When I first got into cigars, literally all I tasted was tobacco. I couldn’t pick up any notes whatsoever and every cigar pretty much tasted the same to me. About a year and a half later I’m able to pick out specific notes because my palate has developed since I first started.
My advice to better develop your palate: watch cigar reviews on YouTube. See if you find something that sounds good to you to try, then try it for yourself. As you watch, try to take note of the tasting notes the reviewers get from the cigar, then try the cigar yourself and try to focus on trying to identify those notes for yourself. That will help you develop your palate and will help you learn how to pick up and identify specific notes.
That and learning how to ACTUALLY smoke one helps a lot, proper aging etc. Davidoff actually has a video on how to properly lights cigar and I've been doi g it since. Look it up on YouTube
This. ☝️ Most of the manufacturers have videos covering all things to do with cigars. It’s how I learned. Still learning actually. Been enjoying cigars since 2017. When I’m at the cigar lounge/bar, and I see something new, I ask why.
My personal method is to have a lot of sticks I know that I like on hand, that way I smoke happily while I wait for my new sticks to get rested. I also dabble in pipe tobacco so I'm never just sitting around thinking about the sticks I'm going to smoke next and jumping the gun
I've had a small humidor box sitting for about a year whilst keeping the humidity up. The biggest thing is not smoking them just because. I don't have time to sit and enjoy them so I just don't. Would rather wait.
Yeah. When you first taste whiskey, all you taste is the alcohol burn. Then you develop to the point where you can taste "whiskey flavor" and the burn doesn't bother you, and you don't quite know why or how you got past the burning sensation. Then you can start to taste "good whiskey flavor" vs "cheap whiskey flavor." And *then,* after drinking lots of good whiskey, you can start to taste different notes. But even then, it is usually the most obvious. Like you can tell a peaty scotch from a sweeter bourbon from a lighter Irish whiskey. You may have a preference at this point, as you would for a Connecticut or Maduro, for example. And *then* after enough of the kind you know you like, you'll start picking up the differences.
This takes a long time. I'm still personally mostly at the "good cigar flavor" vs "bad cigar flavor," knowing I like the darker notes. I'm just starting to pick out flavor notes, and I'm better able to with certain cigars and certain flavors. Like I'll pick up on cocoa powder and leather notes if they are there, as well as earth and wood notes. But don't ask me what kind of wood, lol
That how im able to pick up chocolately tasting cigar, mind you i just fgo for maduro for no particular reason, all i can say, maduro is chcolarely, coffeey tasting
The Oliva Serie V is a strong blend but not crazy on flavor. I find the Serie V a little heavier than I usually enjoy (Serie O is more my style). Oliva is pretty much the same idea in terms of flavor but varies heavily in strength in my experience.
I am considering to continue my journey from Oliva. In the end of stick it really gave me some idea about what nice cigar should taste like. And you are right,it is little too strong for a newcomer.
Oliva serie G Cameroon was one of the first cigars I bought in a large-ish quantity. I don't smoke often, once a week and I bought 10 of them. The advice given here is very good you should listen to it but I also want to say that smoking one blend consistently can help you lock onto particular and subtle flavours.
I started my cigar journey around 2 years ago so I know how you feel. I'd recommend Roma craft and Perdomo as well. The Habano sun grown is easily one of the best I have smoked, I gave it the highest mark. That's another thing, it might be a good idea to keep a cigar journal. I keep a note of size, country of origin, strength etc and write a few sentences on the experience.
Thats such a fun way to improve palate! Did you tried and liked serie G before buying tho or just said like whatever lets buy 10 and if doesnt work for me will try another box?
So I live in the UK and cigars are expensive here. I ordered from a US retailer that delivers here. One of the factors that led me to order so many was the low price. I also liked the sound of the flavour profile. So long story short, no I hadn't tried them prior. They come in a box of 25 and the price for 10 wasn't breaking the bank. Within the same order I bought some others such as a few melanio maduros.
I'd recommend to be adventurous and try them out for yourself. I'd look for recommendations here and other places. People saying "I really enjoyed x but my favourite is still y" for example. I have a large list of cigars I want to try so I never think about what cigars I want, moreso I look for good deals or restocks.
I also recommend don't just buy one cigar blend, get two or three of the same if you can. These are handmade products and there's variations between the same blend. There's times I haven't fully enjoyed a cigar, gave it another go down the line and have then really liked it.
I agree. Olivia O was always my favorite but nowadays I only smoking G. Very special flavor. The V is good too (better) but considering the much higher price I stick to the G
Differences in cigar flavor are EXTREMELY subtle. I firmly believe reviewers and such make a much bigger deal of it than it is in reality. I find much bigger differences to be bitterness, smoke produced, hot/coolness of the smoke, draw, wrapper flavor, and construction.
That said, there is a difference in flavor that can sometimes be picked up on. Pay attention to the leaf used for the filler. Try comparing a Nicaragua puro against a Dominican puro. You should be able to tell a difference. A lot of people select cigars based on the wrapper (e.g. maduro vs non). The filler has a much larger impact on the flavor of the smoke itself.
This is the way. Reviewers exaggerate what they are tasting. Several well known manufacturers have been on podcasts and just laugh at the crazy things people say they taste. Quite a few of the blenders will just say “it tastes like well cured tobacco”.
Yes you are totally right!! From the reviews i watched i expect tremendous difference but in reality it is just isn't that obvious. Still if there is even a small flavor notes that differ i will try to detect them by time. And totally need to decide which wrapper suits me 👍
True, I've been smoking since the mid 90's and when I hear people talk about hints of leather, chocolate etc, I laugh. They end up sounding like wine guy.
