Loose Bands + Old-ish = Tasty?

[PapaDisco]

This is not very scientific, but I've notice over the last year or so that boxes with at least 4 or 5 years on them, AND that the cigars appear to have endured some harsh (as in freezing) conditions have been consistently good smokes. Even though these sticks look like they're dehydrated and have been stored in a Canadian winter, they test at 65-70% rH, it's just that they seem a ring undersized and their bands are loose.

I've noticed this with R&J Churchills (2011), H Upmann PC's (2010), Monte 4's (2009), HdM Epi 2's (2009), and a few others, but all pretty much mainstream production.

Anybody else notice this? Should we stop babying our cigars and just abuse them for 5 years until smoking?

[leftimatic]

Life would surely be simpler and a lot less stressful if it is true. I need a bigger collection and more willpower to find any truth to this though.

[Geo17pip]

I dont know if it has anything to do with the freezing conditions but I do know that cigars tend to shrink a little bit as they age.

[TheLiquidGator]

Smoked a Mag 46 from 2006 box a few days ago. The old style brown band was very loose. The cigar was simply superb. Smooth, bread,fruit and a little spice too.

[RijkdeGooier]

What will generally hold true it that cigars, tend to loose 'stuff' (oils and what have you) and become slimmer, as they age.

As a result any draw issues present when freshly rolled will have a good chance of resolving.