The Connoisseur’s Choice: Revealing How 50-Count Cigar Cabinets Transform Aging and Elevate Your Smoking Journey
In the sophisticated world of cigar aficionados, the nuanced art of aging cigars is a subject of never-ending interest. This article aims to provide a detailed examination of whether cigars aged in 50-count cabinets offer a superior experience compared to those in smaller boxes, drawing upon the principles of tobacco fermentation and aging.
Understanding Tobacco Fermentation: The Pilón Process
Before we begin, it is essential to understand the initial fermentation process. Tobacco leaves undergo a critical fermentation phase on large piles known as “pilónes.” This process is pivotal in developing the tobacco’s flavor and aroma profile, as it involves tobacco-on-tobacco fermentation, enhancing the natural characteristics of the leaves.
Post-fermentation, the aging process of cigars in factories involves packing them in larger bundles. This practice is not arbitrary; it adheres to the principle of maintaining tobacco-on-tobacco contact, mirroring the fermentation process. This method is believed to contribute significantly to the gradual and harmonious maturation of the cigars.
The Distinctive Advantage of 50-Count Cabinets
When analyzing 50-count cabinets, commonly referred to as “50-cabs,” it becomes evident that these containers offer a lot of value for those aficionados interested in the aging process. The cigars in these cabinets are packed in bundles, maintaining consistent tobacco-on-tobacco contact and if kept in a stable humidity and temperature environment they further evolve. This arrangement potentially facilitates better fermentation conditions and a more favorable environment for aging within the box.
In contrast, cigars in 10 or 25-count boxes are typically (not always, there are some exceptions) arranged individually, reducing the extent of cigar-on-cigar contact. This positioning may lead to a different interaction with the surrounding elements, such as the cedar of the box or the protective sheets, potentially impacting the aging process.
Sensory Differences and Collectible Value
While the differences in flavor and aroma may not be immediately noticeable in newly manufactured cigars, discerning smokers may identify subtle variations after several years of aging. The appeal of 50-count cabinets as collectibles is significant too, largely due to their unique aromatic experience when opened and their potential for superior aging. These cabinets are highly prized among collectors and enthusiasts for these distinct qualities.
Considerations of Box Pressing and Aesthetic Uniformity
The phenomenon of “box pressing,” where cigars may slightly alter shape due to humidity and pressure during shipping or handling, is less prevalent in 50-cabs due to the spacious arrangement. This can result in a more consistent draw quality.
There is one downside to a 50 cab though and that involves color.
In case you are not familiar with the color sorting process here’s a bit about it. Color sorting is a critical and final stage in cigar manufacturing, performed by skilled workers in well-lit sections of the factory. Here, cigars are laid out on contrasting surfaces, typically black or white tables, for meticulous examination. The sorters, with their sharp eye for detail, categorize the cigars into boxes based on very similar shades, navigating through as many as 20 subtle color variations. Additionally, any cigars with visible imperfections, like cracks or marks, are set aside and excluded from the final selection. In smaller boxes, there is a higher expectation for visual uniformity, whereas in 50-cabs, variations in color may occur since most of the cigars are not visible once the box is open.
Market Availability and Economic Factors
The limited availability of 50-cabs in cigar stores, such as La Casa Del Habanos or Habanos Specialist outlets, can be attributed to production constraints and economic considerations. Limited edition cigars, with restricted production numbers, are more feasibly distributed in smaller box sizes. Additionally, the high cost of luxury cigars further influences the packaging choice, as larger cabinets can become prohibitively expensive for the average consumer.
To sum up, I do feel that cabinets of 50 cigars age better than normal cigar boxes if you choose to age them for a few years but I don’t think it will make any notable difference in new cigar boxes. Look for them, hunt them down if you choose to age them long term or if you like to pull out a bundle of 50 cigars, put them to your nose and breathe in those fabulous aromas. We are in a moment now when our favorite cigars are not readily available so the best option would be to buy the cigars you like no matter the box count.