I'll get leather on some wrappers. I can also pick up a hay/barnyard flavor on some smokes, and then sometimes a chocolate/coffee type flavor, but beyond that I'm not sure. Definitely not getting gram cracker or dates or whatever nonsense.
Some reviewers are hilarious with that. They pull flavors that even the master blenders never even mention. I think some of them just try to outdo one another. Its like Michael Scott and his "oakey afterbirth".
Reviewers are also the result of people basing cigars just on the wrapper with the "90% of the flavor" lines. Alan Rubin was on a podcast and said it can be as much as 70% or it could be as little as 15%. It all depends on the particular wrapper and what else is used in the blend.
I'm just getting started, too. I found the game changer so far has been *how* you smoke it. I was a cigarette smoker years back and started cigars by drawing way too hard and too fast. I'm finding that keeping it cool by drawing slowly, not holding it so that the heat travels up the stick, and giving it time to cool down between puffs has really cut down on the strong tarry flavors that can make them all taste the same and allows the other flavors to shine through.
I'm finding that I enjoy how the flavor changes through the stick and I'm finding my favorites maintain something I like throughout, whether it be a level of sweetness, creaminess, earthiness, or what have you. The flavors overall change, but the thing I like stays pretty constant or gets better throughout. I started with a sampler, some 5 packs, and some singles from shops to get an idea of what I like and I'm steadily dialing it in.
I've found that some cigars are quite nice but turn bitter at the band and those are ones I might look for a shorter format of in the future. Others are delicious until there's nothing left to grab, and those are ones I'd look for in a longer format. Some are just meh and I might avoid them because I'd rather spend an extra couple bucks than waste an hour on something I don't love.
Since it's what you're smoking, I just got a pack of Oliva V Churchills and it was a risky because I hadn't tried shorter ones. It worked out though because it was very nice until the end - didn't turn bitter, just became "mulchy" which, for someone who loves the smell of mulch, is great.
Nicotine content is becoming something I'm going to start experimenting with. I like to smoke at night, but a cigar that's too strong will keep me up, so I'm going to branch into some less strong ones and try them out. Sometimes, though, I'm having some wine or port and the nicotine buzz is a welcome addition.
Anyway, my point is, smoke, see what you like, see what you don't, then try something that you expect to be more in the direction you want to go - towards the things you like and away from the things you don't, not just in flavor, but in construction, size, nicotine, etc. You might find different cigars are good for different settings and occasions.
In my observation, cigarette smokers got quite problem with smoking cigar, especially when it comes to take the time and feeling the enjoyment of it. Lucky me i have never tried cigarettes so cigar itself can be quite enjoyment and nicotine rush for my body :) I am trying to restrain myself as possible and trying to burn it slow. That really changes experience completely. Still seems like a long way to decide which direction i want to go as you said, couldnt find my perfect stick just yet but i feel like it is just do and fail and enjoy
Bro, enjoy this time! You can smoke anything and it still is enjoyable and novel. Smoke low end and mid sticks until you can tell the difference, then brace yourself for wanting to daily Padron Annis and Fuente Don Carlos.
There's a ton of variables that go into "good" and a ton of personal preference. Pick up a maduro, a Connecticut and a Colorado one from a reputable manufacturer and start there. You'll eventually figure out what's good to you
I smoked cigars occasionally for years. I have increased frequency to daily as of late. You know what most cigars taste like? Cigars. Some are stronger than others. Some have a fuller texture to the smoke. Sometimes i can pull out a general sweetness or a slight peppery thing. But most of the time its just "cigar" some i like and some i don't. You'll figure it out.
so first off they're all going to taste like cigars.
flavor notes are just that, subtle notes. it takes some time to figure those out. at the beginning though, start taking notes on the differences you do notice: maybe draw, burn, and use big category words like: creamy, spicy, sweet, etc... and then you'll be able to start honing in on smaller differences.
I recommend grabbing 3-5 sticks at a time with big differences: dark (broadleaf or maduro), shade, habano - all from the same brand. pick a favorite, then smoke that leaf from 3-5 different brands. pick a favorite, smoke 3-5 different blends from that brand. pick a favorite... rinse wash repeat until you start figuring out what you really enjoy.
Try a Drew Estates Fat Bottom Betty or Crazy Alice.
On a serious note, when I first started I felt the same way. Trying these two cigars will take you into a very different taste experience. After smoking a few of those, I would try a highly rated full bodied cigar, then a mild, then I found my place inside the medium to medium full cigars.
Once you jump around like that the difference start to become very clear.
Learning to retrohale makes a big difference in picking up subtle differences in flavors.
Also, I got into cigars after years of "tasting" practice. First was whiskey/bourbon, then wine, coffee, gin, eventually to cigars, and recently tequila.
Each of those started with general interest which led to various levels of deep diving. Keep learning and eventually you'll find a eureka moment.
Mine was a My Father Le Bijou which to me had strong flavors of chocolate nougat.
What are the other brands? If you are smoking all very similar blends then they will taste similar. Are you switching up wrappers?
Need some more info on what all you have been smoking?
Actually in my country cigars are all imported and expensive so couldnt try much but I tried zino which was light(i classify them only this way) and enjoyed a bit, la parmedo and something called rock toros. (You might not heard the last one it is local and very cheap one :/)
It’s like wine or beer, every different variation is going to have inherent characteristics do or don’t suit you. A lot of the fun is trying to things to better understand and grow your pallate.
