Flavor, Body and Strength!

[Angry Bill]

Okay, this has been a topic of discussion on Dogwatch Cigar recently and no one can agree on everything, including defining these terms in relations to cigars. I will say this, I will agree that we all won't agree on everything.

To me, flavor refers to the overall taste of the cigar, which includes the odor. Yes this uses two of the senses, but it describes what I taste and smell, thus flavor.

Strength refers to the nicotine strength.

Body has a two sided meaning. The amount and texture of smoke, coupled with the intensity of the flavor. What I mean by this is like salsa. There are mild, medium and hot salsas. Each affect the palate differently, thus impacts us with intensity. Add in the amount of smoke the cigar gives off in your mouth which adds to the texture.

What say ye?

 

[Craig Mac]

Pretty much how I see it there too Bill.

 

[terrantheman]

I've always referred to the "strength" as in "full flavor" & "medium body." With the "strength" not ever getting a 3rd category? I've always thought it to be only 2 i.e. flavor & body? And then the strength getting classified with those 2 categories.

 

[njstone]

That is EXACTLY how I see the terms too, Bill. Though everyone has different meanings, which is the problem. Someone will say a certain cigar is a "full flavored stick," when all they mean is that it has a good amount of nicotine--while another person will use the same term and what they mean is that the stick is pretty spicy or peppery.

It should be straight-foward:
FLAVOR = amount of flavor
STRENGTH = amount of nicotine
BODY = the amount of "impact" the cigar has on your palate

Personally, I'm also in favor of a new "extra full" ranking in each of the categories to accommodate all of the new Ligero cigars these days. I mean come on--the CAO Brazilia and Tat T110 do NOT belong in the same category, lol. There are a decent number of "extra full" cigars these days.

 

[Alwayslit]

It should be straight-foward:
FLAVOR = amount of flavor
STRENGTH = amount of nicotine
BODY = the amount of "impact" the cigar has on your palate
.

......good breakdown

 

[Moro]

I see it like Nate too.

 

[dpmrpa]

That is EXACTLY how I see the terms too, Bill. Though everyone has different meanings, which is the problem. Someone will say a certain cigar is a "full flavored stick," when all they mean is that it has a good amount of nicotine--while another person will use the same term and what they mean is that the stick is pretty spicy or peppery.

It should be straight-foward:
FLAVOR = amount of flavor
STRENGTH = amount of nicotine
BODY = the amount of "impact" the cigar has on your palate

Personally, I'm also in favor of a new "extra full" ranking in each of the categories to accommodate all of the new Ligero cigars these days. I mean come on--the CAO Brazilia and Tat T110 do NOT belong in the same category, lol. There are a decent number of "extra full" cigars these days.

Don't forget that dam Camacho Triple maduro I tried to smoke with breakfast coffee yesterday. My head still hurts.
When I refer to the flavor of the stick I am talking about the coffee, spice or whatever flavors seem to be attached to the palate while smoking.
I never thought of the strength being that of the amount of nicotine but I must agree. When I am getting a headache and a buzz with stomach problems, it must be the nicotine thats doing it.
Don't know how to describe the body of a cigar or what that even means

 

[Treinenwj]

That makes perfect sense. I've always referred to "strength" as what you guys are describing as "body". The impact of the cigar. I always figured the two were interchangeable, but I think you broke it down pretty well.

 

[strife]

IMO Nate nailed it.

 

[njstone]

That makes perfect sense. I've always referred to "strength" as what you guys are describing as "body". The impact of the cigar. I always figured the two were interchangeable, but I think you broke it down pretty well.

I used to interchange the terms as well--but think about the DPG Cuban Classic or Tat red. To me, they impact my palate quite a bit--I'd say medium-full. But the amount of nicotine is, to me at least, barely medium.

Then there is the Tat Black, which barely impacts my palate but is a solid medium in flavor and medium+ in strength.

 

[terrantheman]

That is EXACTLY how I see the terms too, Bill. Though everyone has different meanings, which is the problem. Someone will say a certain cigar is a "full flavored stick," when all they mean is that it has a good amount of nicotine--while another person will use the same term and what they mean is that the stick is pretty spicy or peppery.

It should be straight-foward:
FLAVOR = amount of flavor
STRENGTH = amount of nicotine
BODY = the amount of "impact" the cigar has on your palate

Personally, I'm also in favor of a new "extra full" ranking in each of the categories to accommodate all of the new Ligero cigars these days. I mean come on--the CAO Brazilia and Tat T110 do NOT belong in the same category, lol. There are a decent number of "extra full" cigars these days.

I definitely see your point and that makes total sense. I many pro reviews :crosseyed You don't really see strength referred in that sense but I have seen people actually state "that was a nic bomb!"

 

[smokem94]

Okay, this has been a topic of discussion on Dogwatch Cigar recently and no one can agree on everything, including defining these terms in relations to cigars. I will say this, I will agree that we all won't agree on everything.

To me, flavor refers to the overall taste of the cigar, which includes the odor. Yes this uses two of the senses, but it describes what I taste and smell, thus flavor.

Strength refers to the nicotine strength.

Body has a two sided meaning. The amount and texture of smoke, coupled with the intensity of the flavor. What I mean by this is like salsa. There are mild, medium and hot salsas. Each affect the palate differently, thus impacts us with intensity. Add in the amount of smoke the cigar gives off in your mouth which adds to the texture.

What say ye?

I was just ready to post the EXACT same thing in the EXACT same words!!!:rofl:

 

[Zen Cigar Man]

Okay, this has been a topic of discussion on Dogwatch Cigar recently and no one can agree on everything, including defining these terms in relations to cigars. I will say this, I will agree that we all won't agree on everything.

To me, flavor refers to the overall taste of the cigar, which includes the odor. Yes this uses two of the senses, but it describes what I taste and smell, thus flavor.

Strength refers to the nicotine strength.

Body has a two sided meaning. The amount and texture of smoke, coupled with the intensity of the flavor. What I mean by this is like salsa. There are mild, medium and hot salsas. Each affect the palate differently, thus impacts us with intensity. Add in the amount of smoke the cigar gives off in your mouth which adds to the texture.

What say ye?

Wow, this may be a first, but I am in a 100% agreement with that statement. :glassesgr Seriously, that's exactly what the three mean.

 

[Soundwave13]

To me, Flavor represents taste & aroma, however it can also overlap Body with the intensity of flavor.

Body is the texture & intensity or the way I percieve how it 'coats the palate', however this can overlap Strength too...

Strength to me is interpreted as not only the nic-hit, but by the 'sharpness' and overall intensity of the smoke.

I guess I said all that to say that you pretty much nailed it on the head Bill. Lol...

 

[Zen Cigar Man]

Looking at others posts, I see where some of the confusion lies. Body always seems to be the most difficult to define. I like to point out a good example.

Davidoff Mille Series - Mild strength , mild flavor, mild body

Perdomo Champagne - Mild strength, mild flavor, full body

It's a little harder to try the other side, but there are some "flat" strong smokes...

 

[rick12string]

I agree with Bill & nj. I wish it could become a universal standard.

 

[njstone]

i think the terms and distinctions are very important from a buyer's perspective.

There are a LOT of guys who may be looking for full-flavor and even full-body, but do not want a gut-punching full-strength cigar! Then again, others (nic junkies?) seem to go after strength with flavor as a 2ndary consideration.

To me, flavor is definitely the most important thing I look for in a cigar. The strength and body only come into play in terms of when I can smoke that stick--in the evening I need a medium-full body to enjoy the flavor it seems, and on an empty stomach I do not want a strong cigar.