Experienced cigar enthusiasts know well the pleasures of a
well-aged cigar. The subtle flavors and complex constitution of a well-aged
cigar is indescribably and unforgettable. Like wine, many cigar aficionados
swear by the process of aging. A great cigar, the argument goes, is an aged
one. How can you attain a well-aged cigar that provides the mellow, complex
flavors you crave? You can always fork over a good deal of your money and
purchase a box of expensive vintage cigars. If you would rather save the money
and experiment with aging on your own, here are a few tips to help you get
started.
First, know that you will have to be patient if you want a
properly aged cigar. You will have to age your cigars for about a year in order
to achieve the flavors and complex subtleties of a well-aged cigar. Also, know
that in order to achieve the rewards of a well-aged cigar; you must begin the
process with a high quality cigar. If you try to age a lower quality cigar,
chances are any amount of aging won’t improve their flavor significantly. Many
high quality cigars that you find too strong or odorous are perfect candidates
for aging. In fact, almost all high quality cigars can be improved through the
process of aging.
To age your cigars, purchase a good quality humidor. Cigars
must be stored in a constant and stable environment. Follow the 70-70 rules.
That means the humidity must be at a constant humidity of 70%, and at a
temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Of course, the environment in which they are stored is crucial.
Follow the usual 70-70 rules for temperature and humidity. Any more and your
cigars will get moldy; any less and the aging process begins to be stunted.
Maintaining a stable environment for your cigars is key – a constantly
fluctuation environment can be disastrous. Swings in temperature and humidity
cause cigars to expand and contract, cracking their wrappers and it may disrupt
the aging process. Ideally, the space in the humidor should be about twice the
volume of cigars. The lining should be cedar – cedar wood is highly aromatic
wood, full of its own oils. With the passage of time, the interaction of the
tobacco oils amongst themselves, and with the cedar oil of the wood it leads to
a mellowing and blending of flavors resulting in that subtle complexity you can
only get from proper aging.
