Monday, November 29 1999
Q. How long is too long to keep your smokes in the humi? Do they really get better after a few months?
- Ray G., Staten Island, NY
A. From what I've read, including my own personal experience, as long as the conditions in your humidor are consistently within the "normal" temp/RH range, there is no limit to how long you can age your cigars; and yes, they really do improve with age. The longer they age, the more they tend to "mellow," which is to your advantage if you have purchased cigars that may be a little on the strong side at first. The same goes for cigars that taste a little "young," or bitter upon opening.
To prove the point, smoke one cigar from a specific box or more each month, and compare it to the one from the month before. Although it's matter of experimentation and personal preference, three months in your humidor from the date of purchase is a safe bet that the cigars will have "settled" nicely.
