Some cigars hit their stride right off the shelf. Others need time. Like wine, cigars in most cases get better with age. Aging cigars is an art and a bit of a gamble. But when it works...it's MAGIC!

Why Age Cigars?  

Fresh-rolled cigars are like young wines. Full of individual raw notes, each fighting one another. Sometimes it’s a little wild. Aging marries the flavors and smooths them out. The sharpness fades, bringing out a symphony of flavors that are working together in harmony. The flavors deepen. For example, pepper can round out and deliver hints of cinnamon. Harshness turns into a creamy smoothness, allowing for additional notes to shine.

Aged cigars burn better. Taste 'different' - many would say 'better'. Smell better. It can be the difference between a great cigar and a transcendent one.

Step-by-Step: How to Age Cigars  

1. What Cigars Should You Choose For Aging?  

That's not to say all cigars get better with age. Here are some things that may help inform your choice:

• Medium to full-bodied cigars tend to age better, although, like so many things in the cigar world, there are exceptions. Stronger cigars tend to have more oils, more tobacco muscle, more raw, organic material to marry, calm and mature.

• Premium cigars with long filler. Short-fill bundles and machine-mades won’t improve much.

• Fresh or newly released cigars are ideal candidates. You want something with some youth to it.

2. What is the Optimal Environment for Aging Cigars?  

Here’s where most people mess up. Aging isn’t just about tossing cigars in a box and waiting.

Humidity: 62–65% RH is the sweet spot. Slightly lower than the usual 70%. It slows fermentation and prevents mold.

Temperature: Keep it steady. Around 65–70°F (18–21°C). Too hot, and you’ll cook your cigars and risk the dreaded tobacco weevil. Too cold, and they won’t age - or will age very, very slowly.

Darkness: Light kills oils. Oils are flavor. No light, period.

Airflow: Don’t vacuum seal. Cigars need to breathe a bit. But don’t leave them exposed, either. Cigars are a living thing, always changing with the environment, so let them breathe.

Box or Loose?

• Aging in the box (cedar preferred) helps with flavor melding.

• Aging loose lets you control the environment better and rotate sticks if needed.

3. How Long Should You Age Cigars?  

• 1 Year – Sharpness fades, flavors round out.

• 3 Years – You start to see real change. Smooth. Balanced. Nuanced.

• 5+ Years – Complex. Elegant. Subtle.

Some cigars even go 10+ years if kept right. Heck, there are 50-year-old Cuban cigars that will blow your mind. The key is the raw material from the get go. A bad cigar won't become a good one with age. But a well-made good one will become a more nuanced, intriguing beast. Experiment, but don't expect the earth. Not every cigar benefits forever. Some peak, then fade. Like your uncle's hairline.

4. Rotate Your Cigars Occasionally  

Especially if you’re aging loose. Once or twice a year, move cigars around. Bottom to top, front to back. Helps with even aging.

Don’t handle them too much. Your hands have oils. Let the cigars rest.

5. Trust Your Taste  

Here’s the kicker: no two cigars age the same. Smoke one every year. Take notes. That’s how you’ll know when it hits its peak.

Bonus Tip When Aging Your Cigars  

• Label and date your cigars. Don’t rely on memory. You won’t remember. Trust me.

• Use Spanish cedar. It’s like a flavor whisperer.

• Use Valet or Boveda Humidification packs. Easy humidity control. Set and forget.

• Keep flavored cigars well away from the rest. They’ll ruin the others. One vanilla cigar will turn your humidor into a cupcake.

• Consider removing the cellophane from your cigars. While cello is breathable, it slows the process considerably. But in doing this, keep the same cigars together.

Final Thought  

Aging cigars is a test of patience. But the payoff? That moment when you light a five-year-old stick, and it smokes like silk? Worth every second.

And just like that, you’re not just a cigar smoker anymore. You’re a cigar caretaker. A curator of time. A true cigar Aficionado.

Now go check your humidor and get to it!

About the Author:

The Atlantic Cigar Staff is a team of seasoned cigar aficionados with over 25 years of experience. As part of the Atlantic Cigar family for decades, our experts know cigars inside out. We share our passion for premium, handmade cigars with enthusiasts worldwide. Our friendly and knowledgeable team guides both seasoned smokers and curious newcomers to the perfect smoke. We're always eager to share our love of cigars with you.