Sampler question

[mtw]

I've smoked cubans sporadically for 5 years but do not have a very diverse experience. I was going to order some samples to try different ones.

How long do I need to rest a cigar sample pack before the cigars' tastes become representative of how a box would taste? Or differently, if I really like a Cohiba robusto in a sampler for example, will there be much difference in taste with a Cohibo robusto from a different box?

Thanks.

[rckymtn22]

Most members rest their orders a minimum of 30 days so they stabilize from shipping. Since shipping conditions can under or over humidify the cigars that is the reason we do that. Can't answer the box question as I have not had to many cigars from different boxes

[Colt45]

How long do I need to rest a cigar sample pack before the cigars' tastes become representative of how a box would taste?

It is a bit of conundrum, and one I've faced any number of times in the past. For example, some years ago I acquired a batch of Vegas Robainas

Famosos singles. I sampled them here and there over the course of a few of years. Early on they were rather nondescript, and though they did

show a "basic tobacco profile" - they did show something, I was a bit underwhelmed. It was not until the last one or two that they came into

their own and I realized how good they could be.

So now I have to start all over again - get more, get a box(es), wait it out, go through the process. Also, the unfortunate reality is that there is no

guarantee from batch to batch, box to box, cigar to cigar. But over time, I think we all are able to discern the good from the bad, so to speak. And

for a number of us, it helps that we have knowledgeable people to help guide us and to choose for us when we can't choose for ourselves.

It's worth stepping back, not rushing, learning some basic profiles, likes and dislikes, before committing time and money to quantities of cigars you

may end up not enjoying. Just my opinion.

[cigcars]

*If you've got the dollars you can always search out vintage/aged stock. If not, and speaking for myself, I really don't bother with whether to let them set or smoke immediately. Depends on my mood & taste. I've smoked cigars that arrived that afternoon & I've got smokes dating back to 1998 that I still will probably leave alone. It's your call & your gut feeling

[Stalebread]

How long do I need to rest a cigar sample pack before the cigars' tastes become representative of how a box would taste?

Seems to me that you have to make a distinction between letting the sample pack rest and letting it age.

A cigar from the sample pack should be representative of a cigar from a box at any time, given that both cigars have been stored the same and are the same age. Sort of. As Colt said above, "There is no guarantee from batch to batch, box to box, cigar to cigar."

As far as letting them rest, as others have said, 30 days is thought of as the minimum. If the cigars have gone through more extreme conditions, like really hot weather at the vendor's location and really cold weather where you are, then a period longer than 30 days would probably be a good idea. The key here is getting them into a stable environment.

[bob25]

Usually I let them rest for a month before smoke one,but if its a sampler I would smoke them after a couple of days when I have time.

A sampler is for you to enjoy and try new cigars and then buy a box of what you liked best,so

smoke them right away and enjoy!

[mtw]

Thank you all very much for your helpful advice. A few of each (like the split samplers) might be good for me to sample. I also may be giving my taste buds too much credit in terms of being able to notice subtle differences in flavors.

I guess cigars (like wine, scotch, coffee, women, etc, not necessarily in that order) are like hands--all the same, but different.