Cigar Rating Experiment - Part V

We've now been aging a bundle of Flor de Oliva Gold Cigars for four weeks inside of a properly maintained humidor as part of an ongoing cigar rating experiment. The fifth cigar that we tested was enjoyed along with a fine German beer, and the flavor had markedly improved compared to last week. However, part of the improvement could be attributed to the accompanying beverage. Since the cigar is mild-to-medium in flavor, it did not overpower the taste of the beer, as would a stronger cigar. Although beer is not the best drink to accompany cigars, it is certainly better than the diet peach flavored iced tea consumed during the prior test. Of all the factors that can affect the enjoyment of a particular cigar, aging is by far the greatest, but the accompanying beverage will also have an effect.

We will continue to measure the effects of aging on this particular bundle of cigars, along with the effects of beverage selection, in the weeks and months ahead. Our review and rating will not be finalized until all the test cigars have been smoked, under different conditions and at different times. Return to this website for future updates, or subscribe to our free newsletter or RSS Feed.

Illustration: 2006 © Gary Manelski Licensed to About.com, Inc.

Results of experiments conducted during previous weeks:

• Part I – Right Out of the Package (no aging)



• Part II – Aged One Week



• Part III – Aged Two Weeks



• Part IV – Aged Three Weeks