldn't mind a few more of these

But I've also had a few cigars that had 15 to 20 years on them and there wasn't too much taste left in them.

I think that in the end it all depends on the marca and especially storage. If one ages cigars in bad conditions they will age badly in my opinion.

[K444HEP]

Well, I think that the others have aswered your question. I really like age cigars even though some are hit or miss since I believe that there's a thing like over aging. I had a 2003 Monte 2 courtesy of [MENTION=13473583]Hookmaker[/MENTION] the other day and it was stellar. I wouldn't mind a few more of these

But I've also had a few cogars that had 15 to 20 years on them and there wasn't too much taste left in them.

I think that in the end it all depends on the marca and especially storage. If one ages cigars in bad conditions they will age badly in my opinion.

I genuinely read that as cougars

[gojira]

I genuinely read that as cougars

Oops, typo!

Just for your info: I like my woman a bit younger than I am!

[K444HEP]

Oops, typo!

Just for your info: I like my woman a bit younger than I am!

Hopefully not with 15 - 20 years on them

[gojira]

Hopefully not with 15 - 20 years on them

Nah, my GF is 36.

[K444HEP]

Back on topic (and apologies for driving it so far off-course!)... is there a humidity that is thought best for long-term aging? I think I remember reading somewhere that 70%+ is best for this aim, but could be wrong.

[oskihen]

Back on topic (and apologies for driving it so far off-course!)... is there a humidity that is thought best for long-term aging? I think I remember reading somewhere that 70%+ is best for this aim, but could be wrong.

Long term you want 62 max 65 I keep all mine at this as I prefer a drier smoke and saves having to dry box.

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[K444HEP]

Long term you want 62 max 65 I keep all mine at this as I prefer a drier smoke and saves having to dry box.

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That's good news; I store at 65% too.

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[gojira]

Yep, I'm storing at 65 as well.

[Simon Bolivar]

When starting out, try to look for cigars with a year on them already, there is a big difference smoking these to those 3-4month sold that are now available for sale. 3-5yrs suits most palates, some of us enjoy them up to 50yrs old but they are going to taste a lot more subtle by then but when you get a good'un it's worth the few duff or bland ones you smoke don the way.
Quickest way to get some aged smokes is to buy a box that are already aged & have them as special treats whilst getting some modest age on your main stock.

[puropunch]

just smoke nc's they are good to go!!