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When Is a Cigar Too Old?
What it is the maximum length of time a cigar should stay in a humidor? Does a cigar ever get too old to smoke?
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cigars are a natural product. from the moment the leaves are harvested they begin to break down. how people control the breaking down of the leaves determines what the cigar will be like. by the time the cigar has been rolled there have been many changes to the leaves. but they are still changing.
essential oils in the tobacco will meld together. over time, because they are a natural product, even these oils will break down. once a cigar reaches the point where all of the oils are lost, the cigar will be flavorless. most mild cigars wont do well past 10 years. i have seen very full bodied cigars that are 40+ years old get high ratings.
so, though cigars will be able to be smoked for many decades when kept under the correct conditions, the reality is that after some time, they will not be worth smoking. this could happen anywhere from 5 years (or before) on up.
I went through a phase where i was collecting some very old stuff. Had some boxes from 1930, 1940, 1950 and 1960. In fact, I even had a partial box from 1910!!! Let me tell you, smokin a century old cigar is quite an experience but the bottom line on all of them was that i found them to be boring and way past their prime. In fact, in the end, I sold them all off.
Oldest thing in my humidor now is a Mac Vintage 1979 that i am saving for the right occassion.