Quote Originally Posted by LGHT View Post
I've been aging cigars for a LONG time and have learned a few things. I wrote up a long detailed post some time ago, but I'll just list the specifics here.

1) If your aging long term you can do sealed or not sealed in their box. Sealed will take longer to notice the improvements on the stock, but it does produce smoother more flavorful stock. Almost like allowing them to stew in their own juices.
2) Don't mix cigar types. If you are aging Connecticut's don't keep them in the same box or even shelf as a maduro as the Connecticut will take on flavors of the maduro and ruin the subtle flavors
3) Maintain a constant RH. I use 65 beads in mine and haven't had any problems with mold or wrappers unraveling etc. I know guys who age at 70 without any problems so it's a matter of preference, but the key is to keep the RH constant and only open your humi when you need to.
4) The best aging device by far is a wine cooler / beverage cooler to maintain constant temps if your home has temp swings. For me my cigars are stored in a part of the home that doesn't fluctuate much so I have a large beverage cooler that's never plugged in. Plus it helps that the temps outside don't fluctuate too much during the year.
5) Full body dark wrappers age the best as cigars will lose a good amount of strength over the years. So if you prefer stronger cigars with a good amount of N Kick don't let them rest beyond 6 years. If you prefer medium body 8-10 and light smooth flavorful cigars 10 years or more. I just smoked a RASS from an 05 box and sad to say they have passed their prime. These where smoking great last year and the year before, but now it's just too long. However I have some 12 year BBF's that could still use a few years.
6) If you are not aging sealed boxes open each box at least once or twice a year to allow some air exchange. This will help the ammonia release from the box and improve the taste faster.
@LGHT , very much appreciated! This and several other responses, gives me a good starting place and course to follow. 1st. on the list will be a quality wine cooler (common denominator)...a well constructed and insulated one. I want to get it set up and proven before adding cigars.