I used to keep a detailed journal, which was fun. These days I just note if I will buy again, or not, and just get on with enjoying rather than analysing 😃 I've always been sceptical of reviews that pick out more than 5 or 6 flavour notes, especially when they are obscure, like arrowroot, bicycle chain, mailman's elbow etc 😂
I agree. Some of this is extremely odd/off. What my concern is; what does cigar tobacco taste like? Honestly..... Chocolate? Leather? Cicada? Nutmeg? I feel something is amiss. Why nobody tastes tobacco.......😅
I'm not totally new to cigars but still basically a novice and I was recently having a stick with my brother, I'm not even sure off hand what it was we were smoking, but I actually got a taste of leather. I was so excited to have, for the first time, actually get any kind of taste out of a cigar. This excitement, however, was somewhat deminished by the realization that I didn't particularly care for the taste of leather. I suppose that's all part of the journey though 😂.
I had one that was way too leathery like smoking a wallet. I was excited to finally taste that though. I think having a base line of a certain number of cigars smoked helps a lot too. Other wise it's harder to notice it's different in any way.
Humidity level has a huge influence on detectable flavors. I get most tasting notes from sticks at 65% humidity. It is surely worth exploring to play with humidity levels. Great video.
Great Point Tim!!! I always smoke a cigar sitting somewhere relaxing, watching the world go by and never while I'm busy working or "doing" something. I look at it as if I can't make 90 minutes plus to smoke a cigar I just don't bother. I won't thoroughly enjoy it and I feel like I'm disrespecting the cigar and the entire process/art of smoking one if I'm distracted while doing so. I know some won't get this but I'm sure some will.
@@devildog3125 late response, but this is me too. I keep cheaper robustos around in case I need a shorter smoke, and even if I don't make it all the way through, it'll be ok. Keep the big boys for some real peace lol
My all time favorite Cigar got picked for this. The Judge is simply perfect to me. Chocolate, pepper, and a hint of cinnamon in the last third, beautiful.
I have been smoking cigars for about two years now. The only notes I have picked up on are pepper and leather. I also basically just categorize cigars into I like or don't like. Drinking coffee also helps me sort out flavor notes. Hopefully as time goes on, I will pick up on different notes.
Try watching a review of the cigar you have, listen to the flavor notes, then light up and ask yourself if you find that one flavor at a time. Works for whiskey too. Hope this helps, it works for me anyway.
I've been smoking cigars since I was 16 (I'm 47 now). The easiest way for me to get a flavor profile is through a cold draw. Cut the stick and take a slow draw in before lighting. That usually gives me an idea of what flavors are likely to be experienced. But - the thing that I chase these days is depth of flavor. I honestly don't pay attention to individual flavors anymore, but rather whether or not the stick tastes good and has enough flavor depth to make the experience what I expect it to be. My cigar journal has been on my phone (in a note) for years. There are so many sticks I could mention that have notable flavors. I get cocoa or chocolate hints from Padron Anniversario cigars. I get earthy/grassy notes from Leaf by Oscar. I get non-pepper depth from most of the Nub or Camacho sticks. Brick House toro maduro and Montecristo Espada Signature both produce the type of flavor depth I look/pray for in every stick I light. Camacho made a "Ditka" limited stick a little while ago that did the same. I miss that thing!
Current go to is the Oliva series O Maduro. I like the spice and like a cedar tree bark flavor. I'm a beginner: smoking 2 cigars weekly for just 5 years.
The Judge is a good one. I have loved all of My Father’s cigars. When I first got started in cigars, all I could taste in a cigar was pepper and “burning wood” and “burning paper.” One day, I tried a Gran Habano Corojo #5 that was in a sampler and suddenly, I could taste chocolate in the back of my throat and as I hit the final third, an oily, buttery toast flavor. I was HOOKED on cigars from that point on. Now, finding the forward notes and retrohale notes in a cigar is a joyful obsession. Thank you, Tim.
Find a flavor wheel and look at the different options while you’re smoking a good cigar. That’s the first thing that helped me. Good luck! Most important thing is do you enjoy a particular stick or not
Love this video. One of the things I do to get flavor notes is hold smoke in my mouth and inhale/smell with my nose. It changed my smoking experience. My go to is the Perdomo Champagne, I always get a hay flavor note from this stick.
Nobody in the world had to learn how to taste a chocolate chip cookie. I don't taste cigars by flavor. I escape the world for awhile, like the burn and then go an eat a chocolate chip cookie. Love the channel Tim.
I just started cigar smoking. Seemed a good hobby now that I’m retired and I’ve always enjoyed tasting flavor profiles from bourbons, ryes and wine. I start with a cigar based on a review and when the notes identified by a reviewer align with flavor notes I think I’d like (strong pepper on the retro no go for me😊), I buy a couple of those. Then I’ll smoke one while watching the review a second time. Like others here, the first time I got leather or cacao it made the experience that much better - even more relaxing. Great video, Tim.
