Is it the cigar or am I off?

We get questions from our members. Recently Albert, a long time member, asked us: “Sometimes while smoking a familiar cigar, I sense more bitterness or other sensory impressions than usual, and I wonder if it’s actually the cigar, or in fact I am off. I'm excluding any obvious source of prejudice like very bitter or spicy foods just before smoking.

• Do people’s senses vary?
• Is there a method to calibrate one’s sense of taste and aroma just before having a smoke?”

Some members of our panel discuss and reply to Albert's questions. References: On priming mind and palate: https://www.cigarsense.com/the-science-of-cigar-tasting/ If you really want to taste like a pro, know what sensory analysis is: https://www.cigarsense.com/sensory-analysis-a-misunderstood-discipline/ To learn even more: https://www.cigarsense.com/a-sensory-course-for-cigar-tasting/