Sniffing the stogie

[ha_banos]

I love the smell of opening up the humidor and getting a whiff of the smell coming from within. We all do.

I occasionally sniff my cigars before I smoke them. Put the foot to my nostril as well as sniff the wrapper.

It's become a familiar smell, but not something I'm tuned in to. I can't tell what brand or even if it's of Cuban origin!

I rarely retrohale. Has to be a very smooth and mild cigar.

Can you tell if a cigar is ready to smoke by how it smells?

What do you sniff for?

Can you tell your favourite by cold smell?

I do love a good sniff.

B.

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[PeeJay]

I always sniff a cigar before lighting, who doesn't?! If you get that barnyard/ammonia like smell then it probably isn't ready to smoke. I remember opening a pack of custom rolls and almost being overcome by it. Three years later they smoke lovely. I can usually identify a maduro by the smell except for the pretenders made by Partagas

[potpest]

I usually find when you get a good strong aroma from the box its usually a good indication the flavours are there in spades.

Funnily enough I was sorting out my scubador yesterday and was having a good sniff through a few boxes. A box of Punch 48's I haven't managed to break into yet stood out; amazing aroma coming from that box. I gave them to the Mrs to have a smell and she just pulled a face.

[Tomm783]

I think a good sniff is part of the experience to wet your appetite on what?s contained within (I imagine this applies to numerous scenarios...). As for whether I can tell a brand from another, definitely not but you can tell when it?s not ready.


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[PeeJay]

I've said this before but the first time I went to the DR I found a box of Punch Punch that smelled so much of cocoa that I rubbed wet finger tip on one to make sure they hadn't been dusted with it!

[PeeJay]

I think a good sniff is part of the experience to wet your appetite on what’s contained within (I imagine this applies to numerous scenarios...). As for whether I can tell a brand from another, definitely not but you can tell when it’s not ready.


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Some things shouldn't be sniffed before entering sometimes Embarassed.jpeg

[ha_banos]

I'm going to be more aware of smells. Usually it is just a passing sniff followed by a mmmmm.

I've such a variety of sticks that I don't think I'd become familiar with a brand, maybe a box as I go through them.

I'm going to add prelight notes to my tastings. Anyone do this?

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[Tomm783]

I'm going to be more aware of smells. Usually it is just a passing sniff followed by a mmmmm.

I've such a variety of sticks that I don't think I'd become familiar with a brand, maybe a box as I go through them.

I'm going to add prelight notes to my tastings. Anyone do this?

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It?s probably blasphemy but I don?t actually take tasting notes other than those I?ve posted during my holiday. For me it?s very much ?love that/like that/meh/oh dear? and that dictates whether I?d buy it again or not.

If I can remember the flavour profile and I liked it, it must be box worthy.

Heinous I know but then again, I?m a pleb from an experience perspective.

If however I was to take notes, I?d definitely look at the prelight draw, smell etc and even go as far (because I?m a nerd) to take a note of where, when and the weather etc.


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[potpest]

I never really take notes, usually just a score out if 100 and a few words about the cigar.

[ha_banos]

As far as notes go, yes a score and how spicy, sweet, nice flavor or not and if I fancy a box. Aroma maybe.

Now I'll add maybe how strong and something about the smell before lighting. That's plenty.

This Don Lino Africa, strong pungent smell almost off putting, dark brown very oily wrapper. Smooth aromatic once lit, mild flavor, little spice building up. Good draw. Too fat!



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[Alexw33]

I’d be very impressed by anyone that could guess the marca just by smell! For me it’s usually just do I like it or not and to what extent. Also as some have said I won’t approach anything with that ammonia/barnyard smell.

I also noticed some reviews doing prelight, I had much the same thoughts on this too except for yesterday’s H Upmann Connoisseur A; I’m not one for fancy notes but I think I described it as cedar smothered in honey or maple syrup. I dont recall noticing such a distinct flavour on prelight draw ever before.

[Emaresee]

@tommy and i had a chat about cigar scents and the distinct muskiness of some .... Its probably one to be kept to ourselves if the truth be told....

it all started with a chat about a glass tubos dominican i have and where it had been some years ago .....

But to respond to the original post.... I do love that heavenly scent of cedar and tobacco that rises up from a humi when you open it up for the first time for a while.... Makes me want to light them all up!

[K444HEP]

I usually find when you get a good strong aroma from the box its usually a good indication the flavours are there in spades.

Funnily enough I was sorting out my scubador yesterday and was having a good sniff through a few boxes. A box of Punch 48's I haven't managed to break into yet stood out; amazing aroma coming from that box. I gave them to the Mrs to have a smell and she just pulled a face.

I fully concur. My 48s are smelling lovely at the moment.

[K444HEP]

@tommy and i had a chat about cigar scents and the distinct muskiness of some .... Its probably one to be kept to ourselves if the truth be told....

it all started with a chat about a glass tubos dominican i have and where it had been some years ago .....

But to respond to the original post.... I do love that heavenly scent of cedar and tobacco that rises up from a humi when you open it up for the first time for a while.... Makes me want to light them all up!

The mind boggles...

[potpest]

I fully concur. My 48s are smelling lovely at the moment.

Have you smoked any? I didn't want to crack the box but I think I might have to