The thing that helped me the most in picking up flavor notes is when I began to retrohale. That is the one thing above all else that affected how and what I taste in a cigar.
Am I the only person who enjoys premium long leaf cigars and has never tasted a flavor of any sort? Other than the non-flavor of old, dried-up burning leaves? God bless you and I enjoy your channel.
You’re absolutely correct about everything you stated in this video. I’m a new cigar smoker and each time I smoke I’m noticing a lot more flavors, and learning more about how I like to smoke! Thanks Tim, you’re pretty awesome with your knowledge and advice. More Lanceros please…
I smoke one or two sticks a month. I admit, I’m a bit of a whiskey nerd, and I think that has helped a ton in picking out flavor notes. Also, as Tim mentioned, when you smoke or have a pour of nice whiskey…or both…slow everything down around you. Just enjoy the moment and you’ll be able to focus on things much better.
@@TexasNationalist1836 , I'm with you man. I really wish I could enjoy whiskey, hell I'm Irish decended! But I just don't enjoy it. I love stout ales, but don't like whiskey.
Creamy toasty coffee with a hint of sweetness- dunbarton sobremesa brûlée and perdoma conneticut 10th anniversary- are my current faves - just got back into cigars 😊from the UK 🇬🇧 and loving Cigars Daily channel
I tend to watch reviews of the cigar I’m smoking. It’s not only entertaining but you might be able to pick out one or two flavors on your own but the reviewer is picking out a third and fourth one and you’re tasting them but you don’t know what they are. After they tell you what they are you can start to focus on themand feel those more subtle flavor notes. You also have a name for them.
I started smoking cigars recently for this reason, it carves out me time from a busy, hectic day. I sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Any flavor notes is a bonus. My favorite is the MF Le Bijou with a fine bourbon.
I’m one of the guys who can’t seem to get those flavor notes for some reason. With that said, Perdomo cigars are my go to. All of them are wonderful. Pure enjoyment!
First, regarding wine, I never got it either...until I tasted a pinot noir, a cabernet sauvignon, and a merlot (three different red wines, all from the same vineyard) side-by-side. In that moment, the _differences_ became glaringly obvious, and ever since then, I can now pick up...at least the beginner level...subtle flavors and aromas _within_ different wines, just like cigars! As for distractions that can limit our sensitivity to those notes, I almost always listen to music while enjoying cigars, and I often smoke with others (friends, wife, etc.). However, since the primary goal is _relaxation,_ I try to minimize any other distractions and make _enjoying the cigar_ my activity...sometimes _discussing/analyzing_ the flavors with my smoking companions. P.S. Whatever notes one initially gets, the retrohale often opens up a whole additional level, so...while uncomfortable at first for beginners...retrohale is an essential skill.
I’ve been developing my flavor profile detection for several years now. With all cigars I smoke on the regular on first draw I detect “Leave me alone, I can’t hear you wife” and “Kids? What kids”… Midways through there are strong notes of “I could care less, go away” and on the last third there are hints of “damn I’m almost done” and “should I smoke another”. Pairing it with a Guinness or a good bourbon insinuates the above mentioned flavors and nuances
I have anosmia (I can't smell), so all I can taste is basic flavor profiles: sweet, salty, sour. I can taste the pepper and sometimes the creamy chocolate flavor, but nothing more specific than that. I do like the Judge, Olivia O, Liga Pravda 9, Aquitaine, Flathead, etc.
Hey Tim, this was a awesome video. I now have a better understanding of what flavor notes means and how to pick out the flavor notes while spending time with the cigar and keeping an open mind. I appreciate appreciate you. I am a new cigar smoker I have been smoking cigars for almost a year.
New to cigars and you’re right, watching your reviews then trying the same cigar and finding those notes for myself has helped a ton! Have a box of The Judge and by the 3rd or 4th stick the chocolate really comes through. Now I’m able to identify similar notes in other cigars. Thanks for the content, has made the entire cigar experience that much better.
I am one who does not pick out certain notes from cigars, rum or bourbon. Maybe I need to pay more attention. But I like a cigar with a good draw. Smooth and reliable
I'm definitely new to cigars. 6 months in now and trying to sponge up every bit of knowledge I can. Tasting notes has been very difficult, but only because I know I'm tasting different flavors and I can definitely tell when those flavors transition into different flavors throughout the cigar. I struggle with knowing what those flavors are. The one cigars that has been very easy for me to pick out any notes has been the nub nuance. Creamy coffee and hot coco come to mind.
Relativity new to the cigar world. I smoked a gurkha 15 year cellar reserve while watching cigar hound dog review it, he picked out leather and granny smith apple notes. And after hearing that i could taste the same. I believe the key is listening to what more experienced cigar smokers find and finding similarities yourself.