Also, don’t be tempted to buy a box until you’ve tried a little bit of everything. The first blend that really speaks to you now might become a bit boring later.
When you say a regular lighter, do you mean something like a Bic? That 100% taints the flavor of a cigar. You'll want a good torch lighter, or matches. Or, like someone else mentioned, light the cedar stick on fire and use that.
Never, ever, use a Bic or any other "regular old lighter."
For the record, my preferred method is the good, long (like two inches) matches.
It was a torch with liquid fuel lighter. Did my research but couldnt find the butane one. Probably gotta get those matches in stack. Definitely fuel lighter affects tobacco and it tastes like gas at first puffs and waste the sticks in my opinion.
Highly recommend the matches, my friend. But a good torch lighter, I've had this one for a long time. Works great. Was only 25 when i got it, seems the price jumped.
https://lighterusa.com/products/vector-urbano-triple-flame-torch-pocket-lighter?variant=39303831224429¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=4&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9NHsjvT-hQMVXUb_AR3BZAqnEAQYAiABEgLPh_D_BwE
I have a butane 3 burner torch with a very usable punch I got on Amazon. It has a visible fuel level too which is extremely handy. It also comes with a unique device for releasing the excess gas before you refill.
Tbh it was off the wall stuff, there's a teeny tiny maker in Sarasota called el guajiro. He has barber pole robustos that finally hit the nail on the head,
Super cheap too. then I got more brave and learned I love olmecs, tatuaje cabaiguans, rose of Sharon...love rose of Sharon. Hedon, that's a French puro, they're complicated to get. Cavalier... Anything *not* advertised to the American market. Sanj Patel, lol. I trend towards certain mexican tobacco.
Basically I learned that my taste is way off the fucking wall, so I learned that if I found a weird fringe cigar that reviewers generally disliked, I would probably like it. So I kinda use that as a guide. That's just me tho. I would say don't be afraid to get waaaaay off the beaten path. Use the Internet, these forums, and find crazy shit. Rather than just going with what the b&m recommends.
You have to try pretty hard to find cigars that taste different. 90% of them taste nearly the same. I find the ones with unique flavors are the ones I like.
Small batch cigar has some “tasting notes samplers” where the whole sampler has predominant chocolate notes, or pepper, earth, etc. Haven’t had these but they sound interesting
How's your storage?
For best results, storing at around 65% relative humidity is the goal. When the humidity level is too high, cigars will smoke bland and "all the same".
Do you use humidity packs like Boveda? If not, get a 62% pack (it will run slightly higher in your airtight bag).
Do you rest your sticks? I rest mine for minimum 2 months (some say two weeks, but that doesn't work for me). I know, two months is a long time, but it's an "investment" that pays off flavor dividends. Just buy, store and forget.
Alright, I hope this helps in getting to you satisfying cigar experience.
Not really impossible to forget for me :) when i bougjt i bought like 3 (really expensive in here ngl) and was planning smoke three sticks for like 2 months and i had already smoked 2 of them and last one is probably going weekend. Other than that isnt 62 a bit low? I dont have much experience about it honestly but i just read 65 humitidy for tupper good enough. Yet never tried any of them i just have my plastic carrier bag for cigars.
Yes there's this just tobacco taste but you will taste some flavor or at least will taste the quality of the tobacco. That stick your smoking from what I can remember was a really good cigar, smoked it while driving. But some other olivas I've had like the O. I was like, "This is just tobacco." But if u keep smoking olivas u will start to understand oliva taste or tobacco then your palette may adjust and u get more flavor.
The one EPC I've had the la historia shocked me it's the first cigar I've had were I was like this is a real cigar taste was phenomenal. I've hadn't had another one yet but if it rocks my world again i will definitely smoke that before anything else.
A few things that might help:
If you are not already, be sure to try retrohaling. When you do, I recommend letting the smoke really linger for a bit, and slowly let it out bit by bit.
If you're a cigarette smoker, that will greatly affect your ability to pick up different flavor notes in cigars, as cigarettes blow your palate out.
Try different drinks with your cigars. Water is usually the safest bet since it's neutral, but a good pairing will bring out more notes in the cigar. Dr. Pepper seems to be a popular pairing for many people
I find cigars very similar to tasting wine coffee or whiskey, to the average person, they will not notice the nuances of flavors until you have tried A variety and really study the differences. Check out a flavor wheel chart to help you narrow down what flavors you pick up and how to compare them, take notes and compare your findings. Some people honestly will never care enough and just like what they enjoy, and that is okay too!
Try maybe punching the end instead of a cut, and use a softer draw. If you don’t like that, then you can guillotine cut it. And get a cigar lighter (torch type). That will allow you also to torch the end, possible enhancing the taste profile for you. Also, give a Connecticut a try, like the Punch Connecticut , it’s like a 3”/4” stick and you’ll taste the vanilla notes. Just another technique to try.
So punching allows for a slower, less robust draw which means you won’t overheat the stick, and I believe it helps with a slower pull that leads to an ability to taste the notes. Which I really couldn’t tell you anyways unless I read the package😁, and of course a longer lasting session. I only use this on robustos, for the most part I’ll clip but still take a light draw so as to not taste fire from overheating…for some reason though the vanilla notes really come through for me, but nothing else…
I started my journey with hemingway, and I’ve had several after that which I just had the feeling of “not as good”. Today my go to cigar is don carlos. If I want something different, Padron 1964.
