Tarks Posted November 7, 2010 Posted November 7, 2010 What year produced the best tobacco and exhibits the best long term (15+ years) aging potential? My personal preference is late 06, early 07 but was curious as too what other opinions are on this.
CanuckSARTech Posted November 7, 2010 Posted November 7, 2010 I would say 2006/2007 as things stand right now. However, negating that, I actually voted for 2009 - the stuff that I've been smoking from this year is coming out leaps and bounds ahead of everything else that I've had with only a year on it. But, it's such a hard judgement with only one year on stuff. If things develop as hoped and planned for over the next two or three years, then I think 2009 will be the year of the decade.
El Presidente Posted November 7, 2010 Posted November 7, 2010 What year produced the best tobacco and exhibits the best long term (15+ years) aging potential? My personal preference is late 06, early 07 but was curious as too what other opinions are on this. 2006 was a benchmark year for Habanos as it represented a major turn around in "smokeability" for young Cuban cigars. All of a sudden the majority of fresh boxes across the board tasted great. As has been discussed before, much of this can be put down to the fact that it was the first year since the mid 90's that tobacco reserves reached a level where proper aged leaf (2 1/2 year Ligero particularly) was able to be used. It has continued since then. 2008 was the other year that stood out. If anything, quality went up a notch again. 2009 was a continuum of 2008 with the upside of a sorting out of some of the underfilling problems experienced in the preceeding 3 years. Still a little early to judge 2010 but it appears to be on par with 09. late 08/09/10 have benefited from decreased cigar production in Cuba. The question however relates to long term aging potential and that is a hard one to gauge. Personally I think any great box of the decade will age well and much of 2006-2009 smokes so well now that you wonder if 15+ years is necessary at all.
NitrousPurger Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 2006 was a benchmark year for Habanos as it represented a major turn around in "smokeability" for young Cuban cigars. All of a sudden the majority of fresh boxes across the board tasted great. As has been discussed before, much of this can be put down to the fact that it was the first year since the mid 90's that tobacco reserves reached a level where proper aged leaf (2 1/2 year Ligero particularly) was able to be used. It has continued since then. 2008 was the other year that stood out. If anything, quality went up a notch again. 2009 was a continuum of 2008 with the upside of a sorting out of some of the underfilling problems experienced in the preceeding 3 years. Still a little early to judge 2010 but it appears to be on par with 09. late 08/09/10 have benefited from decreased cigar production in Cuba. The question however relates to long term aging potential and that is a hard one to gauge. Personally I think any great box of the decade will age well and much of 2006-2009 smokes so well now that you wonder if 15+ years is necessary at all. sheesh Its like he does this for a living or something...
Ken Gargett Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 i went 08 but would have been as happy with 07's. and what were those first slr dc's? 01's?
Colt45 Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 The question however relates to long term aging potential and that is a hard one to gauge. Personally I think any great box of the decade will age well and much of 2006-2009 smokes so well now that you wonder if 15+ years is necessary at all. Yes, I agree that if cigars continue to become much more approachable when young, there is less necessity or even desirability for long term aging.
laficion Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 I went '06. Same hear, 06, but also some 05 and almost all of 08. But I must also say that 03 produced some fantastic DC's together with some great CG's.
thechenman Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 For me...I'm new to Habanos still, but from what I have sampled, my vote would be for 2008.
greenpimp Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 I voted 06. The last few years have all been good, even great at times, but many of my 06 boxes have been special. Plus, they continue to improve, IME, so not only have they been good from the get-go, but are only getting better.
ChanceSchmerr Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 I was going to post 2001 or 2000 as a joke 2008 has been the best I've smoked. That said, I have some really nice 2001 cigars that I'm glad I took the plunge on.
shrink Posted November 9, 2010 Posted November 9, 2010 I voted 06. The last few years have all been good, even great at times, but many of my 06 boxes have been special. Plus, they continue to improve, IME, so not only have they been good from the get-go, but are only getting better. Agreed. I've had some excellent smokes from 2008, but nothing as good as the class of 2006. I bought more '06 stock than from any vintage before and after, and I wish I had gotten more. They're my "go-to" stock. Partagas, Bolivar, Cohiba, they're all good.
bassman Posted November 9, 2010 Posted November 9, 2010 Have yet to have a bad cigar from 2002- and I have a fair amount left.
Martindelmundo Posted November 9, 2010 Posted November 9, 2010 I went 08. They seem to be above par for me.
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