My first cigar was a Quintero favorito, I had brought two for a friend and we sat and had one each, I remember the almond flavour distinctly and that had me hooked to cigars instantly
Been enjoying fine whiskeys and bourbon for years so I'm quite experienced with tasting notes. Now enjoying the fine hand rolled premium cigar journey so I'm quick to recognize flavor notes in the sticks I've tried. Keeping a journal and writing down those notes gives me a reference to go to when I do pick up a new cigar. And some cigars I've had already will produce a new note the next time I smoke one. An example is the Ashton Symmetry. Nice earthiness and cedar with a sweetness on the finish that is like vanilla. Well keep your journal and collect those bands. You'll have a record of what you enjoyed and what you didn't. Smoke on, Brothers and Sister of the Leaf!
Fairly new to cigars. Been smoking around 2 years. First cigar i got a flavor off of was about 1 minth ago and was the Romeo y Julieta 1875 Reserve Maduro. Got some good coffee notes
Love the advice bro. I'm 5 years in and it takes time and multiple times on any cigar to know if it is what you like. I have gone back to several different ones and liked them on second or even third try.
I'm new to cigars but I have tried at least two dozen different cigars. So far one of my favorite every day smokers is Grand Habano Vintage 2002, I get Cedar and Black Tea notes.
I was introduced to the Rose of Sharon by Southern Draw I absolutely love this stick. Cedar and almond hints of gram cracker and milk chocolate. Started a cigar journal really helps … thank you for sharing your story and tips!
I watch videos of reviews for cigars while smoking. It’s completely changed my experience. I’ve enjoyed learning that I can buy a cheaper stick compared to having a higher end Cuban and like it.
The first time I got a flavor note from a cigar was the Padron 64 , I got notes of Cocoa and it blew my mind. And the first time was a cedar note from a Cameroon from Arturo Fuentes, Don Carlos and AJ new world Cameroon.
Great question. My go-to and all-time favorite cigar is the ONYX Reserve, a deep maduro of Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, and is a full body sugar with a distinct and strong coffee and pepper/spice note, but mainly coffee. It's dark and oily. It's my favorite, mainly in the Robusto or Torbusto vitola. People don't mention that the vitola, or size & shape, can actually change the flavor notes and/or strength. Cigar strength and flavors can descend or ascend during it's smoke and the size and shape affect's that.
La Galera Habano Plionis 6x60" is my to go if i want a smooth, leather and cofee-ish taste on my cigar. It also goes for 90-120 minutes which is a great time to have fun and relax.
i need to think about it more while smoking a cigar, most of the time i am just trying to relax and unwind after a day at work. i have a CAO BX3 that i will be lighting tomorrow evening and I will try to taste every note I can.
i love watching review videos of the cigar im smoking and have found it makes it easier to identify some flavor notes. Definitely makes it more enjoyable when you can identify a certain note or characteristic about the cigar instead of just knowing if you like it or don't.
I find my palate is hit or miss, and I guess flavor is not my primary goal. However I have tasted chocolate, Cedar and other flavors. My first premium cigar was a Romeo, by Romeo y Julieta. It was super creamy, got notes of Cedar and I tastes flavors through each third. I've not been able to get those flavors since then. Thanks Tim.
I’m sure imma be nailed to a cross for this.. but some of the most enjoyable cigars I’ve had is when I take a couple hits out of a well cooled bong first. Having a slight buzz and exploring a strong complex cigar is a roller coaster ride I highly recommend
I'm fairly new but I'm all in. Already spent a small fortune on your website. I only get flavor notes towards the end and the way I decided if a cigar is good is when I'm pissed that it's finished.
I absolutely love AF Hemingway Best Seller Maduro. Also Placencia Alma de Fuego. Loaded with flavors and wonderful sticks. Thanks for your great reviews !
I am completely someone who can't tell the subtle notes, but my favorite go-to cigars are Perdomo and Macanudo. I also don't necessarily need an intense cigar, just something that tastes and smells enjoyable.
First as a relatively newer smoker. Only about a year and a half I can definitely pick up sweet, creamy, and spicy. I can’t pin point exact flavors. Let me also say I’ve enjoyed at some point or another every cigar I’ve smoked. Some are much better than others but I promise at some point in the smoke they were all great.
When I smoked my first cigar there was a very prevalent chocolate taste to me, but asides from that, I've only really been able to pick out creamyness or pepper until yesterday when in the middle of a stick I just randomly got peanut butter. Went as fast as it came but it was pretty interesting to taste such a unique flavor in there all of a sudden.
Pre-Covid I was getting most of the described flavors especially chocolate, coffee, graham cracker,cedar and dried fruit. Now I can pick out creamy Connecticut and black pepper and sadly that’s about it. It’s been almost two years but still hoping to get my pallet back. I’m going to try the American Viking Liga Zebra for sure. Thanks for the recommendation Tim!
