They grow up so quick.

[XxMerlinxX]

At what point do you consider a cigar "aged"? I have some sticks in my humi that have been there for a little over a year, would these now be considered "aged" or are we talking a 2-3 year period here? Will the sticks turn a different color or are there any outward signs of this aging?

 

[masterp0606]

Ploom is a nice indicator. It looks like glitter from the oils seeping through the wrapper.


Although I think this has probably been discussed before.

 

[Yeahthatsme]

At what point do you consider a cigar "aged"? I have some sticks in my humi that have been there for a little over a year, would these now be considered "aged" or are we talking a 2-3 year period here? Will the sticks turn a different color or are there any outward signs of this aging?

I've seen pictures of some wrapper fading in some seriously aged sticks(10 years and up), and there's always plume(though I think that's more of a random result of aging than a landmark). Another thing I've noticed on older cigars is that the band is really loose, though again this isn't present in all aged cigars.




edit: Somehow managed to double post within one post. Strange.

 

[mmburtch]

One year is "settled". Aged starts somewhere around 5 years. Smokeable is generally somewhere in between (unless you like them fresh).

 

[beyond the band]

Sancho Panza double maduro is a decent smoke for about 5 bucks California price. I put them in the humi for a year or more and it comes out looking very shiny and oily. The taste IMO is way better. It's like a different cigar all together.

Some say there is such a thing as plume. I have never seen this elusive substance. Maybe I need more patience.

I do know that all the cigars in my possetion tend to get better the longer they sit.

 

[sinnyc]

This is a matter of opinion and as such the definitions vary widely but I tend to think of CC's in this way:
1-3 years = ready to smoke for the impatient
5+ years = aged
10+ years = vintage
Habanos claims that their tobacco is now aged enough prior to rolling that the cigars are ready to go right out of the vendors' humidors. Whether or not that is true I don't know but I generally prefer to let my CC's sleep before I smoke them.

For most NC's, I'd say the cigars are ready after as little as a few weeks settling time in your humidor.

- Tim

edited spelling

 

[GDeAngelo]

Aging is a complex process which requires special attention. While all cigars show some degree of maturity from additional aging, not all cigars age well. A common misconception is that a cigar which was rolled with “new” tobacco will lose its bite and harshness through humidor aging. No amount of humidor aging will mellow “new” or un-cured tobacco.

“The best cigars for aging are those which were well balanced and enjoyable to being with.”

Proper aging requires a designated humidor which will not be used for daily use. It should have a capacity that exceeds the amount of cigars to be aged by at least 20%. Cigars should be placed in the humidor without cellophane. Allow for space for the head and foot of the cigars evenly. The humidity source should be one that can exceed 70% humidity. Aging cigars should be kept at 70%-79% humidity depending on the thickness of the wrapper. Thicker wrappers require higher levels of humidity. Once desired age is achieved a cigar should be brought to 70% before smoking.

Recommended Aging
High Primes (Thicker Wrappers) Maduro/Habano/Corojo/Habano 2000/Criollo/Sumatra/3-7 years

2-3 Primes (Medium Wrappers) Low Primes/Ecuador Connecticut/2-5 years

1st Cut (Thinner Wrappers) USA Connecticut/Cameroon/1-4 years

 

[baldheadracing]

Aging is a complex process which requires special attention. While all cigars show some degree of maturity from additional aging, not all cigars age well. A common misconception is that a cigar which was rolled with “new” tobacco will lose its bite and harshness through humidor aging. No amount of humidor aging will mellow “new” or un-cured tobacco.

“The best cigars for aging are those which were well balanced and enjoyable to being with.”

Proper aging requires a designated humidor which will not be used for daily use. It should have a capacity that exceeds the amount of cigars to be aged by at least 20%. Cigars should be placed in the humidor without cellophane. Allow for space for the head and foot of the cigars evenly. The humidity source should be one that can exceed 70% humidity. Aging cigars should be kept at 70%-79% humidity depending on the thickness of the wrapper. Thicker wrappers require higher levels of humidity. Once desired age is achieved a cigar should be brought to 70% before smoking.

Recommended Aging
High Primes (Thicker Wrappers) Maduro/Habano/Corojo/Habano 2000/Criollo/Sumatra/3-7 years

2-3 Primes (Medium Wrappers) Low Primes/Ecuador Connecticut/2-5 years

1st Cut (Thinner Wrappers) USA Connecticut/Cameroon/1-4 years

The above is an unattributed quote from, I believe, the Oliva's (Oliva Cigars, not the Oliva tobacco growers). I would view the quote solely within that context. YMMV.

 

[Shibumi]

Smoke em if you got em.
You can't take them with you. 