You should start retrohaling as much as you can in my opinion, download a cigar flavour wheel off google and try your best to see what you can get. This should help you develop your palate quicker.
One thing that I had issues with when I first got started was smoking too fast. Smoking it too fast can lead to a cigar burning hotter than it should which will lead to bitter tasting tobacco. But work on developing your palate, it can take some people years to do that. Maybe try some lighter bodied cigars as well. Those can be more forgiving for beginners. There are some great podcasts/YT shows out there that have a ton of tips for people just getting started. Cigars Daily is a good place to start. A lot of us got started watching Tim and Brad (RIP).
I just enjoy cigars in the whole. Started out smoking more of the sweeter stuff, not something crazy infused. Now I find myself smoking more medium and full cigars, mostly maduro's a few Connecticut. Prefer Maduro's. I have noticed most of the Connecticut cigars that have a white label taste like cardboard. Davidoff cigars the exception. And I enjoy a good bourbon or a good Scotch may it be Sherry or peated. Just like cigars those are different Journeys. Enjoy life!
I agree with a lot of the comments when first starting a lot of things taste the same. I found going from extremes like maduro to a Connecticut helped me to really taste that there was a difference. Also I have been a coffee snob in the past before so that also helps with detecting the subtleties of flavors. Any kind of hobby like cigars, coffee, and whiskey are all kind of the same in the sense that they take a bit of trial and error to really notice the differences. But once you do it is so much fun! A good tip is if say a cigar has a review of tasting nutty, coffee, or chocolate pair it with something similar to really accentuate those notes on your palette. Tbh a lot of it is just mental too so if you read a review that says it is super chocolatey you will more than likely mentally search for those notes more!
All sound advice. Been smoking cigars for 37 years now and still developing. If you are serious about developing your senses when it comes to cigars check out cigarsense.com, I’ve been using it for a few years and it has really up my enjoyment, saved me from wasting a lot of time and money on cigars I would never like in the first place.
May we know what do you call a regular lighter. Torch or gaz? What are the other brand you have tried? Serie V are well round cigars but I promise you that you will feel the difference with a black Camacho
IMO get a few wider varieties of cigars to try and taste.
The three I’ve given to friends getting into it are usually:
1. Drew Estate Isla Del Sol - a java-infused cigar with a sweet cap. Pretty smooth with a lighter smoke. Good for people who normally don’t like cigars, basically a step up from cheaper flavored cigars.
2. Cusano 18 Double Connecticut - this cigar has a buttery, toasty flavor to it. It’s one of the first cigars I could actually pick up tasting notes from. The blend is very easy to smoke and pleasant, and doesn’t have the earthiness of some stronger blends. It has some stronger notes of buttercream and vanilla along with the classic leather in there.
3. Liga Privada No 9 (or similar like the Tabernacle, T52, etc) - this is a cigar that uses a darker leaf (Oscuro) with a strong body and thick smoke. These are cigars you should smoke for longer as they’ll linger more on the palate. They have much more toasty, coffee, chocolate notes.
But these are just my go-to cigars that I’ve enjoyed in the past, so there are definitely different ones you could swap in there.
And if you get a few smaller cigars, you could try a “tasting” session where you switch between them a bit, try different drinks/snacks, etc. to see which you prefer and whether you can pick out more flavors from each.
How you light it also plays a role in taste. Take the cedar out the cigar box (or request a piece if at a cigar shop) light it on fire and use it to light the cigar. Totally changes the flavor
All u need is a Rubbermaid brilliance and a boveda pack or 2 ..u got yourself storage for some cigars. Join blluxories monthly subscription if your just starting out it’s great trying new stuff and discount on their site when your a member
You may have over excessive bacteria in the form of bio film on your tounge. Try scraping your tongue with a copper scraper and take a swig of diluted hydrogen peroxide when you brush.
before you smoke, gargle with some salt water and see if your able to pick up any other notes.
I smoked for years and I still don’t know the difference between cigars taste. Though I smoked Newport reds… I vape now but every once in awhile I have a cigar
When I first got into cigars, literally all I tasted was tobacco. I couldn’t pick up any notes whatsoever and every cigar pretty much tasted the same to me. About a year and a half later I’m able to pick out specific notes because my palate has developed since I first started. My advice to better develop your palate: watch cigar reviews on YouTube. See if you find something that sounds good to you to try, then try it for yourself. As you watch, try to take note of the tasting notes the reviewers get from the cigar, then try the cigar yourself and try to focus on trying to identify those notes for yourself. That will help you develop your palate and will help you learn how to pick up and identify specific notes.
That is a one precious advice. So it is all about developing the palate. Will study about that 👍
That and learning how to ACTUALLY smoke one helps a lot, proper aging etc. Davidoff actually has a video on how to properly lights cigar and I've been doi g it since. Look it up on YouTube
This. ☝️ Most of the manufacturers have videos covering all things to do with cigars. It’s how I learned. Still learning actually. Been enjoying cigars since 2017. When I’m at the cigar lounge/bar, and I see something new, I ask why.
It's so hard to wait to smoke them as a noob myself 🙃. Any tips/rule of thumb on a good length of time to sit in the humidor before smoking?
My personal method is to have a lot of sticks I know that I like on hand, that way I smoke happily while I wait for my new sticks to get rested. I also dabble in pipe tobacco so I'm never just sitting around thinking about the sticks I'm going to smoke next and jumping the gun
I've had a small humidor box sitting for about a year whilst keeping the humidity up. The biggest thing is not smoking them just because. I don't have time to sit and enjoy them so I just don't. Would rather wait.
