Cigar Rating Experiment – Part XIV

A bundle of Flor de Oliva Gold Toro cigars have now been aging in a humidor for ten months, while a bundle of "Brand B" cigars were added five months ago. These cigars are being taste tested as part of an ongoing experiment to determine how aging, in addition to other factors, affect the taste and enjoyment of cigars. This month's accompanying libation to the Flor de Oliva cigar was an ice cold Guinness Draught. Although not much of a difference was noted in the taste of the cigar since last month's test, this cigar has definitely mellowed since earlier tests. We will extend this experiment for another two months before drawing some final conclusions.

Every box or bundle of cigars ages differently, and the "Brand B" cigars are definitely not following a usual pattern. The taste of these cigars has been inconsistent, although some of the dryness experienced in the early tests is now less pronounced. For being mild cigars, there was also a noticeable tangy taste on the palate during early tests, which was somewhat interesting. However, in addition to the dryness beginning to fade, the tangy flavor is also beginning to fade with age. After several weeks in the humidor, it seemed like these cigars might have some potential, despite their inconsistency. But if the current pattern continues, this cigar could end up being a bland and/or average stogie, at best.

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^{Illustration: 2007 © Gary Manelski Licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Here are the results of previous taste tests,

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



• Part II – Aged One Week



• Part III – Aged Two Weeks



• Part IV – Aged Three Weeks



• Part V – Aged Four Weeks



• Part VI – Aged Two Months



• Part VII – Aged Three Months



• Part VIII – Aged Four Months



• Part IX – Aged Five Months



• Part X – Aged Six Months



• Part XI – Aged Seven Months



• Part XII – Aged Eight Months



• Part XIII – Aged Nine Months