Cigar Sense Podcast

Have you ever struggled to name the flavors that you perceive when smoking a cigar? Or have you ever wondered if it's the cigar or if it's you to be off? Have you ever met friends who could not agree on what to think about a cigar? Did you ever try to define a cigar's flavor profile, but then realize that everyone with whom you talk to has defined a totally different profile? Build consensus in an authentic way Learn more about tasting in general Understand how your tasting skills compare to others' Clearly and visually identify your tasting skills gaps so you can address them Get recognition and acknowledgement. You may win a prize that will rank you among the best tasters in the industry! Learn about different types of tasters and of tasting panels Much more on Sunday 15 October 2023 at 20:00 CET. Meeting details are here: https://www.cigarsense.com/consumer-tasting-groups/https://www.cigarsense.com/consumer-tasting-groups/. Join us for a social meeting where we will explain all details of how the Cigar Sense Consumer Tasting Groups work, so you can join in at your pace later on. --- Cigar Sense Podcast is sponsored by Cigar Sense premium members. We have no cigars sale, nor ads/influence sale revenue because we strive to provide independent and reliable information.

Why are Cuban Cohiba's now more expensive than ever? In this episode we discuss: Tool to find great cigars similar to any that are hard to find: https://www.cigarsense.com/ You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the podcast! Email franca@cigarsense.com Cigar Sense Podcast is sponsored by Cigar Sense premium members. We have no cigars sale, nor ads sale revenue because we strive to provide independent and reliable information.

Top cigars lists time seems to have ended for the season, but there are many excellent cigars that haven't been recognized. In this episode we discuss: References: https://www.cigarsense.com/product-excellence-awards-by-cigar-sense/https://www.cigarsense.com/courses/a-cigar-tasting-course/https://www.cigarsense.com/https://www.cigarsense.com/virtual-seminars/ You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Cigar Sense Podcast is sponsored by our premium members. We have no cigars sale, nor ads sale revenue. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, we strive to provide independent and reliable information.

For more about the sensory and cultural world of cigars, visit https://www.cigarsense.com/. To learn more about ChatGPT: https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/

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. 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/

Cigar Sense launched a “Product Excellence Award” program, to provide recognition to those premium cigars producers that consistently meet high standards in terms of draw, burn, production consistency, sensory and other key quality indicators, and meet a majority of consumers’ preferences much better than other cigars. If you want to understand: this short episode is for you. REFERENCES: Product Excellence Award program: https://www.cigarsense.com/product-excellence-awards-by-cigar-sense/ First award presented: https://www.cigarsense.com/2022-excellence-award-1290/ If you like videos: https://youtu.be/r3ria5br2f8

Is it good to remain a cigar beginner forever? In the cigar industry, knowledge is almost entirely transferred verbally and this generates a lot of opportunities for misconceptions and errors. Additional attention is needed when trying to pass on potential knowledge that others cannot easily verify. How does being an apprentice protect you when you feel uncomfortable? How does it allow you to exercise your freedom of personal choice? And how can it help you find your own identity as a cigar lover? References: Habanos World Challenge: https://www.cigarsense.com/how-do-you-become-habanos-world-challenge-champion/ SOTL Global Movement: https://www.sotlglobalmovement.com/ The map is not the territory and the name is not the thing named: https://www.cigarsense.com/cigar-map-territory/ Apprenticeship model: https://classicalu.com/the-apprenticeship-model/

Our members asked us to talk more about brands history, in addition to cigar tasting related topics. Therefore, in this episode, we are sharing a few facts about the history of the Perdomo brand: from countertrends to chemical analyses, cigar production innovation in a nutshell. References: Ferri Luigi, "Storia del sigaro. Mitologia, tradizione e cultura", Odoya, 2019: https://www.ibs.it/storia-del-sigaro-mitologia-tradizione-libro-luigi-ferri/e/9788862884907 Wikipedia: https://www.wikipedia.org/ Cigar Sense video: https://youtu.be/QuHxtUL1pco