I find it amazing the difference the conditions under which you smoke a cigar make on its taste just had my first cigar as a celebration to passing and exam and the first time I lit it I was outside it was windy and I was a bit nervous to be honest smoked half of it and thought it was a bit overhyped this cigar thing relit it back in my apartment in a calmer setting and the difference was unbelievable and from that point I knew I would do it more often
Isla Del Sol. Seems to be the one I keep coming back to. That coffee flavor is my jam. I am new to Cigars though and that seems to be the only "note" i have been able to pick out. But, tbh, if I only ever tasted coffee in my cigars, I'd be ok wiyh that because I love it lol.
My favourite go to cigar is a Placencia Reserva Original Corona. I am a novice and still have a lot more to try but I loved how smooth and creamy it was, and I thought I got a taste of caramel in the middle third ❤
I'm 3 year's into being a BOTL and to be honest I don't purchase sticks to discover and/or to be introduced to certain taste notes I simply enjoy good tobacco and as a child growling up I never heard my Great Grandfather nor my Uncle saying that they tasted this or that I only saw them enjoying their Cigar. Now to stay truthful I have tasted the following: Honey, Dark Chocolate, Cherry, Chocolate, Coffee, Raisin and a....earthiness taste note. Happy New Year to all reader's of my posted comment
Chocolate is my favorite note, and it's common, but often subtle and open to interpretation -- not so subtle or open to interpretation is the vanilla note in the Montecristo White Series I had this morning.
Looking at a flavor wheel while I was smoking a cigar is what helped me at first reading someone else’s review I feel like ruins the surprise and then you just go with what everyone else tastes everyone has a different palette go with your own taste buds. That’s how I taste interesting things that know one else tastes which is way fun 😊
Late to the party by about a year but the first cigar where I got a strong flavor note that was undeniable was Perdomo Habano Maduro. I took a couple puffs on it and it was LEATHER. Wasn't my speed but I definitely understood what that flavor note tasted like after. Tasted like I was smoking a leather belt. The next one was the New World Dorado. Absolute SPICE tasted like I was smoking pepper. Both I wasn't a huge fan of but I definitely tasted them.
I used to keep a detailed journal, which was fun. These days I just note if I will buy again, or not, and just get on with enjoying rather than analysing 😃 I've always been sceptical of reviews that pick out more than 5 or 6 flavour notes, especially when they are obscure, like arrowroot, bicycle chain, mailman's elbow etc 😂
how the hell you can get a mailman’s elbow flavor😂
I completely agree
@@Otoyzzzyou never licked a mailman’s elbow??
Drew estates undercrown
I agree. Some of this is extremely odd/off.
What my concern is; what does cigar tobacco taste like? Honestly.....
Chocolate? Leather? Cicada? Nutmeg?
I feel something is amiss. Why nobody tastes tobacco.......😅
I'm not totally new to cigars but still basically a novice and I was recently having a stick with my brother, I'm not even sure off hand what it was we were smoking, but I actually got a taste of leather. I was so excited to have, for the first time, actually get any kind of taste out of a cigar. This excitement, however, was somewhat deminished by the realization that I didn't particularly care for the taste of leather. I suppose that's all part of the journey though 😂.
I'm new to cigars. About 16 different sticks in so far. And I got excited when I first tasted Chocolate notes. It was on the Alec Bradley Prensado.
Almost every cigar outside of Connecticut’s have tasted leathery to me. Lol.
I had one that was way too leathery like smoking a wallet. I was excited to finally taste that though. I think having a base line of a certain number of cigars smoked helps a lot too. Other wise it's harder to notice it's different in any way.
Anyone advice on a mild cinnamon smelling cigar without pepper?
How the hell do you know how leather TASTES?
Humidity level has a huge influence on detectable flavors. I get most tasting notes from sticks at 65% humidity. It is surely worth exploring to play with humidity levels. Great video.
La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut is my favorite lately, smooth almond cashew vibe, with a butter cream finish. Great morning cigar with a cup of coffee
Great Point Tim!!! I always smoke a cigar sitting somewhere relaxing, watching the world go by and never while I'm busy working or "doing" something. I look at it as if I can't make 90 minutes plus to smoke a cigar I just don't bother. I won't thoroughly enjoy it and I feel like I'm disrespecting the cigar and the entire process/art of smoking one if I'm distracted while doing so. I know some won't get this but I'm sure some will.
I do the same and as a result from that I end up smoking many
short-ess cigars till I find the time or celebrating
@@devildog3125 late response, but this is me too. I keep cheaper robustos around in case I need a shorter smoke, and even if I don't make it all the way through, it'll be ok. Keep the big boys for some real peace lol
My all time favorite Cigar got picked for this. The Judge is simply perfect to me. Chocolate, pepper, and a hint of cinnamon in the last third, beautiful.
