Cigar Tasting How-to

[inflatus]

I had thought about posting the question, how do "you" taste and covey the results of the cigars you smoke?

I did a little research (5 minutes) and found this article from cA.

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Ar...322,824,00.html

I thought it was well written and helped to point out what to look for. It concluded in the end by not trying to make the process scientific.

Cigar smoking and tasting is supposed to be fun.

Now if you would like to add or detract from the article, post it. I am still curious to see how each BOTL taste tests their cigars.

 

[surferonthecrystalcoast]

Good Article. Thanks for the link! :thumbs:

 

[emodx]

Testing cigars is easy. A water or diet coke, clip it, pre-light draw, smoke 2/3's of it.

 

[Shibumi]

According to Fuente, the doctor who delivered him was paid in cigars

Now thats a barter! Opus X?

 

[cigardawg]

Testing cigars is easy. A water or diet coke, clip it, pre-light draw, smoke 2/3's of it.

[snapback]196399[/snapback]​

I agree with Emo. When I really want to taste a cigar and pick out the flavors, I only drink water with it. I don't want anything to influence my taste buds one way or the other. The water is primarily just to keep my mouth and throat from being dry. However, if the cigar is properly blended and has enough tobacco that sets off the sour-sensors in the mouth (the ones that control saliva production), I don't even need the water.

From there, I just pay attention. I take notes at times and watch the construction. I try to pay a lot of attention to the aroma as well, as the smells around you influence your tastes. I try to identify the flavors in the cigar with other things that I have tasted or smelled.

Just my 0.02.

 

[stevehawk]

Nice article.

It's good to see that even some of the masters do not relate the tastes they get from a cigar with food references (chocolate, nutty, etc.) My palate is not distinguishing enough to do so either. I know I like Coke and despise root beer, but I can't relate the exact tastes that make it that way.

I also agree that the "taste" of a cigar enocompasses all of the senses. If the look, feel and pre-light smell are great, the cigar is already well on its way to being an enjoyable smoke. When these things combine with excellent taste, you've got a real winner.

 

[PetersCreek]

Personally, I find flavor references helpful to suggest the qualities of a cigar. But then, I'm accustomed to their use in wine tasting. I don't take them too literally, though. I'm convinced that modern tasting terminology is distilled from a seminal conversation that may have gone something like:

Guy 1: "What's that thing taste like?"
Guy 2: "Hmmm...I dunno really...maybe kind of like old leather soaked in coffee...but not exactly. Or maybe chocolate-covered cardboard left on a radiator in November...but different. Ya know?"

Today, we leave out a lot of not-exactly's and but-different's but I think they're understood and assumed. I've never had a cigar that tasted of chocolate or a wine that tasted of jam but I've been able to pick out hints or notes that reminded me of both. Ah well, at least they don't "taste like chicken."

 

[Swissy]

I hit upon a realization last night... (see my post regarding the Perdomo La Tradicion Series P in what you've been smoking...)

I found out I really don't CARE what it tastes like, as long as I like it! I've been racking my brains while smoking cigars, trying to figure out all the subtle flavors and such. But, for some reason last night, I just gave up that quest, since my palate is not that sophisticated (neither am I as a whole, either! :laugh: ) I just want to sit back, enjoy the smoke and watch the world go by while I don't give a damn - at least not while I'm smoking my cigar!

So from now on, all my reviews will be either-
1) I like it

or...
2) I don't like it

and if I'm in a good mood I might throw in reason for or against...

But that was a nice write up... good info all around

 

[Islesfan]

I try to pay a lot of attention to the aroma as well, as the smells around you influence your tastes.

[snapback]196547[/snapback]​

Good point Dawg...the nose knows. "Tasting" with the nose is very important with cigars, wine, food, etc.

 

[preembargo]

I found out I really don't CARE what it tastes like, as long as I like it! I've been racking my brains while smoking cigars, trying to figure out all the subtle flavors and such. But, for some reason last night, I just gave up that quest, since my palate is not that sophisticated (neither am I as a whole, either! :laugh: ) I just want to sit back, enjoy the smoke and watch the world go by while I don't give a damn - at least not while I'm smoking my cigar!

[snapback]196694[/snapback]​

Quitter :laugh:

:sign:

 

[IgwanaRob]

I hit upon a realization last night... (see my post regarding the Perdomo La Tradicion Series P in what you've been smoking...)

I found out I really don't CARE what it tastes like, as long as I like it! I've been racking my brains while smoking cigars, trying to figure out all the subtle flavors and such. But, for some reason last night, I just gave up that quest, since my palate is not that sophisticated (neither am I as a whole, either! :laugh: ) I just want to sit back, enjoy the smoke and watch the world go by while I don't give a damn - at least not while I'm smoking my cigar!

So from now on, all my reviews will be either-
1) I like it

or...
2) I don't like it

and if I'm in a good mood I might throw in reason for or against...

But that was a nice write up... good info all around

[snapback]196694[/snapback]​

I had the same thought when I was smoking that Anejo Shark the other day. Although that feeling will be rare, I realized that most of the sticks I've tried have been good and if they make me smile at the end as much as they do while I'm smoking them - then that's all I need

 

[Swissy]

Quitter :laugh:
:sign:

[snapback]196703[/snapback]​

Naaaaw...
Just kickin' back and taking it easy. And watching the n00b/newbie bombs fly! It'll be fun... n00bs, Newbies and FOG's alike are now targeted...

Muhahahahahahahahaha...

 

[OutlawD]

The title of this thread is "Cigar tasting, how to"
To that i say this:

1.Sniff
2.Clip
3.Light
4.Smoke
:thumbs:

 

[Captain Leafheart]

So from now on, all my reviews will be either-
1) I like it
or...
2) I don't like it

What Swissy said