Juanote
The sound of one hand fapping
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2013
- Messages
- 817
According to Min Ron Nee (combined with a few other sources), Habanos have 4 stages of aging:
1. Sick period - release of ammonia (30 days - 1 year)
2. First maturation - maximized flavor & loss of bitter / harsh flavors (mild: 2-5 years, medium: 5-8 years, full: 7-15 years)
3. Second maturation - increased complexity (15-25 years) though somewhat diminished flavor
4. Third maturation - "finesse" (20 years +), sublime transformation of flavor & textures
Strength is associated with heightened benefits of aging. Mild cigars are not believed to benefit much from aging past first maturation, while some medium-full cigars can continue to improve for decades.
I am wondering about people's thoughts on how these guidelines could apply to NCs, especially with the release of so many outstanding marcas in recent years (the majority in the medium-full spectrum). Most would probably agree that Opus for example ought to improve for decades like the finest Cubans. The same does not seem to be believed about the premium Padron lines (anyone had a different experience here?). With the many quality full bodied NCs out there today, what marcas and lines do you think could be worth aging for 20 years or longer? Since we are past the 20 year mark of some famous premium NC ORs, has anyone experienced super aged premium NC lines that have hit another level entirely?
I appreciate anyone who wants to share their experiences or thoughts about aging CCs or NCs.
1. Sick period - release of ammonia (30 days - 1 year)
2. First maturation - maximized flavor & loss of bitter / harsh flavors (mild: 2-5 years, medium: 5-8 years, full: 7-15 years)
3. Second maturation - increased complexity (15-25 years) though somewhat diminished flavor
4. Third maturation - "finesse" (20 years +), sublime transformation of flavor & textures
Strength is associated with heightened benefits of aging. Mild cigars are not believed to benefit much from aging past first maturation, while some medium-full cigars can continue to improve for decades.
I am wondering about people's thoughts on how these guidelines could apply to NCs, especially with the release of so many outstanding marcas in recent years (the majority in the medium-full spectrum). Most would probably agree that Opus for example ought to improve for decades like the finest Cubans. The same does not seem to be believed about the premium Padron lines (anyone had a different experience here?). With the many quality full bodied NCs out there today, what marcas and lines do you think could be worth aging for 20 years or longer? Since we are past the 20 year mark of some famous premium NC ORs, has anyone experienced super aged premium NC lines that have hit another level entirely?
I appreciate anyone who wants to share their experiences or thoughts about aging CCs or NCs.