For many UK cigar smokers, the idea of ageing cigars carries a certain romance. The thought of laying down a box of Montecristo No.2s or Cohiba Robustos and returning to them years later, their flavours deepened and refined, is an appealing one. But is ageing cigars really worth the wait — and how should it be done?
The Case for Ageing Cigars
The short answer is yes: properly stored cigars do improve with age. The general rule is that flavours will continue to develop for up to ten years, after which point they plateau. Beyond that, cigars won’t usually improve further, though careful storage is still essential to preserve their integrity.
That said, most smokers don’t have the patience to wait a decade before lighting up. The good news? Noticeable improvements can occur much sooner, provided cigars are kept in the right environment.
What Happens During Ageing?
Cigar tobacco is aged long before it ever reaches your humidor. After harvest, leaves are:
- Cured and fermented to remove ammonia and harshness.
- Aged in bales for at least 1–2 years to allow flavours to develop.
- Rolled into cigars, which are then aged again in factory ageing rooms.
Some manufacturers age their cigars for several months, others for years, depending on demand and style. However, once a box leaves Cuba, conditions during shipping and storage can vary. Lower-priced cigars, or those rushed to market, may benefit more from additional ageing in your humidor.
Over time, the oils in the tobacco leaves continue to interact. Bitterness and sharpness mellow. The different tobaccos in the blend “marry,” creating balance and harmony. A young cigar can feel bold but unrefined; an aged one, smoother and more complex.
How Long Should You Age Cigars?
There is no fixed formula, but based on tastings and experiments, here’s a general guide:
- 6–12 months: Early changes become noticeable. Lighter blends often show improved balance.
- 2–3 years: Medium to full-bodied cigars start to smooth out, developing richer, more integrated flavours.
- 5 years: A real sweet spot. The cigars gain depth and refinement without losing strength.
- 10 years: Peak maturity for most Havanas. Beyond this, ageing may preserve the cigar but rarely enhances it further.
Remember: every box is different. Part of the joy of ageing is smoking one every now and again to see how it’s progressing.
The Right Storage Conditions
To age cigars successfully, your humidor is key. Without proper storage, cigars can dry out, crack, or even fall prey to tobacco beetles. Follow these tips:
- Humidity: Aim for 65–68%. Slightly lower than the standard 70% encourages slower, more controlled ageing.
- Temperature: Keep between 16–18°C. Above 21°C, you risk beetle infestations.
- Consistency: Fluctuations are the enemy. Keep levels steady.
- Quantity: Cigars age better in groups. A full box will mature more gracefully than a handful of singles.
Is Ageing Worth It?
If you have the patience, absolutely. Aged cigars can be smoother, more complex, and more rewarding than their younger counterparts. But don’t overthink it. Today’s Cuban cigars are rolled to be smoked and enjoyed right away.
Think of ageing as a luxury, not a requirement. Much like a fine Bordeaux, you can drink it young and enjoy it — or cellar it for years and experience something extraordinary.
Final Puff
Ageing cigars is as much about the journey as the result. For some, the pleasure lies in experimenting — laying down a box, sampling one each year, and noting how flavours evolve. For others, it’s about building a tradition: saving cigars for future celebrations or milestones.
So, should you age your cigars? The answer depends on your patience and curiosity. Either way, whether fresh from the box or ten years in the making, a well-stored Cuban cigar will always be a joy to smoke.