It’s the only cigar I can only get a distinct flavor from and it’s CHOCOLATE
I have been smoking cigars for about two years now. The only notes I have picked up on are pepper and leather. I also basically just categorize cigars into I like or don't like. Drinking coffee also helps me sort out flavor notes. Hopefully as time goes on, I will pick up on different notes.
Try watching a review of the cigar you have, listen to the flavor notes, then light up and ask yourself if you find that one flavor at a time. Works for whiskey too. Hope this helps, it works for me anyway.
That Olivia series O is such a classic ! It’s my favorite all around smoke !
I really liked how you said getting into a place where you can block out distractions will help you pick up flavor profiles.
NICA LIBRE ! GREAT CHOCOLATE FLAVOR WITH HINTS OF CAFE !
I've been smoking cigars since I was 16 (I'm 47 now). The easiest way for me to get a flavor profile is through a cold draw. Cut the stick and take a slow draw in before lighting. That usually gives me an idea of what flavors are likely to be experienced. But - the thing that I chase these days is depth of flavor. I honestly don't pay attention to individual flavors anymore, but rather whether or not the stick tastes good and has enough flavor depth to make the experience what I expect it to be. My cigar journal has been on my phone (in a note) for years. There are so many sticks I could mention that have notable flavors. I get cocoa or chocolate hints from Padron Anniversario cigars. I get earthy/grassy notes from Leaf by Oscar. I get non-pepper depth from most of the Nub or Camacho sticks. Brick House toro maduro and Montecristo Espada Signature both produce the type of flavor depth I look/pray for in every stick I light. Camacho made a "Ditka" limited stick a little while ago that did the same. I miss that thing!
Yep, started when I was 16 and will soon be 62. I’m still working on identifying flavor hints & notes.
Rosarios Cigars are always my go too!!!
The Undercrown Shade always gives me a nice, creamy vanilla flavor that is always on point!
Oliva Melanio V Serie Robusto is the best cigar ever
I get a toasted marshmallow note on light up from these
Coincidentally, I am smoking one as I read this. Great cigar for my palette.
Current go to is the Oliva series O Maduro. I like the spice and like a cedar tree bark flavor. I'm a beginner: smoking 2 cigars weekly for just 5 years.
The Judge is a good one. I have loved all of My Father’s cigars. When I first got started in cigars, all I could taste in a cigar was pepper and “burning wood” and “burning paper.” One day, I tried a Gran Habano Corojo #5 that was in a sampler and suddenly, I could taste chocolate in the back of my throat and as I hit the final third, an oily, buttery toast flavor. I was HOOKED on cigars from that point on. Now, finding the forward notes and retrohale notes in a cigar is a joyful obsession. Thank you, Tim.
Isla del Sol by Drew Estate is one of my favorites. Mild and sweet. Very smooth. Notes of coffee are AWESONE!
Just ordered some of these as I am a big fan of the Tabak Dulces and a nice coffee. Flavored, sure, but I'm excited to try
Isla del Sol tastes like red hot tic tac and toosey roll for me
I’m new to cigars, about six months - 35 sticks in and all I’ve gotten to now is pepper. I’m here to learn more.
Try Rocky Patel Sixty you will taste different notes
Find a flavor wheel and look at the different options while you’re smoking a good cigar. That’s the first thing that helped me. Good luck! Most important thing is do you enjoy a particular stick or not
Love this video. One of the things I do to get flavor notes is hold smoke in my mouth and inhale/smell with my nose. It changed my smoking experience. My go to is the Perdomo Champagne, I always get a hay flavor note from this stick.
Nobody in the world had to learn how to taste a chocolate chip cookie. I don't taste cigars by flavor. I escape the world for awhile, like the burn and then go an eat a chocolate chip cookie. Love the channel Tim.
Retrohale is the best way to taste cigar flavor notes. You don’t want to do it a lot and it does take practice. But great advice here! 💨🥃
Monte Christo No. 5 love the cedar notes
Love the Leaf by Oscar Maduro for chocolate and dark flavor. Such an enjoyable stick to unwrap
Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Maduro 858 or Churchill. Can't explain it l, but the notes in the final third are amazing.
I usually don’t get any flavor notes but I still enjoy them.
I just started cigar smoking. Seemed a good hobby now that I’m retired and I’ve always enjoyed tasting flavor profiles from bourbons, ryes and wine. I start with a cigar based on a review and when the notes identified by a reviewer align with flavor notes I think I’d like (strong pepper on the retro no go for me😊), I buy a couple of those. Then I’ll smoke one while watching the review a second time. Like others here, the first time I got leather or cacao it made the experience that much better - even more relaxing. Great video, Tim.
My current go-tos is an Isle Del Sol for the chocolate and a Nica Libre 25th Anniversary for the honey.
I kept tasting a flavor and couldn’t put my finger on it. When you said graham cracker in a review the 💡 went off. A great flavor note to find.
