Long term storage and flavor loss

[smokinpeace]

I have been a smoker for more than 15 years but I am new to the world of buying boxes and long term storage. I purchased a cabinet and have begun buying (like most of you) way more than I can reasonably smoke.

So here is my question. For NC cigars, how much do I have to work about the cigars loosing flavor over time? At what point do they seem to start loosing something? I know this varies from cigar to cigar but I would just love to hear some thoughts on this. Thanks for listening.

 

[twenty5]

I would assume it would be about the same as cc's. Some get better, some get bad, they go through sick times etc.... They will all become milder, some will develope new flavors, some will lose flavors you loved. Not sure there is a real set time on any of that happening though lol. Its always an experiment I would assume.
I have some Tats from 06-07 that I think are way better than this year or last years releases. I put a box from this year aside and will open it in three years or so, hopefully the results will be the same.

 

[Greyghost]

I would assume it would be about the same as cc's. Some get better, some get bad, they go through sick times etc.... They will all become milder, some will develope new flavors, some will lose flavors you loved. Not sure there is a real set time on any of that happening though lol. Its always an experiment I would assume.
I have some Tats from 06-07 that I think are way better than this year or last years releases. I put a box from this year aside and will open it in three years or so, hopefully the results will be the same.

I have often thought about that but twenty5 pretty much sumed it up.

 

[Jwrussell]

Twenty5 pretty much hit it on the head. You never really know, which is part of the whole fun of the hobby for some. Some people love keeping detailed records of how cigars progress over time. Some pick (an educated guess at) a standard time, say 3 years, that they put ALL of their smokes down for before smoking. Others crack every box that comes in and if they are smoking well they smoke 'em and if they aren't they put 'em up. The benefit of this is that you don't lose a great tasting smoke that is smoking well now if it is destined to deteriorate over time. Of course, you can also miss out on some amazing transformations if a great smoke is going to be come even better. Still others don't worry about it at all and just smoke whatever strikes their fancy when they open their cabinet/humidor/tupperdor.

I guess what I'm saying is, personal preference bro. I don't think there is a scientific answer that will fit for all NC cigars.

 

[ninjafox99]

It is scientifically proven that NC's peak at 2.1643 years. seriously, though, i agree with all the other guys.

 

[ciggy]

I know some guys here try to store for years. However I don't have the money to do boxes back to back in order to wait. If a box of cigars in my rotation last for two years it's lucky and I just enjoy smoking them as I go.

 

[gibbleguts]

Part of it for me as well isa the Maker. Some age their tobacco longer then others before rolling, others age after rolling and some release fresher sticks. As much as well all talk about aged sticks being better that depends more on the person. MRN talks about Spanish and Cuban tastes prefering younger cigars then his preferance for aged cigars. Smoke and find out what you like. You may find you prefer fresh sticks to aged ones. Better to find out now then after waiting 5 years on a lot of sticks

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[smokinpeace]

Really appreciate the input from all. I have nothing older than about 2 years so for now it is not much of an issue even if there is one but I was just looking for some more seasoned folks opinions. Thanks again for the input.

 

[treatneggy]

Definately varies. I have a bunch of stuff that has been inadvertantly left in storage for 10 years now and while some have gone extremely mild (bundled S.L.R. seconds that were already several years old when I bought them, and to a lesser extent El Rico Habano), others still have a decent kick to them (Maria Mancini, El Credito).

 

[smokinghole]

Smoke some now. Write down what you think. Then smoke some of the same box in two years. See what you perceive to prefer. I have some Torano Tributes from 2003 that I didn't even smoke one of until 2008. I still have some floating around in my humidors hiding from me on purpose. I don't know how they were fresh but when I finally smoked one after getting out of the USAF they were one fine creamy delicious cigar.