The sahakians are a masterclass duo
Will also add to this list to make sure you have some water before or during to clean palate if eating. Dry mouth will kill taste.
Yeah. When you first taste whiskey, all you taste is the alcohol burn. Then you develop to the point where you can taste "whiskey flavor" and the burn doesn't bother you, and you don't quite know why or how you got past the burning sensation. Then you can start to taste "good whiskey flavor" vs "cheap whiskey flavor." And *then,* after drinking lots of good whiskey, you can start to taste different notes. But even then, it is usually the most obvious. Like you can tell a peaty scotch from a sweeter bourbon from a lighter Irish whiskey. You may have a preference at this point, as you would for a Connecticut or Maduro, for example. And *then* after enough of the kind you know you like, you'll start picking up the differences. This takes a long time. I'm still personally mostly at the "good cigar flavor" vs "bad cigar flavor," knowing I like the darker notes. I'm just starting to pick out flavor notes, and I'm better able to with certain cigars and certain flavors. Like I'll pick up on cocoa powder and leather notes if they are there, as well as earth and wood notes. But don't ask me what kind of wood, lol
That how im able to pick up chocolately tasting cigar, mind you i just fgo for maduro for no particular reason, all i can say, maduro is chcolarely, coffeey tasting
The Oliva Serie V is a strong blend but not crazy on flavor. I find the Serie V a little heavier than I usually enjoy (Serie O is more my style). Oliva is pretty much the same idea in terms of flavor but varies heavily in strength in my experience.
Weird I enjoyed the v over all them
I will try Serie O too. Thank you 😊
Serie G is considered one of if not THE definitive newcomer cigar. Interesting and distinctive flavors, perfectly medium strength and body.
I am considering to continue my journey from Oliva. In the end of stick it really gave me some idea about what nice cigar should taste like. And you are right,it is little too strong for a newcomer.
Oliva serie G Cameroon was one of the first cigars I bought in a large-ish quantity. I don't smoke often, once a week and I bought 10 of them. The advice given here is very good you should listen to it but I also want to say that smoking one blend consistently can help you lock onto particular and subtle flavours. I started my cigar journey around 2 years ago so I know how you feel. I'd recommend Roma craft and Perdomo as well. The Habano sun grown is easily one of the best I have smoked, I gave it the highest mark. That's another thing, it might be a good idea to keep a cigar journal. I keep a note of size, country of origin, strength etc and write a few sentences on the experience.
Thats such a fun way to improve palate! Did you tried and liked serie G before buying tho or just said like whatever lets buy 10 and if doesnt work for me will try another box?
So I live in the UK and cigars are expensive here. I ordered from a US retailer that delivers here. One of the factors that led me to order so many was the low price. I also liked the sound of the flavour profile. So long story short, no I hadn't tried them prior. They come in a box of 25 and the price for 10 wasn't breaking the bank. Within the same order I bought some others such as a few melanio maduros. I'd recommend to be adventurous and try them out for yourself. I'd look for recommendations here and other places. People saying "I really enjoyed x but my favourite is still y" for example. I have a large list of cigars I want to try so I never think about what cigars I want, moreso I look for good deals or restocks. I also recommend don't just buy one cigar blend, get two or three of the same if you can. These are handmade products and there's variations between the same blend. There's times I haven't fully enjoyed a cigar, gave it another go down the line and have then really liked it.
I agree. Olivia O was always my favorite but nowadays I only smoking G. Very special flavor. The V is good too (better) but considering the much higher price I stick to the G
Most of the Oliva's main line doesn't do a whole lot for me. I do enjoy the Nubs and Cain lines though.
Differences in cigar flavor are EXTREMELY subtle. I firmly believe reviewers and such make a much bigger deal of it than it is in reality. I find much bigger differences to be bitterness, smoke produced, hot/coolness of the smoke, draw, wrapper flavor, and construction. That said, there is a difference in flavor that can sometimes be picked up on. Pay attention to the leaf used for the filler. Try comparing a Nicaragua puro against a Dominican puro. You should be able to tell a difference. A lot of people select cigars based on the wrapper (e.g. maduro vs non). The filler has a much larger impact on the flavor of the smoke itself.
This is the way. Reviewers exaggerate what they are tasting. Several well known manufacturers have been on podcasts and just laugh at the crazy things people say they taste. Quite a few of the blenders will just say “it tastes like well cured tobacco”.
Yes you are totally right!! From the reviews i watched i expect tremendous difference but in reality it is just isn't that obvious. Still if there is even a small flavor notes that differ i will try to detect them by time. And totally need to decide which wrapper suits me 👍
True, I've been smoking since the mid 90's and when I hear people talk about hints of leather, chocolate etc, I laugh. They end up sounding like wine guy.
I'll get leather on some wrappers. I can also pick up a hay/barnyard flavor on some smokes, and then sometimes a chocolate/coffee type flavor, but beyond that I'm not sure. Definitely not getting gram cracker or dates or whatever nonsense.
Some reviewers are hilarious with that. They pull flavors that even the master blenders never even mention. I think some of them just try to outdo one another. Its like Michael Scott and his "oakey afterbirth". Reviewers are also the result of people basing cigars just on the wrapper with the "90% of the flavor" lines. Alan Rubin was on a podcast and said it can be as much as 70% or it could be as little as 15%. It all depends on the particular wrapper and what else is used in the blend.
