Aging vs Resting

[Tootoon Tan]

I assume that most people on this site are serious cigar smokers, as I consider myself. So I buy new boxes for aging...to be smoked later as in 5 to 7 years later. If I receive a new box and I have that urge to light one up, I discipline myself not to touch it until its been resting in my humidor for 3 months.

[Ford2112]

On 5/19/2025 at 6:20 AM, yuppie said:

Being an Arizona resident myself, where temps will soon be approaching 115ºF and humidity is typically around 15%-20%, what do you suggest I can do to ensure a better experience smoking outside? 

Move. I've been to Phoenix in 127 degree heat. F THAT.

[CanuckSARTech]

Resting - for 30 days to 6 months after rolling / packaging, or 30 days after an airmail shipping.

Fresh - as in “fresh off the roller’s bench”, to be 1-14 days, still damp leaf, very mongrel, constant relights and hard to get past halfway smoked….but OOOOHHHH, can be so damn unique and fulfilling. 

Aged - 3-5 years minimum for basic aging. Then, smoke and determination for “long term aging” (generally 10 years plus). Takes a bit to figure this out, whether sticks have “the legs” to go for long term. 

[yuppie]

59 minutes ago, Ford2112 said:

Move. I've been to Phoenix in 127 degree heat. F THAT

I'm about 4 minutes away from the lake and I've got a pool, I'll be fine lol.

[BlueWS]

1 hour ago, yuppie said:

I'm about 4 minutes away from the lake and I've got a pool, I'll be fine lol.

You're going to need that pool for drinking water pretty soon! 😁

[Fuzz]

On 5/19/2025 at 2:26 PM, BlueWS said:

It sound ridiculous, but I've read about guys wetting the wrapper on very old sticks right before they smoke it. Literally running the cigar under the faucet carefully. I've smoked outside above 100F once, but If you're having issues maybe try that on a cheap stick to see if it makes a difference? I'm not an expert.

Running it under Pepsi gives you a caramel taste when you smoke it...

[cmbarton]

On 5/13/2025 at 8:56 PM, RSG said:

I age all my cigars. To me, aged cigars get smoother, more rounded over time. If I buy a new world cigar, I will let it acclimate (rest?) in the Humidor a while. If your lucky enough to experience that 20 year old smoothness...

I haven’t experienced a smooth 20-year-old in decades! Not since I married her.