CIGAR FLAVORS

Flavors of Cigars

Virtually all cigar aficionados enjoy the practice because of the rich and varied flavors one observes when smoking, although some eschew the connoiseurial qualities in favor of other factors. For those drawn by taste, each brand and type of cigar carries different qualities of taste. Generally, cigars with lighter colored wrappers are milder in flavor and have less of a smoky aftertaste. Darker wrappers are typically richer in flavor, although the specific flavors are not unique to any particular style or type of tobacco.

Unlike cigarettes, cigars taste very little of smoke, and usually very much of tobacco with overtones of other tastes. A fine cigar - especially ones of Cuban origin prior to 1990, can have virtually no taste of smoke whatsoever. The act of smoking a fine cigar can be likened to eating a fine meal that leaves your stomach empty.

Some of the more common flavors one observes while smoking a cigar include:

• Leather
• Spice
• Cocoa / chocolate
• Peat / moss / earth
• Coffee
• Nut

The most ardent enjoyers of cigar smoking will sometimes keep personal journals of cigars they've enjoyed, complete with personal ratings, description of flavors observed, sizes, brands, etc. The qualities and characteristics of cigar tasting are very similar to those of wine, Scotch, beer, and cognacs. Within a given specification, there are endless varieties. This dynamic is part of the appeal to which cigar smokers are continually drawn.

Cigars in culture

Cigars are presented as an accessory to indicate the rich man's stereotype. Cigars are also favoured by easy riders. Cigars are often smoked to celebrate good fortune, especially things like the conception of a child. Some buy and keep a cigar 'for luck' about a personal bet, and promise to smoke it after they succeed on their aim or any happy event. In case of failure the cigar is usually discarded since there is no celebration.