Our members asked us to talk more about brands history, in addition to cigar tasting related topics. Therefore, in this episode, we are sharing a few facts about the history of the Partagás brand: from 1845 to the Cuban revolution, General Cigar Dominicana and the American market trademark. References mentioned in this episode: Ferri Luigi, "Storia del sigaro. Mitologia, tradizione e cultura", Odoya, 2019: https://www.ibs.it/storia-del-sigaro-mitologia-tradizione-libro-luigi-ferri/e/9788862884907 Cuban Cigar Website: https://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/ Cigar Sense: https://www.cigarsense.com/

We discuss the cigar consumer in Greater China with Eric Piras. Eric Piras has an incredible experience of over 25 years in the cigar industry. He is based in Hong Kong, where he manages his import-export cigar trading Cigraal Ltd, the agent for brands such as Arturo Fuente, Ashton, Joya de Nicaragua, Mombacho, Gerard and Maya Selva. In Hong Kong, he also operates Bertie Cigar Lounge, setting the mark for a new era of cigar smoking, with the largest selection of New World cigars in Hong Kong, patronized by a younger and more feminine crowd. Eric has also created the Cigraal Academy, to promote the cigar knowledge and discovery. He also recently launched his line of accessories: Totem. Episode quick summary References mentioned in the episode: Bertie cigar lounge and Totem accessories: https://www.bertiecigars.com/ Cigraal Ltd: http://www.cigraal.com/ Cigar Sense aroma wheel: https://www.cigarsense.com/the-cigar-sense-aromas-wheel/

Blind tests or open tests? Are blind tests worth the effort? People have all sorts of opinions about this because there are different purposes for doing tests. Episode summary Purposes for blind tests: 1. guide consumers to buy the best cigars for them 2. leisure (hedonic type of tests) Purposes for open tests: 1. persuade consumers to buy cigars based on symbols 2. decide whether to import/distribute/resell a cigar 3. assess brand or line specificity Single taster or panel, is there any difference? The imperative of focus Advantages of blind tests Panelists comments: Alban Cordier Zsolt Aranyos Reinhard Pohorec Biases and tips on how to reduce the effects of an important one A few fun exercises References mentioned in the episode: Predictive confirmation bias: https://www.cigarsense.com/predictive-confirmation-bias-whats-that/ Priming guidelines: https://youtu.be/zaaIZz9ge4E Learn how to break down the tasting components: https://www.cigarsense.com/courses/a-cigar-tasting-course/

We recently spoke about how unique is our taste with Aniello Buonincontro, who wrote the book, “Degustazione Razionale”, which means rational tasting. He researched anthropology, sociology, neuroscience and psychology. He also studied the issues concerning the characteristics of the premium cigar in relation to marketing and consumption. Aniello is a certified sommelier and a Cigar Journal panelist. He has been in charge of the most renowned cigar courses in Italy (Catadores courses by the Cigar Club Association). He actually is an aeronautical engineer. Nine years ago, he left his job as production manager in a multinational company and became sales manager at Cigars and Tobacco, one of the biggest, if not the biggest, Italian importer and distributor of new word cigars. Among his role’s activities, he provides training and guidance for events and manages the relationships with many producers, retailers and enthusiasts. You can find Aniello's articles and videos (mostly in Italian) here: https://sigarietempo.com/ Today we want to deep dive into some important aspects that relate to the behavior of the premium cigar consumer. Episode summary The cigar can have many different meanings, as cigar lovers have many different interests, needs and desires. A cigar can be many different things: And it can also be: ... How can this take shape for a cigar importer/distributor? For professionals the cigar is a commercial product. When talking with consumers, they need to talk about quality, which is a very important characteristic of the cigar. A professional doesn't talk about his/her own emotion connected to the cigar. In theory you can sell cigars by emotion to consumers, but this is not possible to do when you deal with other professionals. S/he will rather treat the cigar as a commercial product, and provide information by strength, price, consistency, flavor, ... In fact, talking about the aromas that a cigar displays can be enlightening, provided they are accurately described. The "anilla" or band The other characteristic is a bit stronger, it's the symbol that the cigar represents. We cannot forget that the cigar is made of tobacco, but also of the "anilla", the band, which takes along the information on the family, the factory, the field, the country, ... If you take two samples of the same cigar, one with the band and one without band, and you ask someone to choose, that person will most likely choose the cigar with the anilla. There is another pleasure when smoking a cigar with the band. Many people will deny this, but Some people will say no, but they lie in this case, because the band gives an additional pleasure the the smoke. We cannot say this is wrong, never say this is right or this is wrong, there's maybe only one case in which it is. Else, it's just a different way to look at the world around us. The must-have status symbol There are sensory qualities, very important, but there are many other attributes that you can associate with a cigar. For example, there are people who always look for the best deals. Why does that happen and why are cigars in this case not chosen based on specific qualities? When we start smoking cigars, we know very little, a lot is about our imagination. And for quite some time, perceiving aromas, tastes and so on is something difficult. Beginners typically can sense one aroma, maybe two. Maybe they sense something they cannot name. In the beginning people generally start smoking cigars for the symbol, not for their organoleptic qualities. This is normal, the issue is maybe that you may stick to the symbol and not go and discover the senses world that is linked to the cigar. This depends a lot on the type of people that are around you, how they influence you. Influencers on social media today are not able to help, as they are usually interested in something different from the sensory experience. The cigar arrived in Europe as symbol for people that had a commercial...

