help with aging

[Lipher]

So about 2 or 3 years ago a friend brought me home 2 partagas D4s and a p2. I smoked one of the D4 immediately upon receiving it and was underwhelmed. After sitting in the humi for about a year the other D4 was much better and the P2 i smoked this week was awesome. To cut to the chase, i received the following CCs from his most recent trip last week and was wondering how long these need to sit in the humi before attempting them to smoke. I was reading the RASS can be smoked ROTT but what about the others?

I appreciate your feedback as this is uncharted territory for me.

Partagas Serie D 4
HdM Epicure Especial
Partagas Lusitanias
HdM Epicure No.2
H Upmann Half Corona
RASS

When i spoke to my colleague he said all box dates were from this year.

 

[icehog3]

Your photo is not showing up for me, what are the other cigars, and their box codes (month/years)?

 

[Lipher]

 

[Nacho Daddy]

the Upmann is ready,and the epicure #2.the rest need a year at least,the Lusi needs 4 or 5...........

 

[Jfire]

I like

Partagas Serie D 4....... 2-3 yrs
HdM Epicure Especial Ready
Partagas Lusitanias 4 -5 years
HdM Epicure No.2. Ready
H Upmann Half Corona. Ready
RASS 2-3 years

See above

 

[icehog3]

I smoked a couple 2012 Lusitanias in March, and they were the best Lusitanias I have smoked in at least 8 years. Opinions vary.

 

[Jfire]

I smoked a couple 2012 Lusitanias in March, and they were the best Lusitanias I have smoked in at least 8 years. Opinions vary.

Well that sucks for me because the 50ct cab I paid 650.00 for in 2009 (STA MAR 09) although is aging nicely..... Still isn't there!!!!!!!

 

[Nacho Daddy]

A lot of the difference I feel is the year of production.I have noticed the '10 to '13 production to be very forward and smokable early.That said,they do not have the depth of flavor and aromas of mature sticks.They are good for a fresh cuban cigar.

Some of my '09 sticks need more time,some are good now,but I know they will improve with time.

Most of my '08 stuff is even less mature tasting,and I really did not buy as much based on the young character when it was current.My '03 to '05 stuff is nicely aged and will maintain for years.

Ask 20 old timers how long to age a Lusitania,most will probably tell you at least 4 to 5 years.That's how long it used to take.Try one from '08 and it still may not be ready.

The other side of this is how do you want this cigar to taste?Do you want a fully mature stick,or do you want it young and brash with clashing flavors and less complexity?
The choice is yours...............

 

[icehog3]

I smoked a couple 2012 Lusitanias in March, and they were the best Lusitanias I have smoked in at least 8 years. Opinions vary.

Well that sucks for me because the 50ct cab I paid 650.00 for in 2009 (STA MAR 09) although is aging nicely..... Still isn't there!!!!!!!

I get it, J, I thought the '09-'11 Lusis were boring and lifeless, and the '12s were right in my wheelhouse. You just have to hope those '09s come around, my '06s never did!

 

[Angry Bill]

I like

Partagas Serie D 4....... 2-3 yrs
HdM Epicure Especial Ready
Partagas Lusitanias 4 -5 years
HdM Epicure No.2. Ready
H Upmann Half Corona. Ready
RASS 2-3 years

See above

That right there is right on info. Great job Jfire. As for the RASS, depends on how old they are now. I tend to let them hit 3-5 years before I start enjoying them but its all a personal preference

 

[Lipher]

I'd like a fully mature stick. With my "collection" i can wait for perfection, which drove my original inquiry. To me these aren't limited edition boutique cigars which i can buy boxes of, so if they need 4 years to get to how their creator envisioned them to be then so be it! I appreciate everyones input and point of view. I'll see if I can contact the shop owner in the UK to see if he can prove with the exact box dates.