An aging cigar is a beautiful thing – so much anticipation of the taste and aroma, but you have to be patient! While there’s nothing wrong with smoking a freshly rolled cigar (it can be quite a novelty, in fact), an aged cigar develops certain attractive qualities that a fresh one just can’t achieve. With our whole tobacco leaves, cigars are like many fine items in this world, where the best experience is reserved for those who are patient.
Why Do We Age Cigars?
As a rule, we age cigars because it amplifies their flavor and creates the ideal smoking experience, but there are a number of other benefits to aging cigars that make it worth the wait.
- An aging cigar shows reduced moisture content over time and can eventually reach its ideal state – tight, dry, and easy to ignite. Freshly rolled cigars are much more malleable which helps during the rolling and shaping stage.
- The way that cigars are rolled is intended to create the perfect flavor. They are meant to taste the right way after they’ve been aged for a period of time as opposed to when fresh.
- The tobacco leaves inside an aging cigar combine their flavors which amplifies the taste and helps to evolve the smoking experience.
- If you’re using stronger flavored leaves, an aging cigar will mellow over time and create a smoother drag. This makes them much more enjoyable and easier to smoke.
How Do You Age a Cigar?
The process of aging cigars isn’t difficult, but there are specific ways to go about it. You should make sure that you have the equipment you need to age your cigars properly so that your invested time will pay off when the aging is complete.
- Be sure to use a high-quality humidor. Look for humidors that offer a really good seal. It doesn’t have to be airtight, but the more humidity that is kept inside, the better the cigar will age. Spanish cedar lining will also give your aging cigar a nice character and isn’t prone to cracking.
- If you’re aging several of the same cigars, you can leave them unwrapped inside your humidor as they will stay moist and not mix flavors.
- If one aging cigar differs from the others in your humidor, keep them rolled so that there is no crossover in flavor. You can wrap them in cellophane to help with this.
- The best climate for an aging cigar is approximately 63-65% humidity and 63-65 degrees Fahrenheit. This is how you should set your humidor for the best results.
How Long Should You Age a Cigar?
The length of time that you should age your cigars depends on a variety of elements including the type of cigar as well as your personal preference. But there are some general rules of thumb that will help you achieve the right aging recipe.
- Once you roll fresh cigars, leave them outside of your humidor to dry for 5-7 days.
- If you want to enjoy the satisfaction of a freshly rolled cigar you should smoke it within 4 weeks of rolling. If you don’t enjoy it within the first month, you’re better off waiting until at least a few months for an enjoyable experience.
- Lighter flavored blends should age for around 6 months, while stronger blends should age for a minimum of 1 year so that they have time to mellow and synthesize.
- An aging cigar should sit for 2-5 years if it is very strong. This will help it to reach its ideal state.
- The maximum amount of time for aging a cigar is 7-10 years. If you age longer, they will begin to go pale and lose their flavor. Every cigar has a tipping point, and it can vary from cigar to cigar – even if they are the same type.
Why Choose Total Leaf Supply?
At Total Leaf Supply, we’re committed to sourcing the highest quality, all-natural whole leaf tobacco available on the market. We offer online ordering with delivery right to your door to make obtaining unaltered, unenhanced whole tobacco leaves as simple as possible for the perfect, striking taste. Shop our selection and purchase your high-quality tobacco leaves today.
