Aging Cigars Out Of The Box

[Mattb82]

Good Morning 

new to the group and my first post. New to Cubans and really getting an idea of what I like to smoke. Currently have a box of RASS, HDM Epi #2, two boxes of monte #2s,  a box of HDM Epi Delux, 1 box of Partagas #4. My question is on aging these cigars in my humidors not in the box. I have two 125 count humis that I have the cigars in divided appropriately. 

Moving forward I'll go the coolador route when I decide what I like and I'll use that for long term storage. In the meantime for the next year Ill keep them in the humis. My question is probably dumb but it's ok to semi age as in 6 months-1 year just loosely in humis and not keeping them in boxes right? The only box under a year old are the Delux. Everything else was just over a year. I know they need more time but I'm trying to gauge what I like the best so I can stock up. seems like everyone stores in boxes so I wanted to make sure. Both humidors are locked in at 68 degrees and 68-69% RH, I like a softer cigar 

Any advice is welcome 

Matt 

[raymond5737]

Im basically doing the Sam thing so I hope you are right.

[Mattb82]

At the end of the day if temp and humidity are controlled I would think it's better airflow for them. I may end up just keeping both humis going and smoke from one while the others hold for about 6 months which is how long it will take me to smoke the contents of humi #1 and then rotate and refill. I'm not sure  I have the patience for long term aging so if I'm buying 1 year old cigars another 6-8 months may be all they get. 

[garbandz]

most of us here would suggest a lower humidity level, why not drop the one for a daily use humi and try it?

you can explore the archives to learn about " dry boxing" and its benefits...............

and you will need a much larger storage unit soon, consider the coolidor.............

[CaptainQuintero]

Generally people say the the more airflow the quicker the cigars age, but a long slow aging is considered the best for getting the best out of a cigar, so wrapping a box in greaseproof paper and not opening the humidor (Having one separated for dedicated aging) or even using kilner jars etc

However i don't think there is a huge amount of science to back either claim up. Oxygen certainly degrades some materials and adding aging is controlled degradation, or an attempt. Tubes and jars seem to keep cigars best over long time periods and they are relatively air tight so there is some link. 

Welcome to the forum by the way

[watches_whiskies_cigars]

For Cubans, I'd second the suggestion of dropping the RH. I keep my NCs at 67% and my CCs at 65%. I would suggest tasting your cigars at different humidity levels and see what you like.

[Mattb82]

100% dropping the humidity to 65%. Learned my lesson today 

[PapaDisco]

Yes, you're fine for 6 months to a year like that.  I don't think it will make any difference.  Now over a much longer period (5-10 years) I would really want to ziplock or shrink wrap and keep them in their original boxes (cabs would be preferable). 

[Philc2001]

On 9/4/2016 at 8:42 AM, Mattb82 said:

My question is on aging these cigars in my humidors not in the box. I have two 125 count humis that I have the cigars in divided appropriately. 

Any advice is welcome 

Matt 

Welcome Matt. 

IMPO this is fine. Just focus on environmental settings to keep things steady and time will do the rest. As you get on with your hobby and start collecting to age, you can experiment with different approaches. Some folks swear by vacuum sealing, others store everything in drawers, and many prefer to keep cigars in their original boxes. In due time you will find what works comfortably and effectively for your needs. There is scant scientific evidence to link anyone's preferences to any particular method of storage, so it all comes down to preference and personal taste.

My personal preference is to keep cigars in cabinet style boxes, all wood, open grain natural finish, with no varnish or paint. They're not as pretty to look at as the fancy dress boxes, but it helps me organize my stock, and In my mind these kind of boxes help regulate the RH in my wineador. However, keeping cigars in boxes tends to waste space as the box is depleted, so I consolidate cigars from time to time as space becomes tight.

I recommend not sweating too much over the little details. There is seldom a right or wrong, just a matter of personal preferences.

[garbandz]

If you can get cab boxes your cigars will age more gracefully.I have used cabs since the 80s.

some folks talk about not buying 5x5 or 5x3 packs because the cigars pick up a paper taste,so what do you think happens when your cigars live for years in a paper box?

you can also fit them in a smaller footprint,and you can fit a lot of petit coronas in a gordo or toro box.

most B&Ms are glad to part with them for a song......

[MahDooRow]

Matt:  Welcome!  You're fine storing loose cigars in your humidor.  I've had some Bolivar Corona Gigantes and RyJ Churchills in my desktop humi for over six years and they've held up just fine.  I see from your original post that you prefer a softer cigar, but I'd encourage you to experiment with lower rH... especially for CCs.  CCs tend to burn very unevenly when soft and humid.  You will also have to relight them multiple times, and this doesn't add up to an enjoyable smoking experience IMO.  The easiest way to experiment with lower rH is via dry boxing.  Just place one of your cigars in an empty wooden cigar box (not a papered dress box) for 3-5 days before smoking.  I think you'll like the results.  Keep us posted.  Cheers!

[Mattb82]

Thanks mahdoorow