What's In a Taste and How Do We Know?

[mjmac85]

Great posts. I was just having these questions last night.

 

[POTOB]

I'd like to suggest that whereas the flavor descriptors of a cigar only give an idea of what the cigar reminds you, the true flavors are those of different tobaccos. If we were to describe a cigar by its leaves, then a description might look very different.

Example:
Desription- strong notes of espresso and chocolate
Alternative- strong notes of CT broadleaf maduro

Now by no means do I know everything about every cigar that I smoke (blend, vintage, etc) so obviously the flavor descriptors are a good substitute that allows us to communicate what one might taste when smoking a particular cigar. But, I think, in a perfect world everyone would be on a better page if we could describe the blend as it is rather than describing our own perception of it. People would then be able to derive what their personal perception would be via knowing what each leaf tastes like and how it might affect others in the blend.

--Somewhat unrealistic but, as I said, in a perfect world.--

Really cool idea. I think the general "taste" notes like espresso and chocolate give us at least a common language and starting point to work from when describing what we taste, but...

You're right when you say that it truly is the variety of tobacco we are actually tasting. Describing from tobacco gets hard because, for example, Connecticut Broadleaf grown in CT vs. NC can taste very different. Just the type of tobacco wouldn't necessarily get us in the same ballpark.

The growing conditions, seed, soil, crop year, etc. are all a part of the tobacco's flavor. I think the value in describing tobacco in terms of "taste" is shown in the fact that it is much more tangible, communicable and relatable than the specific tobacco being used.

So at least "taste" provides a common ground to work from.

That's just my opinion though.

 

[BrotherMaduro]

I know this is a little off topic, but I am curious.

On a scale of 1-10, how important is the taste (flavor profile) of the cigar to you?

EDIT: For me, I'd say it would be a solid 8.5 - 9. My mood usually determines what flavor I am after when I crack open the humidor.

I smoke mostly as relaxation and if I don't enjoy the taste, it definitely won't be as relaxing. The better the flavors, the more enjoyable and relaxing it will be, so I'd have to go with 9+.