V660 Flathead easily for Chocolate... Love another CAO for the citrus notes which has to be the BX3
Black market. Big time cocoa and coffee. Love it.
Plasencia Alma de Fuego! Spicy notes are delicious!
The thing that helped me the most in picking up flavor notes is when I began to retrohale. That is the one thing above all else that affected how and what I taste in a cigar.
Padron Natural 3000! Beautiful coco and coffee notes. It’s my everyday smoke.
I'm with you on the phone thing. When i smoke, im either hanging out with a buddy or im sitting there, relaxing....not on my phone.
Am I the only person who enjoys premium long leaf cigars and has never tasted a flavor of any sort? Other than the non-flavor of old, dried-up burning leaves?
God bless you and I enjoy your channel.
You’re absolutely correct about everything you stated in this video. I’m a new cigar smoker and each time I smoke I’m noticing a lot more flavors, and learning more about how I like to smoke! Thanks Tim, you’re pretty awesome with your knowledge and advice. More Lanceros please…
Chocolate note from La Palina Black Label 😋 This was the first Maduro that got me loving more darker Cigars.
I smoke one or two sticks a month. I admit, I’m a bit of a whiskey nerd, and I think that has helped a ton in picking out flavor notes. Also, as Tim mentioned, when you smoke or have a pour of nice whiskey…or both…slow everything down around you. Just enjoy the moment and you’ll be able to focus on things much better.
How do I taste the flavor of whiskey or bourbon all I taste is the alcohol burn and it makes all whiskey or bourbon taste horrible
@@TexasNationalist1836 , I'm with you man. I really wish I could enjoy whiskey, hell I'm Irish decended! But I just don't enjoy it. I love stout ales, but don't like whiskey.
@@yLeprechaun same I love Irish stouts and English porters
Agreed, 100%. The more delicate flavor notes and profiles are completely subjective to each person.
Creamy toasty coffee with a hint of sweetness- dunbarton sobremesa brûlée and perdoma conneticut 10th anniversary- are my current faves - just got back into cigars 😊from the UK 🇬🇧 and loving Cigars Daily channel
I tend to watch reviews of the cigar I’m smoking. It’s not only entertaining but you might be able to pick out one or two flavors on your own but the reviewer is picking out a third and fourth one and you’re tasting them but you don’t know what they are. After they tell you what they are you can start to focus on themand feel those more subtle flavor notes. You also have a name for them.
I agree I do the same
Cohiba Nicaragua strong black pepper notes. Flavorful cigar.
I started smoking cigars recently for this reason, it carves out me time from a busy, hectic day. I sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Any flavor notes is a bonus. My favorite is the MF Le Bijou with a fine bourbon.
I’m one of the guys who can’t seem to get those flavor notes for some reason. With that said, Perdomo cigars are my go to. All of them are wonderful. Pure enjoyment!
New to cigars, your show provides great insight and has become a daily favorite. Keep it up and thank you.
The barber pole is one of my hands down go to smokes. A great recommendation for a beginner as well.
Havana honeys are my perfect smaller cigars. I haven’t yet smoked a full cigar, but I got one in my humidor aged well.
Cerberus Guardian of the farm, lovely mineraly/salt notes
Your rebellion Cigar has some good notes 👍
I love the Judge! One of my favorites!
La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amore, always a go to dark chocolate note for me
First, regarding wine, I never got it either...until I tasted a pinot noir, a cabernet sauvignon, and a merlot (three different red wines, all from the same vineyard) side-by-side. In that moment, the _differences_ became glaringly obvious, and ever since then, I can now pick up...at least the beginner level...subtle flavors and aromas _within_ different wines, just like cigars! As for distractions that can limit our sensitivity to those notes, I almost always listen to music while enjoying cigars, and I often smoke with others (friends, wife, etc.). However, since the primary goal is _relaxation,_ I try to minimize any other distractions and make _enjoying the cigar_ my activity...sometimes _discussing/analyzing_ the flavors with my smoking companions.
P.S. Whatever notes one initially gets, the retrohale often opens up a whole additional level, so...while uncomfortable at first for beginners...retrohale is an essential skill.
I’ve been developing my flavor profile detection for several years now. With all cigars I smoke on the regular on first draw I detect “Leave me alone, I can’t hear you wife” and “Kids? What kids”… Midways through there are strong notes of “I could care less, go away” and on the last third there are hints of “damn I’m almost done” and “should I smoke another”. Pairing it with a Guinness or a good bourbon insinuates the above mentioned flavors and nuances
I have anosmia (I can't smell), so all I can taste is basic flavor profiles: sweet, salty, sour. I can taste the pepper and sometimes the creamy chocolate flavor, but nothing more specific than that. I do like the Judge, Olivia O, Liga Pravda 9, Aquitaine, Flathead, etc.
Hey Tim, this was a awesome video. I now have a better understanding of what flavor notes means and how to pick out the flavor notes while spending time with the cigar and keeping an open mind. I appreciate appreciate you. I am a new cigar smoker I have been smoking cigars for almost a year.