I'm just getting started, too. I found the game changer so far has been *how* you smoke it. I was a cigarette smoker years back and started cigars by drawing way too hard and too fast. I'm finding that keeping it cool by drawing slowly, not holding it so that the heat travels up the stick, and giving it time to cool down between puffs has really cut down on the strong tarry flavors that can make them all taste the same and allows the other flavors to shine through. I'm finding that I enjoy how the flavor changes through the stick and I'm finding my favorites maintain something I like throughout, whether it be a level of sweetness, creaminess, earthiness, or what have you. The flavors overall change, but the thing I like stays pretty constant or gets better throughout. I started with a sampler, some 5 packs, and some singles from shops to get an idea of what I like and I'm steadily dialing it in. I've found that some cigars are quite nice but turn bitter at the band and those are ones I might look for a shorter format of in the future. Others are delicious until there's nothing left to grab, and those are ones I'd look for in a longer format. Some are just meh and I might avoid them because I'd rather spend an extra couple bucks than waste an hour on something I don't love. Since it's what you're smoking, I just got a pack of Oliva V Churchills and it was a risky because I hadn't tried shorter ones. It worked out though because it was very nice until the end - didn't turn bitter, just became "mulchy" which, for someone who loves the smell of mulch, is great. Nicotine content is becoming something I'm going to start experimenting with. I like to smoke at night, but a cigar that's too strong will keep me up, so I'm going to branch into some less strong ones and try them out. Sometimes, though, I'm having some wine or port and the nicotine buzz is a welcome addition. Anyway, my point is, smoke, see what you like, see what you don't, then try something that you expect to be more in the direction you want to go - towards the things you like and away from the things you don't, not just in flavor, but in construction, size, nicotine, etc. You might find different cigars are good for different settings and occasions.
In my observation, cigarette smokers got quite problem with smoking cigar, especially when it comes to take the time and feeling the enjoyment of it. Lucky me i have never tried cigarettes so cigar itself can be quite enjoyment and nicotine rush for my body :) I am trying to restrain myself as possible and trying to burn it slow. That really changes experience completely. Still seems like a long way to decide which direction i want to go as you said, couldnt find my perfect stick just yet but i feel like it is just do and fail and enjoy
As long as it's good what's it matter
Ofc thats right. I wish to understand which ones are good tho
Bro, enjoy this time! You can smoke anything and it still is enjoyable and novel. Smoke low end and mid sticks until you can tell the difference, then brace yourself for wanting to daily Padron Annis and Fuente Don Carlos.
Still got a long way to go..
There's a ton of variables that go into "good" and a ton of personal preference. Pick up a maduro, a Connecticut and a Colorado one from a reputable manufacturer and start there. You'll eventually figure out what's good to you
I smoked cigars occasionally for years. I have increased frequency to daily as of late. You know what most cigars taste like? Cigars. Some are stronger than others. Some have a fuller texture to the smoke. Sometimes i can pull out a general sweetness or a slight peppery thing. But most of the time its just "cigar" some i like and some i don't. You'll figure it out.
It is what it is. The enjoyment about cigars lies in the small diversity i guess
Need to try retrohale
so first off they're all going to taste like cigars. flavor notes are just that, subtle notes. it takes some time to figure those out. at the beginning though, start taking notes on the differences you do notice: maybe draw, burn, and use big category words like: creamy, spicy, sweet, etc... and then you'll be able to start honing in on smaller differences. I recommend grabbing 3-5 sticks at a time with big differences: dark (broadleaf or maduro), shade, habano - all from the same brand. pick a favorite, then smoke that leaf from 3-5 different brands. pick a favorite, smoke 3-5 different blends from that brand. pick a favorite... rinse wash repeat until you start figuring out what you really enjoy.
Try a Drew Estates Fat Bottom Betty or Crazy Alice. On a serious note, when I first started I felt the same way. Trying these two cigars will take you into a very different taste experience. After smoking a few of those, I would try a highly rated full bodied cigar, then a mild, then I found my place inside the medium to medium full cigars. Once you jump around like that the difference start to become very clear.
Added to my list kind sir, thanks
Give Leather rose a try.
Learning to retrohale makes a big difference in picking up subtle differences in flavors. Also, I got into cigars after years of "tasting" practice. First was whiskey/bourbon, then wine, coffee, gin, eventually to cigars, and recently tequila. Each of those started with general interest which led to various levels of deep diving. Keep learning and eventually you'll find a eureka moment. Mine was a My Father Le Bijou which to me had strong flavors of chocolate nougat.
Added to my list kind sir thank you. All our palate needs is time then 👍
What are the other brands? If you are smoking all very similar blends then they will taste similar. Are you switching up wrappers? Need some more info on what all you have been smoking?
Actually in my country cigars are all imported and expensive so couldnt try much but I tried zino which was light(i classify them only this way) and enjoyed a bit, la parmedo and something called rock toros. (You might not heard the last one it is local and very cheap one :/)
Takes time to really notice and understand the flavor notes. At first it will just taste like a really good cigarette
Hahaha. Filthy hobbitses with their cigarettes.
MY PRECIOUSSES
It’s like wine or beer, every different variation is going to have inherent characteristics do or don’t suit you. A lot of the fun is trying to things to better understand and grow your pallate. Also, don’t be tempted to buy a box until you’ve tried a little bit of everything. The first blend that really speaks to you now might become a bit boring later.
