Which NCs age well?

[chenvt]

I was reading a review on another forum of the Padron Millenium which is a highly sought after, very rare cigar... Then you read that an Opus needs 5 years.. So certain brands age well? Tats may be too soon to tell about their aging, but what about AVO, Davidoff, etc?

[cbsmokin]

I'm not sure about what NC do age well, but I know that Padron Anni's do NOT age well. Time makes them terrible.

[kydsid]

I always thought the rule of thumb was that time might make a cigar better but it wouldn't make it worse. Is this not true?

[JJG]

a lot of NCs, specifically the higher quality (expensive) smokes already contain aged tobacco. that doesn't mean they won't continue to improve, its just that they are made to be smoked without additional age.

The only cigars I hear of people aging quite often are Opus. If you were to pick something for long term aging, I would get something complex and bold that's not going to lose to much strength over time. If you start with a mediocre box, you will likely be disappointed.

[chippewastud79]

I tend to think that NC cigars become worse with too much age, most of the "aged" NC's I have had can taste muted and bland :2

[chenvt]

time to dump those boxes of AVO and Tats huh? lol

[TripleF]

Recently I've smoked a few Oliva cloth bands that are obviously older and frankly they were pretty bland. I don't have enough sticks to store that long anyhow, but age doesn't seem to help NC's IMHO.

[rudeJARHEAD]

Last week I smoked an Indian Tabac tomahawk maduro that I had had in the bottom of my Humi for a few years and when I put them in there it was ok. After a few years it was very smooth and complex with a hint of sweetness. Another that I have had good experience aging is Sanch Panza and St Luis Rey

[NCRadioMan]

I'm not sure about what NC do age well, but I know that Padron Anni's do NOT age well. Time makes them terrible.

Here is where subjective taste comes into play. I think the Padrons age wonderfully. I recently had a 6 year old '64 and it was sublime. Freaking fantastic. I rarely will smoke a Padron anymore without a few years on them. Also Pepins age very well, including Tats. They become much more complex and rounded without all the power. I've also got some old Torano Black and Silver 59's that are off the hook good, to me.

It's best not to take anyone's advice on the issue, imo. It's something you can only tell for yourself.

[SkinsFanLarry]

I think that the original Oliva Master Blends have aged wonderfully....it is a stunning smoke now, in my opinion!

[NCRadioMan]

I think that the original Oliva Master Blends have aged wonderfully....it is a stunning smoke now, in my opinion!

Oh yeah, forgot about those. They are awesome! :tu Also the LA Cien Anos have aged great too!

[wrench turner 85]

I agre with NC Radio man. Also Punchs are very good with age. A frend gave me an punch EMS roschild with a year on it And I'd smoked it after work ond day and WOW. IDK that age can do that to a cigar cus for years my humi was the walk in at my B&M. also any nick pruros should age out very well. :ss

[shilala]

I always thought the rule of thumb was that time might make a cigar better but it wouldn't make it worse. Is this not true?
Yes, this is not true.
It's also subjective. Especially with premium nc's that are rolled from aged tobacco. If you want a smoke to get milder, so that it suits your personal preference more, then let it set.
With cc's, the tobacco is fresh and needs time for tannins to break down, so they aren't so bitter. Then things go from there. It's a whole different ball game.
Lots of guys enjoy cigars that are so mild it's like sucking air. I don't.
I try to give my nc's a few months to a year to settle down and get to the potential that I've chosen to suit what I like.
I've picked up nc's that were unsmaokable, then after 8 months they were stellar. Four or five months later, they'd passed their "peak", and weren't nearly as flavorful or enjoyable. I call it "hitting their window".
That "window" is what I like, personally. Nine out of ten other guys might like them better after I've already decided I don't want to smoke any more.
That said, I've smoked ciagsr that were up to 100 years old. Some were really good, and some really sucked. Without being able to smoke a 50 year old cigar 50 years ago, and try another now, I can't guage whether they "got better".
But once again, what I like and what everyone else likes may be two totally different things.
I think to summarize, I age smokes to make them suit what I like. Some I smoke rott until they're gone. I've also watched lots of very delicious nc's get very mild in a very short period of time. For me, that's very bad. :)

[bigloo]

I think there is a lot of hit and miss. I smoked a VSG with 2 years on it which was just brilliant. Also recently I smoked a Graycliff Original with 18 months which was also amazing. I have a whole bunch of higher end sticks (Anejo, Opus, Ashtons) approaching the 18 month mark and everytime I pull one to smoke they come through a big way. Pepper is my least favorite cigar taste and I find it is the first to go with age so I kinda like leaving NC to age, but as many stated here, it come down to personal taste.

[Bax]

I think there is a lot of hit and miss. I smoked a VSG with 2 years on it which was just brilliant. Also recently I smoked a Graycliff Original with 18 months which was also amazing. I have a whole bunch of higher end sticks (Anejo, Opus, Ashtons) approaching the 18 month mark and everytime I pull one to smoke they come through a big way. Pepper is my least favorite cigar taste and I find it is the first to go with age so I kinda like leaving NC to age, but as many stated here, it come down to personal taste.

