In the last post we took a look at two important things when it comes to organizing blind tasting events for cigars. They were preparation and the visual aspect of cigars. Let us take a look at more things to consider when blind tasting cigars.
Aside from assessing the wrapper of the cigar that you are blind tasting, try to get a feel of how the cigar was made. Roll your fingers around the diameter and across the length of the cigar. Feel for sports which are soft, this means that the packing was not done perfectly. Also weigh the cigar in your hand – is it densely or loosely packed? These factors would definitely affect the way the cigar burns as you smoke it. As you light the cigar and take your first draw, pay attention to how easily you can puff from it. Also pay attention to the ashes that form as you smoke.
Of course, the most important factor that you are to consider when blind tasting a cigar is the flavor and taste. Is the cigar full bodied? Does it have a tinge of sweetness to it? As you continue smoking, does the cigar’s flavor become more intense? Less intense? No change? Another thing that you should consider is the after taste that smoking leaves in your mouth. What is the after taste like? How does it make you feel?
Pay particular attention to all that your senses tell you and note them down.