I wholeheartedly subscribe
to the theory that aging has a critical impact on a cigar's body and
flavor. Initial aging after their rolling is essential to allow the cigar
to dry and stabilize. Not only will this greatly improve the flavor, but
also greatly improve the burn and draw. Stabilization takes only 6 to 8
weeks, however allowing your cigars to age even longer will let the
flavors of the blend meld and mellow into a more harmonious smoke. A
cigar's complexities and nuances will be greatly enhanced with long-term
aging in a proper environment.
On the other hand, I am also a firm
believer that cigars do not perpetually age for the better. Every cigar
eventually hits a peak, and from there on it is downhill. So it is just as
important to not overage your cigars, as it is to age them in the first place.
The younger the cigar the more drastic
the impact time has upon it; 3 months can mean a world of difference to a
freshly rolled cigar, whereas 3 months are negligible when dealing with 15
year old sticks.
Assigning fixed blocks of time is
impossible, each box of cigars is different, and it will respond
differently to aging. With that said, here are some ballpark figures to
use:
1 Year - Cigars should be
smoked within a few weeks of being rolled if you desire that "Chincales"
type flavor, otherwise they should be allowed to rest for a year
without exception. All cigars are better a year later in my opinion.
1 - 2 Years - This is a good
time to start smoking those Habanos and Hondurans. This is also the
peak period for many Dominicans, and most light bodied smokes.
2 - 5 Years - These are the
peak years for most other cigars. Typically the stronger fuller bodied
cigars age better over a longer duration of time. This is why Havana
Bolivars, Partagas, and Ramon Allones are all considered cigars that
age beautifully. The same logic applies to all countries of origin
7 - 10 Years - This is about
the maximum aging time for me on almost all cigars. After this point,
I find most cigars become too mellow and too pale in body for me to
enjoy.
10 + Years - At this point we
enter into the realm of "vintage" cigars in my book. Many of
these cigars will be so flat and boring they are worthless to smoke,
while others will take on unique characteristics that will make them
enjoyable smokes. One such trait is a musty smell and a taste that is
similar to snuff. Another rarer long-term aging trait is cigars taking
on an odd scent that is commonly referred to as the "stinky
cheese-like smell." This odd reference is due to their pre-light
bouquet being similar in scent to a ripe wheel of Stilton Cheese.
Though it may sound unappealing, these cigars are a delight to smoke
and are highly prized by vintage cigar collectors worldwide. Many pay
top dollar to secure these smokes. Regardless of the flavor
characteristics of vintage vitlolas, very seldom do any of these
cigars maintain any quantitative strength at this level of aging.
Also, only the fullest bodied cigars have any chance of being
worthwhile smokes after this many years.