Couldn't have said it better!

[Giant & 49er Fan]

a lot of NCs, specifically the higher quality (expensive) smokes already contain aged tobacco. that doesn't mean they won't continue to improve, its just that they are made to be smoked without additional age.

The only cigars I hear of people aging quite often are Opus. If you were to pick something for long term aging, I would get something complex and bold that's not going to lose to much strength over time. If you start with a mediocre box, you will likely be disappointed.

Agreed! Opus must be aged. They are very green when they come out. SOUR! is the word that describes them :2

[Steelergar]

I would think San Cristobol's would age well. I have been buying EO 601's specifically for aging and some Oliva masters blend 2 also. However I smoked a DPG blue with 2 years age on it and didn't like it as much as out of the box.

[Scottw]

I have some 3 yr old RP vintage 1990's which are smoking greay and some original release boxes of the Decades which are getting really tasty.

[Starscream]

Yes, this is not true.
It's also subjective. Especially with premium nc's that are rolled from aged tobacco. If you want a smoke to get milder, so that it suits your personal preference more, then let it set.


:tpd:

[skullnrose]

Fuente Don Carlos seem to me to get better with time. I have some with 2-3 years on them and they are smoking great.

[BC-Axeman]

Aging lets the ammonia out of cigars that are still fermenting. Really fresh ones I'll let sit for six months. Some cigars smoke harsh at first but then come alive with complexity after aging. I think it's hit or miss. I like aged La Glorias and Taboos as well as most RPs. I like all Padrons, aged or not, so I can't say. If someone will send me a sampler of PAMs aged fresh to 5yrs I will be happy to review them. :D

[troutbreath]

Good question.

I usually let just about everything rest for a few months, just to get them acclimated to my humi. But, it seems that the stronger flavored sticks seemed to age the best. Opus X always get at least 6 months. I haven't had anything really get "bland" on me, yet, but I don't have anything too old, either.

What's amazing to me is how quickly I will find things getting old . . . or aged. I know they age at the same rate, but time just flies by. I bought a bunch of boxes before SCHIP . . . and that will be 6 months before you know it. I know that is not YEARS . . . but it's still longer than I expected them to last.

[DoctaJ]

This question relates to the thread title:

"Are there certain waiting periods you will give to certain high end cigars?"


I have seen a few people mention that Opus's age very well. Do you keep them in the humidor for a certain amount of time when you purchase a new batch before lighting them up? Any other sticks you will let age a certain amount of time before trying them out? Interesting thread :ss

[borndead1]

From my personal experience:


Any Nicaraguan ligero bomb or any full-flavored Maduro.

[JJG]

This thread got me thinking...

We all know that CCs are better for aging because the tobacco is often more fresh, and it's generally accepted that most NCs are made to be smoked right away. In most cases the tobacco used in NCs is already aged to some degree. and from what I understand, Opus Xs are also made from tobacco that is several years aged.

so why is it that Opus are generally considered a good candidate for long term aging but other NCs made with aged tobacco are not? I know Opus are full flavored in strength and maybe 5-10 years would mellow them a bit, but it stands to reason that other strong NC cigars made with aged tobacco should also be good candidates for long term aging. right?

[Kreth]

I haven't been at this long enough for any serious aging, but I've noticed two of my go-tos that really improved with a couple of months on them: Perdomo Slow-Aged Lot 826 Maduro and Sancho Panza Double Maduro. The flavors are still there, but they pick up a smoothness that makes them really enjoyable to smoke.

[Steelergar]

I smoked a Graycliff 1666 Pirate last night that kicked my butt. Definently plan on letting the rest I have rest.

[bigloo]

This thread got me thinking...

We all know that CCs are better for aging because the tobacco is often more fresh, and it's generally accepted that most NCs are made to be smoked right away. In most cases the tobacco used in NCs is already aged to some degree. and from what I understand, Opus Xs are also made from tobacco that is several years aged.

so why is it that Opus are generally considered a good candidate for long term aging but other NCs made with aged tobacco are not? I know Opus are full flavored in strength and maybe 5-10 years would mellow them a bit, but it stands to reason that other strong NC cigars made with aged tobacco should also be good candidates for long term aging. right?

I think aging achieves two effects. The first is for "fresh" tobacco that is still fermenting (CC). The next is to allow the cigar to continue to mellow and meld flavors (both CC and NC). Stronger cigars (Opus) will mellow with age giving a different experience. As I stated, I like some age on cigars as it reduces the pepper flavor (as least IMHO).Cigars which are already mild tend to become very boring. I was gifted a Excalibur Dark Knight, not a cigar I usually crave, but this thing has cello so yellow you can barely see through it... I am waiting for a great day to smoke it and plan to smoke it with a fresh one. I will report back when I do.

