The art of cigar tasting
Smoking a good cigar is far more than just a moment of pleasure, it is a sensual experience. To fully appreciate the aromas of a cigar, you need patience, attention and a trained nose. In this article, you will learn how to properly taste a cigar and recognize the subtle nuances of its aromas.
Before you taste a cigar, you should prepare your senses.
– Choose a quiet environment so that you can concentrate fully on the aromas.
– Avoid strong odors such as perfume, coffee or spicy food, as they can affect your perception.
– Water or mild tea will help to keep your palate neutral.
Dry tasting – discovering the first aromas
– Look at the wrapper: is it oily or dry? A shiny, oily wrapper often indicates a rich and aromatic cigar.
– Smell the cigar: Hold the cigar to your nose and breathe slowly through your nose. Notes of earth, leather, wood, chocolate or spices can already be detected in the cold smell.
– Take a cold draw: After cutting the cigar, draw lightly on the cigar before lighting it. You will often detect notes of sweetness, pepper or nuts
The right kindling – the key to full aromas
– Use butane gas lighters or cedar wood shavings to avoid unwanted flavors.
– Hold the cigar at a slight angle over the flame and turn the cigar slowly so that the end glows evenly.
– Take the first puffs slowly and deliberately to feel the aromas on your tongue
The tasting – recognizing and classifying aromas
When smoking a cigar, the aromas develop in different phases:
Beginning
– The first puffs are often mild or slightly spicy
– Notes of wood, nut or leather often appear at the beginning
Mid
– The cigar becomes more intense and develops more complex aromas.
– Sweet notes such as honey, cocoa or vanilla can appear here.
– Sometimes the texture of the smoke changes and becomes creamier or denser.
End:
– The aromas usually become stronger and often earthier or spicier.
– Notes of black pepper, coffee or dark chocolate are typical of the last third.
A good trick is to let the smoke flow out easily through the nose, as the nose perceives aromas better than the tongue.
The finale – finishing the cigar
– Cigars are not stubbed out, but lay down by themselves.
– Make a note of your impressions to get to know your taste preferences better.
Tasting a cigar is a journey through different worlds of flavors. With a little practice and attention, you can discover the subtle nuances and take your enjoyment to a new level.