Aging time requirements?

[RyanSe]

 

So I recently picked up about 5 boxes of various Cubans (Bolivar, Ramon Allones, RyJ, Montecristo, and Partagas) and most of the boxes are Sep- Dec 2021. How long should I let these puppies rest for before digging in. And if I did want to smoke one say at the 6 month mark what should I expect? Would it be bad, harsh?

[Çnote]

To me, 6 months is perfect to start on a box and see where they are.

Given the 2021 codes, I would not expect any undue harshness at roughly 1 year of age, but you may see some of these marcas still having some youth at that point, Bolivar in particular.

You'll also need to take into account the size of the vitola, minutos and petite corona will come along quicker than RASS or MC#2 for example. I personally like sticks well rested and with as much age as I can be patient, but 6 months of rest can be emotionally charged but well worth it.

[TobaccoRoad]

It depends on the cigars and your preferences. The bad news is there is no easy answer to your questions. The good news is that there are no wrong answers. The best news is that you will learn from your experiences. I'm a couple of years into this hobby and enjoying the ride.

 

[BrightonCorgi]

Only you can tell when they are ready.  At some point they go flat, but will come around again.  Just smoke them and don't worry.

[MattxG]

1 hour ago, Çnote said:

You'll also need to take into account the size of the vitola, minutos and petite corona will come along quicker than RASS or MC#2 for example.

Very true, I've also found the old wisdom that packaging type matters to be true also.  I find my cigars in dress boxes reach a smokeable state faster than those in cabs.  I've recently been picking at a cab of PLPC with 7 months on it and have found that the sticks taste younger the further into the center of the cab I get.  

My personal rule of thumb is never before 6 months, sometimes between 6mo-1y, and then good from there on out.  There are been exceptions to that but that's my general outlook on it.  

[El Presidente]

You just can't shortcut this hobby 

 

3-5 years 

That is not an ageing rule. That is the rule for how much time is required  to work out what is best for you 

Personally, I get a very good idea of a cigars profile at the 1/3/5/8 year mark. 

From the hip I would say that 70% of my rotation are bloody good at the 1 year mark and superb by 3. Some need a deeper sleep. Just a couple need more than 5 to go that whole extra gear that transforms them. None need more than 8.  

[Edicion]

2020/2021 Mon 2, D4, P2, D5 and many more are smoking excellent ROTT. I just wait 30 days or so for them to settle in a bit.