Developing a pallett

[OpusEx]

Originally Posted by Danimal

I've always wondered how people do it. If smoke goes anywhere past my throat I cough but I guess that is the only way to get it out through your nose.

If you look at a diagram of the respiratory system (http://www.lessontutor.com/jm_respiratory.html), you can see clearly that smoke can come into the mouth and go back out the nose without going down the throat. I admit from watching others try for the first time that this is sometimes difficult to get the hang of and there will probably be some unpleasant attempts at first LOL I suggest one tries doing it with a little amount of the smoke and then increase as they get better and used to it. The pay off with respect to flavor is well worth the effort.

[OpusEx]

Originally Posted by 17Crash

OpusEx,

I am confused on this. I do a slight french inhale with each draw. Is that what you mean?

No, it is not what I mean. I mean taking in a mouthful of smoke (not allowing it to go down your throat into your lungs) and then letting some of that smoke go out through your nose as opposed to back out your mouth.

[tedwj]

Thanks for all the great info! I picked up some Carlos Torano Exodus 1959's since they have been reviewed alot and I will be taking notes..

[Danimal]

Originally Posted by OpusEx

If you look at a diagram of the respiratory system (http://www.lessontutor.com/jm_respiratory.html), you can see clearly that smoke can come into the mouth and go back out the nose without going down the throat. I admit from watching others try for the first time that this is sometimes difficult to get the hang of and there will probably be some unpleasant attempts at first LOL I suggest one tries doing it with a little amount of the smoke and then increase as they get better and used to it. The pay off with respect to flavor is well worth the effort.

I think this is a great discussion. While it's hard for me to believe some reviews that state they taste some asparagus, cheese and 30 other flavors, it's valid that cigars produce a wide array of flavors. This takes a while to get used to and some people just have really sharp palettes, which is why you have a lot of people who have smoked cigars and just don't understand the obsession.

I still have a lot to learn even after 2 years of smoking so I took the above advice in addition to the one that suggests drinking water. I usually always drink a soda since it cleans the palette for me, but I could do without having to drink a coke every single time I smoke. After trying the nose-trick, it really wasn't that hard and yes, it will take some time to get used to but I think you're right about enhancing the flavor experience. I even picked out a mild cigar to see if I could discern the flavor more. So, thanks for that advice!

I'm repeating what I just said in the 2nd paragraph, but my advice to the author of the thread is to drink something carbonated. I learned this from Mo and it has worked with me. It helps to "reset" the palette at times.

[n2advnture]

I was going to mention exhaling through the nose but for a begineer it may be a tad tough both in technique to do and on the nose. I remember when I first tried it I did too much smoke and I thought my nose was going to burn off...my eyes wouldn't stop watering! LOL!

Once you can manage to concentrate on flavors and not techniques (like smoking slower!) I HIGHLY recommend blowing a little smoke through your nose about 2-3 times during each third. Some may argue that they do it every time but I do think there can be too much as the nasal cavity is sensitive and the hot smoke may effect it's ability to decern flavors later in the smoking experience. (You need to find a happy medium for yourself though).

Happy smoking my friends!
~Mark

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by n2advnture

IMHO all humans, through evolution, have developed a similar "base" palette to begin with in order to survive. - so certain tastes are easily recognized by all. (ie that's why sugars and fats taste so good to us).

The best way, again IMHO, to refine you palette to pick up sublties in smokes are...

Very well said.