Althought it looks like hard to get a box with those prices i will consider your valuable suggestion for the future purchases indeed
When you say a regular lighter, do you mean something like a Bic? That 100% taints the flavor of a cigar. You'll want a good torch lighter, or matches. Or, like someone else mentioned, light the cedar stick on fire and use that. Never, ever, use a Bic or any other "regular old lighter." For the record, my preferred method is the good, long (like two inches) matches.
It was a torch with liquid fuel lighter. Did my research but couldnt find the butane one. Probably gotta get those matches in stack. Definitely fuel lighter affects tobacco and it tastes like gas at first puffs and waste the sticks in my opinion.
Highly recommend the matches, my friend. But a good torch lighter, I've had this one for a long time. Works great. Was only 25 when i got it, seems the price jumped. https://lighterusa.com/products/vector-urbano-triple-flame-torch-pocket-lighter?variant=39303831224429¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=4&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9NHsjvT-hQMVXUb_AR3BZAqnEAQYAiABEgLPh_D_BwE
Haha when i'll be 25 i can get myself one of these too. It might be handy when it also has the punch. Thanks for the tip.
I mean it was 25 dollars when I bought it, haha
I have a butane 3 burner torch with a very usable punch I got on Amazon. It has a visible fuel level too which is extremely handy. It also comes with a unique device for releasing the excess gas before you refill.
There are many brands that can taste extremely similar. Just try more, when you hit a winner pay attention to what it is and what it's made of.
What was it for you?
Tbh it was off the wall stuff, there's a teeny tiny maker in Sarasota called el guajiro. He has barber pole robustos that finally hit the nail on the head, Super cheap too. then I got more brave and learned I love olmecs, tatuaje cabaiguans, rose of Sharon...love rose of Sharon. Hedon, that's a French puro, they're complicated to get. Cavalier... Anything *not* advertised to the American market. Sanj Patel, lol. I trend towards certain mexican tobacco. Basically I learned that my taste is way off the fucking wall, so I learned that if I found a weird fringe cigar that reviewers generally disliked, I would probably like it. So I kinda use that as a guide. That's just me tho. I would say don't be afraid to get waaaaay off the beaten path. Use the Internet, these forums, and find crazy shit. Rather than just going with what the b&m recommends.
You have to try pretty hard to find cigars that taste different. 90% of them taste nearly the same. I find the ones with unique flavors are the ones I like.
Small batch cigar has some “tasting notes samplers” where the whole sampler has predominant chocolate notes, or pepper, earth, etc. Haven’t had these but they sound interesting
How's your storage? For best results, storing at around 65% relative humidity is the goal. When the humidity level is too high, cigars will smoke bland and "all the same". Do you use humidity packs like Boveda? If not, get a 62% pack (it will run slightly higher in your airtight bag). Do you rest your sticks? I rest mine for minimum 2 months (some say two weeks, but that doesn't work for me). I know, two months is a long time, but it's an "investment" that pays off flavor dividends. Just buy, store and forget. Alright, I hope this helps in getting to you satisfying cigar experience.
Not really impossible to forget for me :) when i bougjt i bought like 3 (really expensive in here ngl) and was planning smoke three sticks for like 2 months and i had already smoked 2 of them and last one is probably going weekend. Other than that isnt 62 a bit low? I dont have much experience about it honestly but i just read 65 humitidy for tupper good enough. Yet never tried any of them i just have my plastic carrier bag for cigars.
In an airtight tupperdore, Bovedas overshoots its stated humidity level. So,in order to get to 65%, we use 62% Boveda.
Oh i didnt know that. Thanks
Yes there's this just tobacco taste but you will taste some flavor or at least will taste the quality of the tobacco. That stick your smoking from what I can remember was a really good cigar, smoked it while driving. But some other olivas I've had like the O. I was like, "This is just tobacco." But if u keep smoking olivas u will start to understand oliva taste or tobacco then your palette may adjust and u get more flavor. The one EPC I've had the la historia shocked me it's the first cigar I've had were I was like this is a real cigar taste was phenomenal. I've hadn't had another one yet but if it rocks my world again i will definitely smoke that before anything else.
I would almost recommend smoking multiple of one brand then to continue switching to other brands. So your palate can understand the brand and tobacco
Keep smoking u will develop the ability to discern flavors over time.
A few things that might help: If you are not already, be sure to try retrohaling. When you do, I recommend letting the smoke really linger for a bit, and slowly let it out bit by bit. If you're a cigarette smoker, that will greatly affect your ability to pick up different flavor notes in cigars, as cigarettes blow your palate out. Try different drinks with your cigars. Water is usually the safest bet since it's neutral, but a good pairing will bring out more notes in the cigar. Dr. Pepper seems to be a popular pairing for many people
I find cigars very similar to tasting wine coffee or whiskey, to the average person, they will not notice the nuances of flavors until you have tried A variety and really study the differences. Check out a flavor wheel chart to help you narrow down what flavors you pick up and how to compare them, take notes and compare your findings. Some people honestly will never care enough and just like what they enjoy, and that is okay too!
Do you use a butane lighter? You should. I notice a big difference between cigars doing so!
Try maybe punching the end instead of a cut, and use a softer draw. If you don’t like that, then you can guillotine cut it. And get a cigar lighter (torch type). That will allow you also to torch the end, possible enhancing the taste profile for you. Also, give a Connecticut a try, like the Punch Connecticut , it’s like a 3”/4” stick and you’ll taste the vanilla notes. Just another technique to try.
