Rookie Palate?

[BirdDog]

I have enjoyed several cigars but seem to have a hard time picking out the various nuances. Currently, I am really enjoying a 601 Blue Robusto, reading reviews at the same time, and still can't distinguish the cedar and cocoa that others report.

Does it just take time to develop a palate or is the bottle of cab distracting my taste buds?

[JordanWexler]

Don't worry. you are not alone.

[groogs]

When I first started all the cigars seemed to tast the same. I liked some better than others but ther was no way I could pick out subtle flavors. Give it some time and you will start to detect tons of different flavors from your cigars, and that is when the fun starts.

[SmokinApe]

I am going to say something rather unpopular, I think most people can't taste that stuff...

The imagination is a wonderfull thing...

When two "experts" smoke something and report back different flavors people say "well, that only proves that taste is subjective."

Smoke what you like and enjoy it, long ashes my friend!

[Mullet]

*this is all assuming you nose exhale often during a cigar*

The flavor pallet for me is MUCH simpler than the damn "wheel" or whatever that some people operate by.

Tobacco is the main flavor. Tobacco is naturally sweet. That's what you taste. Now, is there a distinct "dark" flavor in the finish like chocolate or coffee? If not, the flavor you're probably experiencing is "creamy." It took me a while to really understand what "creamy" meant when being described.

Spice is DEFINITELY an easy flavor to experience. Especially in the 1st 1/3 of the cigar. I've had a lot of cigars that taste very spicy ONLY for 1/3.

Wood is another flavor you can pick out. Think about burning wood, dry wood, damp wood -- different types of wood.

Earth is another flavor. You have to IMAGINE what certain things would taste like before you can start making comments. What does grass taste like??? -- well, it probably tastes like it smells. That's why nose exhalation is so important.

To me, a cigar has to meet these criteria in order for me to consider it "good" or not.

1. Pinch test
2. Easy to light
3. Reasonably good burn
4. VERY distinct flavors from the onset (even if they don't last)
5. The finish lasts only a few seconds
6. The nub isn't harsh

My 2.

[BirdDog]

Thanks Guys......

Smokin Ape - I agree...that is the approach I am going to take. Guess I just felt like I needed to be tasting all the varuous subtleties.

[BirdDog]

Mullet - thanks...I knew this site would be alot of help.

I do nose exhale...several times during the smoke. I like alot of tobacco and nicotine. To the wife's dismay and mine, I have been dipping Skoal for quite sometime and that may have my tastebuds all out of whack.

I do know that the stronger the cigar the better. I even blow a little out of the mouth and inhale through the nose just to get a little more of that tobacco/nicotine.

[bobarian]

What you drink or eat before hand can have an effect on what you taste from your cigar. I usually drink plain water or sometimes a soft drink(usually root beer). Most cabs to me were a bit overpowering when smoking. Try a Pinot or something a bit lighter like a Malbec or a Italian red. I also really like a nice glass of port, seems to really complement a nice smoke.

[BirdDog]

I have read alot of people drink root beer while smoking...am I missing something?

I typically only drink cabs...particularly Dominican Oaks (Napa)...$14.99 a bottle at my local total wine and more...drinks like a $40 bottle...I buy it by the case(s) and it keeps me sane!

[groogs]

Originally Posted by BirdDog

I have read alot of people drink root beer while smoking...am I missing something?

I typically only drink cabs...particularly Dominican Oaks (Napa)...$14.99 a bottle at my local total wine and more...drinks like a $40 bottle...I buy it by the case(s) and it keeps me sane!

Drink whatever you like. I drink Beer or Scotch, but everybody has different tastes.