Most Cuban smokers live for the moment. They focus on the latest crop, the current blends, the cigars coming out of Havana today. And that makes sense—whether you’re growing tobacco, blending cigars, or selling them, the focus is on what’s ready to smoke now.
But here in the UK, there’s a long and proud tradition of aging cigars. Collectors, merchants, and connoisseurs have been “laying down” boxes for decades. The question is: why bother? What do aged cigars really give you that a fresh Havana doesn’t?
The English Tradition of Aged Cigars
Hunters & Frankau, the UK’s official Cuban cigar distributor, has long recognised the appeal of aged cigars. Their Aged & Rare program adds a second band with the year the cigars were boxed—often held back for ten years or more before release.
As Simon Chase, the late director of H&F, once said: “It’s wonderful to see how cigars develop. Many grow in flavour and strength. We are simply continuing the English tradition of the great aged cigar.”
This tradition is uniquely British. While Cuban smokers rarely get the chance to taste older stock, UK aficionados often have access to EMS-stamped boxes with a decade (or more) of careful rest behind them.
What Happens When a Cigar Ages?
Think of it like wine. A young Bordeaux can be bold and tannic; give it 10–20 years, and it softens into something silky and complex. Cigars behave in a similar way.
- Fresh cigars: vibrant, punchy, full of youthful tobacco energy.
- Aged cigars: refined, mellow, more nuanced—bitterness fades, flavours integrate, elegance emerges.
The science is debated. Some describe aging as a slow fermentation; others see it as a drying and settling process. What’s clear is that impurities lessen over time, while balance and subtlety improve.
Not Every Aged Cigar is Better
Of course, it’s not always a fairytale. Some cigars lose character with too much age, turning flat or papery. Storage conditions make all the difference—too dry, and flavours fade; too damp, and mould threatens.
Even at official tastings in Havana, aged cigars can divide opinion. One famous comparison between a 10-year-old Partagás 8-9-8 and its current production showed the new cigar to be more vibrant, creamy, and enjoyable. Age doesn’t guarantee greatness—it’s always a gamble.
How to Age Your Cigars
If you’re tempted to try your hand at aging, here are some UK-friendly tips:
Buy by the Box
Ageing works best when you have a full box. This way you can smoke one every year or two and track the development.
Humidity & Temperature
- Aim for 65–67% relative humidity.
- Keep temperatures around 18–20°C (a cool cellar or temperature-controlled humidor is ideal).
- Clean, odour-free environments are essential.
How Long?
- 1–2 years: Lighter blends start to show new notes; early signs of refinement.
- 2–5 years: Medium-to-full cigars begin to mellow, offering smoother flavour.
- 5–10 years: Peak complexity for many Cubans.
- 10+ years: Can be sublime, but increasingly hit-or-miss—better for collectors than casual smokers.
Should You Bother?
Here’s the truth: today’s Cuban cigars (and many New World brands) are often excellent straight out of the box. Blending and construction have improved dramatically since the 1990s.
So why age them?
- For the romance of tradition—laying down a box feels like being part of a centuries-old ritual.
- For the thrill of transformation—tasting how flavours evolve over time.
- For the occasional gem—a perfectly aged cigar can rival the best wines and whiskies in sophistication.
But don’t forget: there’s also joy in lighting a fresh Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill or Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 and enjoying them right now. As the old saying goes: “Smoke and live for the day.”
Final Puff
In the end, aging cigars is a personal journey. Some smokers swear by it, others think it’s overrated. If you have the patience—and the storage—it can be one of the most rewarding parts of cigar culture. If not, enjoy your Havanas young, vibrant, and full of life.
At Simply Cigars London, we stock both current production Cubans and carefully curated aged selections. Whether you’re laying down a box of Cohibas for the future or lighting up a fresh Montecristo tonight, the pleasure is yours.