I love Montecristo cigars, especially the Churchill platinum.
Crowned Heads La Careme - Raisin, walnut, chocolate, light espresso and molasses.
Warped GR88 - Breakfast cereal, light peppers, gingerbread, and cedar.
New to cigars and you’re right, watching your reviews then trying the same cigar and finding those notes for myself has helped a ton! Have a box of The Judge and by the 3rd or 4th stick the chocolate really comes through. Now I’m able to identify similar notes in other cigars. Thanks for the content, has made the entire cigar experience that much better.
I am one who does not pick out certain notes from cigars, rum or bourbon. Maybe I need to pay more attention. But I like a cigar with a good draw. Smooth and reliable
I'm definitely new to cigars. 6 months in now and trying to sponge up every bit of knowledge I can. Tasting notes has been very difficult, but only because I know I'm tasting different flavors and I can definitely tell when those flavors transition into different flavors throughout the cigar. I struggle with knowing what those flavors are. The one cigars that has been very easy for me to pick out any notes has been the nub nuance. Creamy coffee and hot coco come to mind.
Relativity new to the cigar world. I smoked a gurkha 15 year cellar reserve while watching cigar hound dog review it, he picked out leather and granny smith apple notes. And after hearing that i could taste the same. I believe the key is listening to what more experienced cigar smokers find and finding similarities yourself.
My first cigar was a Quintero favorito, I had brought two for a friend and we sat and had one each, I remember the almond flavour distinctly and that had me hooked to cigars instantly
Been enjoying fine whiskeys and bourbon for years so I'm quite experienced with tasting notes. Now enjoying the fine hand rolled premium cigar journey so I'm quick to recognize flavor notes in the sticks I've tried. Keeping a journal and writing down those notes gives me a reference to go to when I do pick up a new cigar. And some cigars I've had already will produce a new note the next time I smoke one. An example is the Ashton Symmetry. Nice earthiness and cedar with a sweetness on the finish that is like vanilla. Well keep your journal and collect those bands. You'll have a record of what you enjoyed and what you didn't. Smoke on, Brothers and Sister of the Leaf!
I’m on that same journey with you. Love my bourbons
That's a great idea to journal your cigars for taste notes. Pretty cool
Fairly new to cigars. Been smoking around 2 years. First cigar i got a flavor off of was about 1 minth ago and was the Romeo y Julieta 1875 Reserve Maduro. Got some good coffee notes
My father, the judge, loves it chocolate and coffee notes throughout
Love the advice bro. I'm 5 years in and it takes time and multiple times on any cigar to know if it is what you like. I have gone back to several different ones and liked them on second or even third try.
I'm new to cigars but I have tried at least two dozen different cigars. So far one of my favorite every day smokers is Grand Habano Vintage 2002, I get Cedar and Black Tea notes.
I was introduced to the Rose of Sharon by Southern Draw I absolutely love this stick. Cedar and almond hints of gram cracker and milk chocolate.
Started a cigar journal really helps … thank you for sharing your story and tips!
I watch videos of reviews for cigars while smoking. It’s completely changed my experience. I’ve enjoyed learning that I can buy a cheaper stick compared to having a higher end Cuban and like it.
Mine is is the 829 Winston Churchill Connecticut Wrapper. It reminds me of my grandpa. Brings me back home.
The first time I got a flavor note from a cigar was the Padron 64 , I got notes of Cocoa and it blew my mind. And the first time was a cedar note from a Cameroon from Arturo Fuentes, Don Carlos and AJ new world Cameroon.
Cohiba Black Gigante - Full-bodied amazing level and experience for me
Great question. My go-to and all-time favorite cigar is the ONYX Reserve, a deep maduro of Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, and is a full body sugar with a distinct and strong coffee and pepper/spice note, but mainly coffee. It's dark and oily. It's my favorite, mainly in the Robusto or Torbusto vitola. People don't mention that the vitola, or size & shape, can actually change the flavor notes and/or strength. Cigar strength and flavors can descend or ascend during it's smoke and the size and shape affect's that.
When I want to taste roasted coffee and cocoa, in a medium full, I light a Trinidad Espiritu 2. Amazing!
Iv only just started on my cigar journey so im excited to get into it
La Galera Habano Plionis 6x60" is my to go if i want a smooth, leather and cofee-ish taste on my cigar. It also goes for 90-120 minutes which is a great time to have fun and relax.
i need to think about it more while smoking a cigar, most of the time i am just trying to relax and unwind after a day at work. i have a CAO BX3 that i will be lighting tomorrow evening and I will try to taste every note I can.
In the cigars I enjoy the most I often get molasses or maple syrup. I actually tasted butter in the Liga Zebra
i love watching review videos of the cigar im smoking and have found it makes it easier to identify some flavor notes. Definitely makes it more enjoyable when you can identify a certain note or characteristic about the cigar instead of just knowing if you like it or don't.
