The magic of aging cuban cigars

[Dbone]

When I began smoking cuban cigars I would read about the magic that happens have years or even decades of aging. How the oils and flavors of the tobacco melds together and creates a magical flavor, one that can't be experienced with young cigars. Now I've been smoking for a while, and the oldest box I have are from 2006. A box of Monte 2 and Esplendidos. I've noticed the flavors becoming more distinct and less covered by what I would call, the cuban twang. But cigars transformed they are not. Maybe I just need more time to get some stock aged, buying more than I consume which is not difficult for me. But I'm beginning to think oils mixing, tobacco aging, etc... is not going to be so dramatic. Like I'm going to crack open an aged box and find the flavor has indeed changed and become custom through time.

I have been very pleased with the flavor distinction thats seem to evolve with my 06 boxes.

[cigcars]

Here Here!! And no doubt! I've noticed many unusual things happening w/my aging smokes. Heavenly, truly Heavenly!

[PigFish]

I am gonna' toss in a few words here my friend. Depending on what one considers aged, I smoke 'aged cigars' everyday. It is not the age that made them great cigars. It is not the 'age' that causes me to smoke them. I smoke them because I have them and they are good cigars.

There are great cigars and there are lousy cigars... all made by the same hands of the same rollers, perhaps even on the same days! The magic is in finding the best cigars through your own tastes and experiences. Finding a consistently good smoking experience takes more than just ordering a new box of cigars.

I am not arguing that age has no effect on cigars. I am saying that while age may affect a cigars taste, it does not heal a lousy cigar! (MHO) Good and great cigars kept at the moisture level that you prefer should net you a positive experience, regardless the age.

I have some 20 yo cigars that will twang the **** out of you! It is just the way they were made. -Piggy

[Colt45]

A little difficult as there are many aspects.....

Personally, at best I hope that properly made cigars will have a natural progression to where rough edges are smoothed and flavor elements

become balanced and integrated.

I don't really expect any kind of magical transformation.

[Rider1]

Interesting topic!

I am a long-time NC smoker and started trying CC's within the last year. So far I have had nothing that really wows me and I have tried a wide variety of good cigars including many HQ's from our sponsor. For me, the NC's I smoke have much more flavor than the CC's and are much more enjoyable. Most of the CC's I have tried have been in the range of 6 to 18 months old so I have been wondering if either: they need more age or smoking NC's has biased my taste for cigars or maybe I just don't like CC's.

[semery74]

One thing I would advise is to never write off a box of cigars because you tried one. I've experienced some of the worst cigars become some of the best. For cigars it is definitely not garbage in garbage out. A majority of age benefits are subtle, but there are a handful that will blow you away.