Ageing in Premium Cigars

The ageing of tobacco is akin to the warrior’s rest: after successive batches and a rigorous fermentation process, it is time for the leaves to rest. Aged tobacco plays a vital role both before and after making a cigar. Before, because the newly fermented leaf needs to continue maturing slowly before moving on to the rolling and bonchado process; and then, because once the premium cigar is completely finished, it still needs additional ageing time for full stabilisation of humidity and temperature levels.

For the ageing process of premium cigars, the tobacco leaves are packaged in bales—packages of sackcloth or cassava leaves that are ideal for keeping the tobacco together and, at the same time, allowing it to breathe. This type of packaging allows the tobacco to undergo a slow and constant process of decomposition of carotenoids (oxidising organic pigments) that will help highlight the desirable colour, aroma, and flavour properties of the tobacco. This outcome is achievable only if the tobacco has been properly aged. Otherwise, bitterness, hardness, and acidity typical of poorly processed tobacco will be noticeable.

The Ageing Process

These bales generally come labelled with all the information regarding the variety of the plant and leaves, the cut, the lands where they were grown, the year and month of harvest, fermentation times, and other details. The main reason for such control is that ageing times vary depending on the variety of the leaf, the climatic conditions in which it was grown, and the production quotas. Generally, a minimum of two years is necessary for the ageing of Seco and Visos, and about three or more years for Ligero.

Key Considerations in Tobacco Ageing

At this point, it is important to highlight two issues.

First: Just as poorly aged tobacco will ruin the cigar completely, over-ageing can also cause a loss of flavour and body, making the cigar rough and dusty.

Second: Ageing a cigar that is already bad and bitter will not make it better; it will only make it more bitter and old. As Aristotle said in the 4th century BC: everything in its right middle ground.

The Latest Fashion: Ageing in Barrels

Ageing in wooden barrels, although it has existed for quite some time, has become increasingly popular in the last decade. This process has reached large manufacturers and is intended for their best wrapper tobacco leaves. The process involves testing the tobacco leaves in barrels that previously contained bourbon, rum, or whiskey, for at least six months and up to four years. While in the barrel, the temperature of the tobacco should never exceed 35°C.

The reason for this type of ageing is to obtain a tobacco with a more nuanced, rich, and complete flavour. Although the changes in the flavour of a cigar made with barrel-aged tobacco may be subtle, the very search for that most special flavour is a rewarding part of the cigar smoking experience, for both connoisseurs and casual smokers.

In conclusion, the ageing process is a delicate and essential part of creating premium cigars. Whether using traditional bales or the more contemporary method of barrel ageing, the goal is to develop and enhance the tobacco’s flavour, aroma, and overall quality. Properly aged tobacco can transform a good cigar into an exceptional one, offering a unique and pleasurable smoking experience, particularly when shopping for cigars online.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the purpose of ageing tobacco for premium cigars?

A. Ageing tobacco enhances the flavour, aroma, and colour of the leaves. It allows the tobacco to mature and stabilise, reducing bitterness, hardness, and acidity.

2. How long does the ageing process take for different types of tobacco leaves?

A. Generally, Seco and Visos require a minimum of 2 years of ageing, while Ligero requires about 3 or more years.

3. Can over-ageing tobacco negatively affect the quality of a cigar?

A. Yes, over-ageing can cause a loss of flavour and body, making the cigar rough and dusty.

4. What is barrel ageing in the context of cigar tobacco?

A. Barrel ageing involves resting tobacco leaves in barrels that previously contained spirits like bourbon, rum, or whiskey, to infuse the leaves with a more nuanced and rich flavour.

5. Will ageing improve a cigar that is already bitter and of poor quality?

A. No, ageing will not improve a cigar that is already bitter and of poor quality; it will only make it more bitter and old.