Leathery as a flavor?

[Toulouse]

Quite often when reading cigar reviews one encounters the term "leathery" used to describe the flavor. I'm not sure what this means. Does it mean that the cigar actually tastes like leather?

Researching online turned up this site about flavor wheels:

Flavor Wheels of the World

Unfortunately it doesn't include a cigar flavor wheel.

[Jonesee]

You will know it when you smell it. Some cigars definely have a leathery (is that a word?) smell. Not so much on taste, but definetely an aroma that smells of leather.

[Cigary]

Originally Posted by Jonesee

You will know it when you smell it. Some cigars definely have a leathery (is that a word?) smell. Not so much on taste, but definetely an aroma that smells of leather.

Bingo,,,what he says is pretty accurate.

[txraddoc]

After smoking for a while I think I know what they are talking about. I usually associate leathery with an earthy smell/taste. It reminds when I used to own a horse and the smell of the saddles.

[madurolover]

I always associate it with memories I have as a kid and chewing on the strings of a baseball glove. Seems that every once in a while I will get a fleeting hint of that same taste from a cigar.

[Les Paul]

For me....it would mostly be taste, and a little aroma. When I think of leathery, I think FFOX. Every single time. And Ashton VSG.

[AspiringGent]

Walk into a leather store and take a big whiff. There is definitely an aroma there that is present in a few cigars. Not to be confused with the harsh smell of the chemical spray they use to waterproof leather

[Herf N Turf]

If you want to see what leather's all about, get hold of a Bucanero Maduro Classico. Its like sucking on a stirrup strap.

[kas]

I too think of leathery as earthy, and that's where it's usually plotted on flavor wheels. And bear in mind that aroma and taste are compatible and closely-related senses. Just ask your favorite wine lover.

[Cypress]

One thing to keep in mind is that some flavors are more picked up by some than others. No two individuals taste the exact same flavors. Women happen to be more supertaster's than men. ie they can pick flavors out better than men. I learned this from wine tasting. Believe or not you encounter the leathery taste in wine too. If you dont taste leather dont worry about it. Enjoy the cigar.

[AspiringGent]

Originally Posted by Cypress

One thing to keep in mind is that some flavors are more picked up by some than others. No two individuals taste the exact same flavors.

I smoke cigars with others quite regularly, and I'm consistently amazed by how two people will pick up many of the same flavors, but also many different ones. When people learn to describe what their tasting (for instance to become a sommelier, etc.), they often keep the descriptor items nearby. For instance, if you want to pick up leather flavors from your cigar, grab something leather (preferably new), and smell it in between puffs.

[popNsmoke]

Originally Posted by madurolover

I always associate it with memories I have as a kid and chewing on the strings of a baseball glove. Seems that every once in a while I will get a fleeting hint of that same taste from a cigar.

my thoughts exactly

[Phantom57]

Most of your taste is actually smell. You have very few actual tastes, salty, bitter etc.

[LibertyToad]

Originally Posted by Toulouse

Quite often when reading cigar reviews one encounters the term "leathery" used to describe the flavor. I'm not sure what this means. Does it mean that the cigar actually tastes like leather?

Researching online turned up this site about flavor wheels:

Flavor Wheels of the World

Unfortunately it doesn't include a cigar flavor wheel.

Think of the smell of a new leather jacket and you will understand. The smell of a new jacket is so strong that you can sort of taste it. The same taste (although) much more subtle is what I've tasted in a number of sticks.