What Is That Taste???

At the risk of sounding like a moron, I've got a question. (Remember, I'm new to this!)

I have smoked several sticks over the past few weeks and I am trying to recognize the different tastes. There is one taste that I just love. If I get it, it usually shows up about the last third and then I can't put the cigar down until I can't hold it any more. It tastes almost like I put a jalepeno pepper to my lips. Is this what they call spice, or is it/that something else?

Thanks.

Mark

Taste is subjective. If you think it tastes like pepper...it's pepper.

I remember the first cigar I had that I could taste different things. It was a AF SG Belicoso. The cedar taste came rushing in along with spice on the finish.

One taste that is not subjective and never pleasurable is tar. If you are someone who likes a punch cut, then you are more likely to taste this because of the tar build up at the punch. This taste is unmistakable because it will make you want to puke. So, if you're tasting that, it's not because the cigar is bad, it's because of tar build up. You may not have detected it yet, but one day you will, will probably say, i never want to smoke another one of those. The best way around this, is to just use a cutter and cut beyond the build-up. Clearly, this is not what you're talking about, but consider it fair warning, because this will happen at some point in your cigar smoking experience.

the tastes that pop-up for me are spicey,chocolate,or a slight coffee taste.....

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Originally Posted by BigMacFU

One taste that is not subjective and never pleasurable is tar. If you are someone who likes a punch cut, then you are more likely to taste this because of the tar build up at the punch. This taste is unmistakable because it will make you want to puke. So, if you're tasting that, it's not because the cigar is bad, it's because of tar build up. You may not have detected it yet, but one day you will, will probably say, i never want to smoke another one of those. The best way around this, is to just use a cutter and cut beyond the build-up. Clearly, this is not what you're talking about, but consider it fair warning, because this will happen at some point in your cigar smoking experience.

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Curious - why or how would tar build up? Why is it more prevalent in punch?

... is it burning to quickly? B/c now that you mention it, been there done that, and looked like :smiley11: - just wondering why and how to avoid it.

Thanks! ... and sorry for the sidebar, but I'm sure it's not just me that'd want to know!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigMacFU

One taste that is not subjective and never pleasurable is tar. If you are someone who likes a punch cut, then you are more likely to taste this because of the tar build up at the punch. This taste is unmistakable because it will make you want to puke. So, if you're tasting that, it's not because the cigar is bad, it's because of tar build up. You may not have detected it yet, but one day you will, will probably say, i never want to smoke another one of those. The best way around this, is to just use a cutter and cut beyond the build-up. Clearly, this is not what you're talking about, but consider it fair warning, because this will happen at some point in your cigar smoking experience.

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BigMacFU - I think I may have experienced that already. I was using a punch for a while and I found that about halfway or more through I would get what I can only describe as an air-bubble sensation in my throat. After that I had to put the stick down. I have since started using a cutter and have not noticed it, although I didn't put 2+2 together until I saw your post. Is that what you are talking about?

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Originally Posted by bigpoppapuff

the tastes that pop-up for me are spicey,chocolate,or a slight coffee taste.....

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I have experienced all of those. I seem to also taste "grassy" or "woody" flavors. I don't like the grassy taste at all.

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Originally Posted by Shelby07

I have experienced all of those. I seem to also taste "grassy" or "woody" flavors. I don't like the grassy taste at all.

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Im still developing by taste buds. I agree. I'm not a fan of the hay or grassy taste either. Lately I've been really enjoying maduros, especially the double maduros.:smiley41:

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Originally Posted by Shelby07

I have experienced all of those. I seem to also taste "grassy" or "woody" flavors. I don't like the grassy taste at all.

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I agree - not a big fan generally of the grassy taste, however to me some grassy tastes are very nice - such as in the Cuaba or Quai D`orsay... I've just got to be in the mood for it.

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Originally Posted by cigarsarge

Taste is subjective. If you think it tastes like pepper...it's pepper...

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I agree. The only reason I am trying to decipher the "standard" is so I can better understand the descriptions that are used to describe various cigars. I want to try to be talking the same language. It could improve my odds of picking something new that I like.

Heya Shelby07,

There was also this thread last week or so about "Cigar Tasting" that might be useful as well:
http://www.cigarsmokers.com/showthre...hlight=tasting

I had some similar questions in it about the best way to make the distinctions, as well as methods of "tasting"

-W.

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Originally Posted by mauied1101

Curious - why or how would tar build up? Why is it more prevalent in punch?

... is it burning to quickly? B/c now that you mention it, been there done that, and looked like :smiley11: - just wondering why and how to avoid it.

Thanks! ... and sorry for the sidebar, but I'm sure it's not just me that'd want to know!

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Witha punch cut the cigar smoke concentrates in a smaller area and the tar will build up there.

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Originally Posted by bigpoppapuff

the tastes that pop-up for me are spicey,chocolate,or a slight coffee taste.....

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same here. never really tasted leather. opus have a apple cider type flavor to me.

you guys are probably going to think i'm weird, but something about the flavor of cubans reminds me of bubble gum after you've been chewing on it for a long time and it has no flavor. i'm not saying it taste like that, but it almost always comes to mind.

Shelby do not base your choices on ratings found in cigar aficianado ect. I have smoked some nasty cigars rated 90 and above by CA. Oliva cigars have a nice peppery last 1/2 to them for me. It is hard to baet and Oliva or Torano cigar in my humble opinion(IMHO). A lot of us long time smokers really had to smoke some shitty cigars during the cigar boom of the 1990's and I truly belive everyboody should smoke some crappy stuff to help you learn what you like and do not like . If you want a hardcore peppery tasting and powerful cigar try a Joya de Nicaragua Antano or PM me an addy and I will send you some full bodied tasty and peppery cigars because thats what I like to smoke .

Kevin