The Tercio Aging Process

Crafting a fine cigar requires skill and patience. However, some processes –– like tercio aging tobacco –– are so time-consuming and complex that few cigar manufacturers use them anymore. 

What is tercio aging?

Tercio aging is a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. It involves storing bales of carefully arranged tobacco leaves into “tercios,” or large capsules made from the bark of a palm tree. Palm-bark tercios are unique in that they act to lock in natural oils and sweetness from tobacco leaves that would otherwise be lost during the aging process.

How long is tercio aged for?

Tobacco stored in tercios is typically aged for over a year. During that time, cigar artisans meticulously check the heat and humidity of the storage area to ensure the tercio's integrity. Tobaccos aged in tercios possess a remarkable richness and aroma that is difficult –– if not impossible –– to replicate. Still, tercio aging is time-consuming and requires a high level of skill. As a result, only a few cigars are made with tercio-aged tobacco. 

One such cigar was the limited-edition Macanudo Inspirado Palladium. While Palladium has been retired, for the time being, Macanudo will be releasing a new, tercio-aged cigar in 2023. 

Interested in learning more about the cigar-making process? Then check out our Seed to Cigar Series for more details on how cigars are made.