[Mr. Ed]

Here is where subjective taste comes into play. I think the Padrons age wonderfully. I recently had a 6 year old '64 and it was sublime. Freaking fantastic. I rarely will smoke a Padron anymore without a few years on them. Also Pepins age very well, including Tats. They become much more complex and rounded without all the power. I've also got some old Torano Black and Silver 59's that are off the hook good, to me.

It's best not to take anyone's advice on the issue, imo. It's something you can only tell for yourself.
Greg makes a good point.

The only way I think you'll be able to tell is if you buy a few boxes, smoke a few fresh and write down a review, set them to age 5 to 6 years and then come back to them and compare notes. Otherwise it's just a crapshoot guessing what can and can't age and how you'll enjoy an aged cigar versus a fresh one.

[Cyanide]

If one were to make any attempt to find objective information from this anecdotal collection of subjective opinions, I would think it would be this:

Its hit or miss. It depends on the specific cigar you are talking about, the specific smoker, and (though it hasn't been mentioned yet) the specific aging environment (this might be why powerhouse cigars age better while milder ones lose their appeal). Further, I would doubt that anyone here could actually describe with factual confidence what is truly occuring during the aging process. So, all the variables are either very instance-specific or are unknowable.

Not to put anyone down, but if you are asking the question about aging, chances are you may not have been "around long enough" to be able to have developed your own subjective opinions about the specific elements (your taste, the cigars, the environment). Further, "your taste" may change over time, as will the cigars you have in the humi, as will the state of your humi. Gathering other people's opinions will give you a basis on which to build your own opinion. But, the moment you have your own opinion, I would discard everyone elses.

With that in mind I would propose a position at which to start, allowing you to best move forward and facilitate finding your own "sweet spot":

Rest your cigars, don't age them. Six to nine months should do.
Keep notes on how well the cigars faired.
Allow your cigars to only age by accident.
Appreciate those mistakenly aged cigars and allow your opinions about aged cigars to come from there.

Anyone back me up on this???

Cheers

John

[BC-Axeman]

Rest your cigars, don't age them. Six to nine months should do.
Keep notes on how well the cigars faired.
Allow your cigars to only age by accident.
Appreciate those mistakenly aged cigars and allow your opinions about aged cigars to come from there.

Anyone back me up on this???

Add aged gifted cigars and this is how it usually works for me anyway.

[Da Klugs]

Age helps almost any cigar evolve so long as it has resonable materials as a starting point. Particular aging points may not have the flavors you prefer. The real issue is do you like the evolved flavors and can you appreciate it based upon how you smoke.

Aging in general positions us to experience more subtle or more intense flavors depending upon the cigar. What many of us are looking for in aging is complex flavors. Sometimes they come as intense sometimes subtle. Over time, either could be the description of the same cigar at different aging points. How you smoke may have a huge impact on your appreciation (or lack of) for those cigars who display more mellow and nuanced complexities.

Flavored air is how some cigars become, interesting crazy flavored air vs the intense experience of smoking most high end NC cigars cigars fresh. If you do not nasal exhale.. better off smoking a fresh Macanudo.

[Chemyst]

How do you get plume without age?

I've been pleasantly surprised by a Hemi Signature maduro
that aged(with plume) into one of my most memorable smokes
in 2008.

There have been other surprises, too. Aging took the bite off
of LPH, which made it an ordinary, bland smoke. But an RP
Fusion with 18 months or so, turned into another memorable
smoke (yard gar) and a very nice smoke.

I'm glad to learn that Cien Anos ages well, since I have some
belis approaching a year on them.

I think that it depends on what you like in a cigar, and the
attributes of the cigar you're aging, on whether the results
of aging will be to your liking.

I have a lot of odds 'n' ends in my humi, getting age by just
being forgotten. Hopefully, many of them will become pleasant
surprises, once I get around to finding/smoking them.

Good topic.

Chemyst :cool2:

[Chemyst]

I knew I was forgetting one that ages very well...

RyJ Reserve maduro.

Just a great smoke with a year or two on them.
I have a box aging and maybe a fiver available in the mean time.

Chemyst :cool2:

[troutbreath]

The first box I ever purchased was 25 Tatuaje Noellas. They have really smoothed out nicely over the last 18 months.

[pmwz]

i thin a good read on aging nc cigars is this column http://www.cigarresearch.com/Cigar_Research/CC3.html by colin ganley. I think ll of his collectors corner article are a good read.

[Chris.]

I have some VS that were terrible whenI bought them almost a year ago, but they are turning around nicely. :tu

[bookman]

Padilla Hybrids seem born to age. Just a few months brings out the oils and tempers the flavors. Nice thread, btw!

[bookman]

Also, one thing to consider with NCs is that they often say "the wraper has been aged x years". Remember, in order for the flavors of a cigar to marry properly the ENTIRE cigar needs to age. Just having a wrapper that's aged on young binder/filler isn't the same. my:2

[kydsid]

i thin a good read on aging nc cigars is this column http://www.cigarresearch.com/Cigar_Research/CC3.html by colin ganley. I think ll of his collectors corner article are a good read.

Thank you for that link. I have been to CIGAR many times and missed this. I will have to go back and ask some questions. :ss