chrls67 said:
Ok, here's a newbie question for the OGs out there. I have read numerous threads regarding Cohibas and the fact that they need to be allowed to sit for 2 or 3 years before they are ripe enough to smoke. Now I don't see to much mention of other brands of Cuban cigars that need to be allowed to age for such a prolonged period before you should smoke them nor do I see such comments made about non Cubans such as Padrons or AF for example. I understand that brands such as Padron improve significantly if they are aged but they do not seem to require it as is mentioned constantly about Cohibas. Is it that other brands age their cigars (or tobacco) prior to making them available where as Cohiba does not, or is it something else? My girlfriend brought me back a few Siglo VI's from Peru but as much as I want to try them (never had the pleasure of a Cohiba), I'm afraid the experience would be a let down if I don't allow them to "simmer" for a couple of years (oh say it isn't so ).
[snapback]271951[/snapback]
I won't give you a scientific explanation about the Cohibas, because I just don't have the experience with them. I will say, however, that, to me, they are much better aged. I don't like them fresh. Others will say different. It is about palate.
As for other cigars...if it is a Habanos, I age it. I have been finding lately that there is a dramatic difference in aged and un-aged Habanos. The Cubans do not age their cigars nor their tobacco (except for Reserva lines and special releases). The cigars come to the market fresh. If you buy a box from say August '05, it is really from August '05. It is very fresh. The tobacco is not aged and the cigars have not aged and married. Might the cigars still taste good, of course. Depends on the brand and vitola. However, they will taste much better with age.
NCs are a bit different. Most of the better manufacturers are using aged tobacco and the cigars age for anywhere from 60 to 120 days before being released. Some longer...much longer. For the most part (at least in my opinion), NCs are much more ready to smoke "off the shelf." Does age improve them, absolutely.
Now, my advice with the Sig VIs...smoke one right now. No, I mean right now. Sit down, light it up, and see what you think. Save the others for a while. In six months, smoke another...see if you detect a difference. Save the others and note the changes. That way, you make up your own mind about aging. You also decide if you like them fresh or with some age. There are definite preferences out there.
Hope this helps.
