Aging "young" cigars...I think I need help

[steelcitysmoker]

:stretchgr Greetings All,

I recently acquired some Cuaba's and some Por Larranaga petits, and, was impressed with these smoke right out o' the box. But it's been a few weeks and the cigars don't seem to be as flavorful? My humidor is running at 70 RH, the weather here in Pittsburgh is nic outside (77-88 degrees).

Both boxes are from FEB '07. I KNOW these are young, and I plan on letting them sit for a while. But should I be concerned? Am I doing something wrong as far as storage? Is there a phase that smokes go through from box to humidor for the marrying phase? Any comments or suggestions would be most helpful brothers.

Thanks,

steelcity

 

[Halon]

When I rest boxes I like to keep the RH down around 65% (don't like it much higher than 68%) and temps at 68-70*F. I'd try lowering your humidity just a tad and cranking the temp way down (at least 10 degrees). But I'd see what other people say first.


TYLER

 

[Jwrussell]

The only real worry you have on temp is beetles, and word from Havana is that they are freezing all outgoing boxes so you are PROBABLY safe there, but it never hurts to have your smokes at below 70 degrees. You didn't mention what the indoor temp is, but if you can keep them below that, all the better.
There is nothing wrong with 70% RH, but most cuban-lovers tend to keep their smokes at 65 or thereabouts (hence the 65% beads). But again, unless you are having draw problems, there is nothing wrong with 70%.

Your smokes are probably just new enough that they are hitting a dull period. Cubans tend to go through phases as they mature so it really isn't anything to be concerned with. If they aren't tasting as good as they did right now, simply let them sleep. Go ahead and try one....say...every 6 months and see what you think. For the most part, cubans only improve with age.

 

[Boppa-Wasch]

Interesting information.

 

[stogies&hoagies]

I keep my cigars at 61%. No higher than 72 degrees.

That's just me. I think they are best at that setting.

 

[Headbanger]

Those are very young indeed. If they just arrived, to me most sticks taste very good for about 1 week, then go flat for 3-4 weeks. If you MUST try another wait till 30 days and test again. Far a marrying, you would be talking a few years before that happens. Best to give them a solid year and then test monthy. I like many prefer about 65% RH for any kind of storage. Some say wait X number of years. I say if you like them at anytime and do not want to wait, smoke the crap out of them. You can always buy another box to rest for years and smoke out of the first one. Enjoy the sticks.

 

[BrettMaverick]

No need for concern. You are witnessing a "living" and ever-changing cigar in action. Be patient and these cigars will only get better in all liklihood. Try them from time to time to experience their growth in terms of a quality smoke. FOTT is OK, but when the cigar settles down and the various tobaccos break down and marry then you will enjoy something quite different. For long term aging keep them away from oxygen as best you can so they age as slowly as is possible. Wrapped or stored tightly, ziplocks can be your friend. Best at lower temps/Rh for best results.

 

[avid toker]

I'm curious, how many have you smoked out of each box since you got them?

 

[Cubatabaco]

I still have about 6 boxes I have not touched. I guess I need to crack them and try one, huh? I keep my temperature at 72 and RH around 61-63%. Everything seems to have been working quite well and I'll just stick to it unless I see drastic changes in my sticks. Great question by the way.

 

[Research-Colin]

One thing that I do for cigars that I think need a little age and perhaps some depth, is to mix them in with some really strong sticks. One that I like is the Camacho Coyolar, and others with really flavorful wrappers. It also helps to make sure there is room to breathe. I push all the sealed ends to one side so the feet are together with the mixing air. I don't know if it actually helps but the result is good.

 

[CSMoFo]

I've heard people state that 61-63% is optimal for AGING. Cubans for 5 years and non Cuban 2-3 years. Once they have been aged they let them sit at 68% for three months before smoking.

There is no quick way to age them other then let them age. Be patient and you will be rewarded.

 

[sli38]

For the first 5 years or so 64% to 70% RH and 65 to 70 degrees is fine. If you want to age for the very long term then lower RH and temp is better IMO. If you want to age the cigars a little quicker expose the cigars to oxygen by cracking open the boxes and letting the cigars breath. This will make them RTS faster but you will be giving up a little in the flavor department. cigars that are allowed to age more slowly are more complex and flavorsome.....

 

[Trilobyte]

IMO long term should be at about 68 Rh and air tight, then when you want to smoke them bring them down in the open to 65 Rh for a couple weeks.

 

[kirscovitch]

yeppers... cigars will change on you. i notice this sometimes. but sometimes i think its just my own taste buds playing tricks on me. just my humble .02

 

[jwintosh]

good info!