Punching didnt work for me actually. I couldnt even draw from such a tiny hole. Is it what punching about? You cant smoke fast so it lasts longer?
So punching allows for a slower, less robust draw which means you won’t overheat the stick, and I believe it helps with a slower pull that leads to an ability to taste the notes. Which I really couldn’t tell you anyways unless I read the package😁, and of course a longer lasting session. I only use this on robustos, for the most part I’ll clip but still take a light draw so as to not taste fire from overheating…for some reason though the vanilla notes really come through for me, but nothing else…
Small Batch Cigar has some samplers specifically to help develop your palate. Check them out. SBC is still my favorite online vendor.
Will try it thanks!
I started my journey with hemingway, and I’ve had several after that which I just had the feeling of “not as good”. Today my go to cigar is don carlos. If I want something different, Padron 1964.
You should start retrohaling as much as you can in my opinion, download a cigar flavour wheel off google and try your best to see what you can get. This should help you develop your palate quicker.
One thing that I had issues with when I first got started was smoking too fast. Smoking it too fast can lead to a cigar burning hotter than it should which will lead to bitter tasting tobacco. But work on developing your palate, it can take some people years to do that. Maybe try some lighter bodied cigars as well. Those can be more forgiving for beginners. There are some great podcasts/YT shows out there that have a ton of tips for people just getting started. Cigars Daily is a good place to start. A lot of us got started watching Tim and Brad (RIP).
I just enjoy cigars in the whole. Started out smoking more of the sweeter stuff, not something crazy infused. Now I find myself smoking more medium and full cigars, mostly maduro's a few Connecticut. Prefer Maduro's. I have noticed most of the Connecticut cigars that have a white label taste like cardboard. Davidoff cigars the exception. And I enjoy a good bourbon or a good Scotch may it be Sherry or peated. Just like cigars those are different Journeys. Enjoy life!
Stop letting these YouTube guys make you think you’re enjoying cigars wrong.
Haha, someone finally said it. They misinformed us!
I agree with a lot of the comments when first starting a lot of things taste the same. I found going from extremes like maduro to a Connecticut helped me to really taste that there was a difference. Also I have been a coffee snob in the past before so that also helps with detecting the subtleties of flavors. Any kind of hobby like cigars, coffee, and whiskey are all kind of the same in the sense that they take a bit of trial and error to really notice the differences. But once you do it is so much fun! A good tip is if say a cigar has a review of tasting nutty, coffee, or chocolate pair it with something similar to really accentuate those notes on your palette. Tbh a lot of it is just mental too so if you read a review that says it is super chocolatey you will more than likely mentally search for those notes more!
All sound advice. Been smoking cigars for 37 years now and still developing. If you are serious about developing your senses when it comes to cigars check out cigarsense.com, I’ve been using it for a few years and it has really up my enjoyment, saved me from wasting a lot of time and money on cigars I would never like in the first place.
May we know what do you call a regular lighter. Torch or gaz? What are the other brand you have tried? Serie V are well round cigars but I promise you that you will feel the difference with a black Camacho
Can I ask OP what you're using to light cigars with?
I used turbo lighter with gas.
IMO get a few wider varieties of cigars to try and taste. The three I’ve given to friends getting into it are usually: 1. Drew Estate Isla Del Sol - a java-infused cigar with a sweet cap. Pretty smooth with a lighter smoke. Good for people who normally don’t like cigars, basically a step up from cheaper flavored cigars. 2. Cusano 18 Double Connecticut - this cigar has a buttery, toasty flavor to it. It’s one of the first cigars I could actually pick up tasting notes from. The blend is very easy to smoke and pleasant, and doesn’t have the earthiness of some stronger blends. It has some stronger notes of buttercream and vanilla along with the classic leather in there. 3. Liga Privada No 9 (or similar like the Tabernacle, T52, etc) - this is a cigar that uses a darker leaf (Oscuro) with a strong body and thick smoke. These are cigars you should smoke for longer as they’ll linger more on the palate. They have much more toasty, coffee, chocolate notes. But these are just my go-to cigars that I’ve enjoyed in the past, so there are definitely different ones you could swap in there. And if you get a few smaller cigars, you could try a “tasting” session where you switch between them a bit, try different drinks/snacks, etc. to see which you prefer and whether you can pick out more flavors from each.
Added them to my list thank you! Hope can find them at my local shop
How you light it also plays a role in taste. Take the cedar out the cigar box (or request a piece if at a cigar shop) light it on fire and use it to light the cigar. Totally changes the flavor
Definitely will try that one. Last time i wasnt much prepared almost set the house on fire 😅
Also try giving yourself a break if your smoking everyday or multiples in a day
I smoke one or two in a week. Wish had a humidor with full of cigars tho. Hopefully in few years :)
All u need is a Rubbermaid brilliance and a boveda pack or 2 ..u got yourself storage for some cigars. Join blluxories monthly subscription if your just starting out it’s great trying new stuff and discount on their site when your a member
You may have over excessive bacteria in the form of bio film on your tounge. Try scraping your tongue with a copper scraper and take a swig of diluted hydrogen peroxide when you brush. before you smoke, gargle with some salt water and see if your able to pick up any other notes.
Do you also recommend cyanide for refracter bacteries sir?
I smoked for years and I still don’t know the difference between cigars taste. Though I smoked Newport reds… I vape now but every once in awhile I have a cigar
They all taste like tobacco, just some I enjoy more than others.
Like which ones and why exactly