LFD Coronado. Leather, a easy and delicious spice!
I find my palate is hit or miss, and I guess flavor is not my primary goal.
However I have tasted chocolate, Cedar and other flavors.
My first premium cigar was a Romeo, by Romeo y Julieta.
It was super creamy, got notes of Cedar and I tastes flavors through each third. I've not been able to get those flavors since then.
Thanks Tim.
Absolutely man! keep at it. If you have gotten them before, you'll find them again. Do you retrohale?
I got that with the 1875 Reserva Real and the 1875 Nicaragua.
Joya de Nicaragua antaño for dried fruit notes is my go to
I’m sure imma be nailed to a cross for this.. but some of the most enjoyable cigars I’ve had is when I take a couple hits out of a well cooled bong first. Having a slight buzz and exploring a strong complex cigar is a roller coaster ride I highly recommend
I'm fairly new but I'm all in. Already spent a small fortune on your website. I only get flavor notes towards the end and the way I decided if a cigar is good is when I'm pissed that it's finished.
I absolutely love AF Hemingway Best Seller Maduro. Also Placencia Alma de Fuego. Loaded with flavors and wonderful sticks.
Thanks for your great reviews !
I love the Bull Moose, creamy bold coffee
I am completely someone who can't tell the subtle notes, but my favorite go-to cigars are Perdomo and Macanudo. I also don't necessarily need an intense cigar, just something that tastes and smells enjoyable.
San Andreas wrapper = chocolate for me. T Amo for sure.
First as a relatively newer smoker. Only about a year and a half I can definitely pick up sweet, creamy, and spicy. I can’t pin point exact flavors. Let me also say I’ve enjoyed at some point or another every cigar I’ve smoked. Some are much better than others but I promise at some point in the smoke they were all great.
When I smoked my first cigar there was a very prevalent chocolate taste to me, but asides from that, I've only really been able to pick out creamyness or pepper until yesterday when in the middle of a stick I just randomly got peanut butter. Went as fast as it came but it was pretty interesting to taste such a unique flavor in there all of a sudden.
Pre-Covid I was getting most of the described flavors especially chocolate, coffee, graham cracker,cedar and dried fruit. Now I can pick out creamy Connecticut and black pepper and sadly that’s about it. It’s been almost two years but still hoping to get my pallet back. I’m going to try the American Viking Liga Zebra for sure. Thanks for the recommendation Tim!
Isla Del Sol Maduro is like smoking a Hershey’s dark bar to me. I know there’s hate on infused sticks but… you do you I’ll do me. 😊
I find it amazing the difference the conditions under which you smoke a cigar make on its taste just had my first cigar as a celebration to passing and exam and the first time I lit it I was outside it was windy and I was a bit nervous to be honest smoked half of it and thought it was a bit overhyped this cigar thing relit it back in my apartment in a calmer setting and the difference was unbelievable and from that point I knew I would do it more often
Isla Del Sol. Seems to be the one I keep coming back to. That coffee flavor is my jam. I am new to Cigars though and that seems to be the only "note" i have been able to pick out. But, tbh, if I only ever tasted coffee in my cigars, I'd be ok wiyh that because I love it lol.
My favourite go to cigar is a Placencia Reserva Original Corona. I am a novice and still have a lot more to try but I loved how smooth and creamy it was, and I thought I got a taste of caramel in the middle third ❤
I'm 3 year's into being a BOTL and to be honest I don't purchase sticks to discover and/or to be introduced to certain taste notes I simply enjoy good tobacco and as a child growling up I never heard my Great Grandfather nor my Uncle saying that they tasted this or that I only saw them enjoying their Cigar. Now to stay truthful I have tasted the following: Honey, Dark Chocolate, Cherry, Chocolate, Coffee, Raisin and a....earthiness taste note. Happy New Year to all reader's of my posted comment
Chocolate is my favorite note, and it's common, but often subtle and open to interpretation -- not so subtle or open to interpretation is the vanilla note in the Montecristo White Series I had this morning.
Looking at a flavor wheel while I was smoking a cigar is what helped me at first reading someone else’s review I feel like ruins the surprise and then you just go with what everyone else tastes everyone has a different palette go with your own taste buds. That’s how I taste interesting things that know one else tastes which is way fun 😊
I certainly never thought of cigar smoking being compared to The Wizard of OZ. 😮
Late to the party by about a year but the first cigar where I got a strong flavor note that was undeniable was Perdomo Habano Maduro. I took a couple puffs on it and it was LEATHER. Wasn't my speed but I definitely understood what that flavor note tasted like after. Tasted like I was smoking a leather belt.
The next one was the New World Dorado. Absolute SPICE tasted like I was smoking pepper. Both I wasn't a huge fan of but I definitely tasted them.