The aroma of a freshly-lit cigar can be an unforgettable sensory experience. Whether you’re an experienced aficionado or a curious newbie, there’s something special about the complexity of flavors that make a good cigar truly exceptional. For those who enjoy cigars from time to time, or desire to learn more, there are certain steps that must be taken to ensure your cigar is aged and stored correctly. If you’re wondering how to properly age and store cigars in their original packaging, this guide is for you. Aging cigars in their boxes is a method of cigar storage that can help preserve flavor and increase the length of time that they remain at their peak. It’s a simple process, but it’s important to understand the nuances of storage to ensure your cigars taste the best.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of aging cigars in their original packaging, as well as expert tips and tricks to help you preserve and enhance the flavor of your cigars for longer. From identifying the right environment for aging to selecting the best cigars for aging, this guide will help you make the most of your cigar experience. So if you’re ready to explore the rich and complex flavors of aged cigars, read on!
Benefits of Aging Cigars in Their Boxes
Aging cigars in their boxes offers cigar aficionados several advantages. Not only does it provide greater control over the aging process, it also helps to preserve the integrity of the cigars in the box. Here are some of the key benefits of aging cigars in the box.
Firstly, aging cigars in their boxes ensures that the cigars will get the proper amount of humidity, as well as consistent temperatures. This is especially important for cigars that are intended for long-term aging, as temperatures and humidity levels can vary significantly from day to day. Keeping them in their boxes helps to keep these conditions steady, which can improve the flavor and smoking experience of the cigars.
Another benefit of storing cigars in their boxes is that the cardboard boxes used are typically porous enough to allow for optimal air circulation. This helps the cigars to breathe and prevents them from becoming stale. Proper airflow also helps to ensure that the cigars maintain their original flavors and aroma while they age.
Another advantage of aging cigars in their boxes is that the cardboard material helps to keep the cigars’ oils, which are an essential part of the aging of a cigar, intact. Without proper storage, the oils can be lost or absorbed into the environment, which can drastically change the flavor and smell of the cigars. Storing them in their boxes helps to maintain their oils, resulting in a richer and more full-bodied cigar.
Finally, a key benefit of aging cigars in their boxes is that it helps to preserve the cigars from damage. By keeping them in their boxes, the cigars are protected from light, dust, and other elements that can adversely affect their flavor and smoke. This helps to maintain the cigars’ freshness and keeps them at their peak for longer periods of time.
How to Properly Age Cigars in Their Boxes
Properly aging cigars in their boxes is an integral part of the smoking experience. The intricate process of aging cigars requires proper storage, ventilation, and temperature control. This guide is designed to help cigar enthusiasts understand the best practices for preserving and storing their cigars to ensure the optimal aging process.
When it comes to storage, it is important to consider the number of cigars being stored and the humidor size. As a general rule, the larger the humidor, the more cigars can be stored. To avoid overcrowding, it is recommended to not exceed two boxes per shelf, as this will limit air circulation and create an overly warm environment for the cigars. Additionally, it is important to think about the type of box being used, as some boxes are not designed for long-term storage.
To encourage the ideal aging process, controlling the humidity in the box is essential. An optimal humidity level for cigar storage is around 70%, so utilizing a hygrometer is recommended. Once the desired humidity is achieved, the next step is regulating the temperature. The optimal temperature range for aging cigars is between 64-68 degrees Fahrenheit. This may require investing in a thermostat, as it will make it easier to maintain the ideal temperature inside the humidor.
Many cigar enthusiasts also prefer to use a humidification product, like a humidifier or cigar beads, to sustain the desired humidity in their humidor. Distilled water or propylene glycol should be used with the humidifier, as they are very effective in maintaining the humidity level. Lastly, the box should be checked regularly for mold growth, as both temperature and humidity can contribute to the development of mildew or fungus on the cigars.
Tips for Successful Aging
Aging cigars in their boxes is an important part of creating the perfect smoking experience. By properly aging your cigars, you can improve the flavor and reduce the bitterness of the smoke. Here are some important tips that will help ensure your cigars are successfully aged:
- Make sure to keep your cigars away from extreme temperatures – both hot and cold. The ideal temperature to age cigars is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity should also be kept between 65% and 70%.
- Place the box of cigars in a cool, dark place and avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause the wrapper to dry out and crack which can ruin the flavor.
- Don’t over-age the cigars. After a certain amount of time, the aging process can actually be detrimental to the taste and texture of the cigar. Generally, most cigars will be ready to smoke between 1-3 years of aging.
- Make sure to turn the cigars in the box at least once a month. This will help ensure that all of the cigars age evenly and maintain their flavor. By following these simple tips for successful aging, you can ensure that your cigars are perfectly preserved and stored for optimal smoking pleasure.
Common Questions About Aging Cigars
Aging cigars is a practice that dates back centuries and has remained popular among aficionados of the tobacco-based product. The process of aging cigars involves storing the hand-rolled product in wooden boxes, giving it time to develop flavors and strengthen the tobacco over time. However, due to its complexity and unique nature, there are many questions that arise when it comes to aging cigars. Here we will cover some of the most common questions about aging cigars in their boxes.
First, many people wonder why it’s important to age cigars at all. Well, aging cigars is all about allowing time for the natural flavors of the tobacco to balance out, enhancing their flavor qualities and allowing them to reach their full potential. Over time, tobacco will develop a sweeter taste and its harshness will diminish, making for a smoother overall experience when smoking the cigar.
The process of aging cigars also involves controlling the humidity at which the cigar is stored so as to allow it to maintain its structural integrity and prevent mold and other forms of deterioration. Cigars are typically stored in humidity-controlled wooden boxes known as humidors. In general, the optimal humidity level for aging cigars is between 68% and 72%.
Another common question is how long one should age cigars in their box. Generally speaking, cigars should be aged anywhere from six months to five years, depending on the type of cigar and the desired flavor profile. It’s important to remember that aging the cigar for too long can cause it to become too dry and brittle, reducing its quality.
Finally, another question is what kind of box cigars should be aged in. As mentioned earlier, humidors are the preferred storage box for aging cigars, as they’re designed to regulate the humidity levels where the cigars are stored. Other types of wooden boxes can be used, but they must be lined with cedar to control the humidity.
Aging cigars in their boxes is an intricate process that requires patience and the right conditions to achieve optimal tasteful results. However, with the right knowledge and a bit of effort, any cigar enthusiast can age their cigars effectively and enjoy the rewards.
Conclusion
Aging cigars in their boxes is a great way to ensure optimal storage and preservation. Storing cigars in climate-controlled environments will help protect them from heat and humidity and also ensure that their flavor profile is at its best. Make sure to check the humidity levels of your cigar box once a month and adjust accordingly. If you notice any issues with your cigar, like discoloration or cracks, discard them. Following the steps outlined in this guide can help make sure that you have the perfect cigar experience each time!
Premium Cigars of Georgia, aims to help our customers achieve the best smoking experience with our range of cigars and accessories. If you’re looking to get into the cigar lifestyle, feel free to check out our store to take a look at our range of cigar brands and accessories. You can also give us a call at (770) 427-9593 to see if we can find you the cigar brand of your preference or to ask us any questions you may have about cigars.
