Re: MRN vs. SHAT
- From: Hutch <champboat@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 07:10:04 GMT
On Wed, 09 Nov 2005 22:24:01 -0500, ML <ml@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>I'm wondering if someone could give me an explanation as to the
>differences between these two aging methods.
MRN's is practical, space efficient, and designed for longer term
storage. SHAT if for quicker "aging", isn't as effective for "gentle"
marrying of flavors, and takes up quite a bit of space. Bottom line,
the difference is airflow: more air equals faster "decomposition"",
less air equals slower and a more gentle process. As to the end
result, a cooking analogy might be: SHAT is a 1500w microwave, and MRN
is slow roasting over a wood fire....you alter the product faster in
the former, but the latter, while requiring more patience, results in
a better end result. At least that's my opinion, and experience :)
>
>My basic understanding of SHAT is that it involves removing the cello
>and layering the cigars with cedar between each layer. These are left to
>sit from 1-4 years at 65% RH.
1-4 years isn't really "aging" (IMO :).......the process is certainly
started, and there is often considerable improvement, but the benefits
further down the road are proportionally more....yes, IMO :)
>
>But I've not been able to find must detail about the MRN method or which
> method (SHAT or MRN) is more commonly used.
MRN's method is remarkably simple: Leave cigars in tightly closed
boxes (preferably cabs), in a well controlled environment for a long
time. Don't open the boxes to look, sniff, or touch. Don't remove any
cigars (that airflow thing :) He talks of periods both beyond my
patience and life expectancy though :)
>
>I've googled this quite extensively but I've not been able to find a
>good explanation.
I'd suggest an extremely worthwhile investment....buy his book. It's
an AWESOME reference, with pictures of damned near every cigar
produced in Cuba since the Embargo. Included in his descriptions (with
dimensions of the sticks and all available forms of packaging) are his
opinions on a wide variety of areas....for damned near every one of
those cigars....strength now & and later, tasting notes, suggested
smoking times, availability, etc, etc. He includes a few instances of
others' opinions, but they are primarily his own observations, and
are, of course, subjective. I personally don't agree with all of what
he wrote, but the vast majority of that which I can compare to
personal experience is spot on. I have made many purchases based on
his "suggestions", and in all but a very few instances have been in
total agreement. I have about 20 books on cigars, have read them all,
but haven't cracked a one of them since opening his. It really is a
reference piece. <shill mode off> :)
--
"I really think cigar smoking makes you smarter" P.J. O'Rourke
.
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