We all know the excitement of opening up a new box of cigars and the pulse to give them a try. However, we would suggest you sit tight and age them with patience. Read on for the reasons and home ageing guides!

Does ageing cigar make it better?

Usually, cigars are aged by their manufacturer before they are released to the retail markets. However, not all of them have been aged sufficiently. Dry mouthfeel and bitter flavour are usually discovered in a freshly-rolled cigar.

With the ageing process, the nicotine inside a fresh cigar will be mellow down and eventually fade away. Allow you to experience the main characteristics of the cigar without the harnesses of the herbaceous flavour.

Which cigars do we need to age? Which to enjoy now?

If you discover the mentioned characteristics in your first stick from the new box, age the remaining box for a short period (about 3 months to half a year) to help balance out the nicotine contained. 

Some cigars won’t be able to improve with time. The maturing ability depends on the quality of the tobacco leaves. Some would grow and mature with time; for example, the Davidoff Cubans are well-known for their ability to age well, like wine.

How to age your cigars?

The house you choose for the precious sticks is the key to the ageing process. For beginners, we suggest a cedar-lined humidor with an average humidity of 68% and an average temperature of 21°C. Remember to change the position of your cigars once in a while, this help to allow the sticks to breathe and balance the humidity level. Also, check on the sticks every month to observe if there are cracks (too dry), mould (too wet) or bugs (too wet and hot).

Do you age your cigar in cellophane or tubo? 

Up to you to leave it on or off! But better to separate the stock of cigars from different regions or sticks infused with flavours if you have taken off the cellophane. They might affect the flavours of other cigars, as cigars will absorb flavours like sponges.

How long before I could enjoy my aged cigars?

There’s no exact formula for the time you should age your cigar. After all, cigar enjoyment is a subjective lifestyle that varies for different people. Some enjoy the flavour bought from the fresh cigars, some prefer their sticks aged. 

Start by enjoying one stick after receiving your parcel, and mark down your feelings and the aroma on your cigar journal. Come back after half-year to test how the cigar has developed, and repeat the process until you are satisfied. Usually, cigars with larger RG and full-bodied require a longer ageing process. 

Ageing a cigar is appreciating the time taken to complete this true beauty. Not only time but the extra effort is invested in perfecting the experience. Or save all those procedures and discover the nextCIGAR vintage vault. Our vintage vault includes Habanos and Davidoff Cubans, ageing up to 13 years. Carefully handled and aged by our expert teams, serving you vintage and venerable cigars to your doorstep.

Habanos S.A announced their price will be increased worldwide in early May, including all brands under their portfolio and no exceptions in regions. The company has stated that the main reason for price hikes is the growing imbalance between supply and demand. 

Reasons behind:

We all know the demand of cigars has been rising recently, especially after the lockdown. The unstoppable demand has caused limited editions and highly sought-after formats always stay empty on shelves. Customers are fighting for a spot on the waitlists for Cuban cigars. 

Cigar is a form of art that requires years to mature and a hundred pairs of hands to contribute to this ultimate handmade product. The production can’t be increased in just a snap. This luxury product’s supply chain is deeply affected by the pandemic. The factories in Cuban are forced to close or operate at about 50% of their maximum capacity due to preventive measures. The supply chains between countries are still disrupted by flight regulations. Making cigars harder than ever to arrive at your doorsteps.  

Not to mention political instability issues inside the country, thus affecting the production & the manufacturing of the raw materials, tobacco leaves. This handcrafted product is facing an underproduction situation. 

What brands and regions have been affected?

All brands under Habanos S.A will be affected, including Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta. Especially Cohiba and Trinidad. And the price of the selected brands will be set uniformly at a global level, even for Cuba’s retail stores. 

“Habanos, S.A. has decided to reinforce this positioning and to set Cohiba prices uniformly at a global level. This decision applies similarly to the Trinidad brand, which consolidates its position among the elite of Habanos’ brands, becoming the boutique Habanos brand par excellence.”

Retailers are bound to follow the price indicated by the distributors. The price adjustment will be taken into effect shortly according to the local regions’ tobacco regulations.

What about the future?

The price hike indeed changed the buying behaviours of customers. More customers reach their hands towards premium New World cigars, such as Davidoff, Padron, Plasencia etc. . The roaring demand has already caused a shortage of several New World series. Would this force the New World brands to propose another price hike? This is an unknown. 

So better stock up and age your favourite smoke. This might be a good investment when the cigars’ price goes up with ageing.

Are you having the cigar on hand but confused about which drink you should pair with? Whisky is your new best friend! Endless combinations are lying ahead for you to disclose. The easiest way to maximise your tasting experience is always pairs a strong drink with a strong smoke to avoid the strength of either one overwhelming the pairing. Or just read on for more pairing guides and ideas!

Nutty aroma is often found in the mild to medium-bodied smokes and company with a creamy smoking experience. For example, Davidoff Grand Cru Series or Drew Estate Liga Privada.

A whisky matured in a sherry cask would be a harmonised combination with a nutty cigar. The unique maturing process would smooth out the spirit with a rounding and rich flavour, further granting the liquor fruity and nutty notes. We recommend Macallan 25 Years Old 1991 Davidoff of Geneva Exclusive (70cl, 53.5%). Infuse with classic Macallan characteristics and selected to pair with a cigar, the hallmark of Macallan excellence. 

Creamy cigars mostly come with a lighter shade and are mild to medium-bodied. A classic choice for both novice or daily enjoyment. Popular options would be Hoyo De Monterrey Petit Robustos and Montecristo Double Edmundo. Both represent Cuban elegance with their signature creaminess and woody aroma.

Open a luxurious bottle to elevate the rare Cuba adventure. The 3W Company 40 Years old Small Batch Private Label Blended Scotch Whisky (70cl, 47.8%) is the dream of whisky collectors. Produced in an exceptionally small batch, this limited blended scotch whisky delivers complex and intense flavours of dried fruits and sweet spices with a touch of buttercream. A lingering warm smoky finish of whisky would add depth to this perfect marriage.

A spicy, balanced smoke would give your day a nice kick. Partagás Serie P No. 2 is the favourite of many aficionados. The well-constructed cigar intrigued with notes of spice and leather. Layer up your spicy cigars with a fruity whiskey to stimulate the entire palate.

Macallan Speymalt 32 Years Old 1973 GM (70cl, 40%) is a Scotland single malt whisky fully aged in the highest quality sherry casks. The whisky’s initial flavour of grapefruit, oranges, and sweetness would balance the spiciness of the cigar. The tasting experience is completed with the spice undertone you could quickly discover in both pairings.