We regularly get questions from our followers and also members about the technology we use at Cigar Sense. David Wells, vice-president, co-founder and technologist at Cigar Sense, explains how Cigar Sense works, why our technology is not AI and gives us insights on many more connected aspects. Quick episode summary How does Cigar Sense work? Knowing how to name an aroma A solution: Profile Advisor Helping the industry with a standardized language Is this AI? Data privacy Why isn't there an app? References On correlation vs. causation: https://www.cigarsense.com/correlation-or-causality/ On accuracy in recommender systems: https://www.cigarsense.com/accuracy-in-cigar-recommender-systems/ On personalization in recommender systems: https://www.cigarsense.com/personalization-in-cigar-recommender-systems/ On transparency in recommender systems: https://www.cigarsense.com/transparency-in-cigar-recommender-systems/ On user control in recommender systems: https://www.cigarsense.com/user-control-in-cigar-recommender-systems/ Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors, nor cigars or ads sale revenue. The people we accept/invite on our podcast are not paying us for the exposure we offer them. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, we strive to provide independent information.

The Cigar Sense panel is a key instrument that allows consumers to know what a cigar actually delivers to the senses. On top of to consumers, the trained sensory panel work is dedicated to anyone who wants to know and market the cigar for what it is. Quick episode summary Benefits vs. mainstream marketing or promotional copy Difference between consumers (or untrained tasters) and trained tasters within a sensory panel The purpose of the trained sensory panel How many panelists (aka analysts) should there be? The sensory analysis system The selection of panelists The training The samples procurement The samples preparation The descriptive test The product specification The analysis submission The blind data consolidation References On sensory analysis and its misconceptions: https://www.cigarsense.com/a-new-profession-in-the-cigar-industry/ On cigar reviews usefulness and standards: https://www.cigarsense.com/on-cigar-reviews-usefulness-and-standards/ On sensory analysis vs. tastings: https://www.cigarsense.com/sensory-analysis-or-tastings/ On the science of cigar tasting: https://www.cigarsense.com/the-science-of-cigar-tasting/ On sensory evaluations: https://www.cigarsense.com/005-on-sensory-evaluations/ On sensory analysis: https://www.cigarsense.com/004-on-sensory-analysis/ Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors, nor ads revenue. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, we strive to provide independent information.

Is more cigar choice better? Today we have a plethora of choices of premium cigars. We discuss what are the possible motivations for people to choose from many cigars or from less and identify one solution to fill the gap between many choices and "good enough for me", in respect of our individual taste. Quick episode summary Is having more cigar choice a better way to satisfy our needs? Choosing between the best or “good enough for me” Why do some people always want to try all cigars? How do we know what is the best for us? What about consumers who want what is familiar? Imitate or preserve our individuality? How can we fill the gap between a wide choice and preserve our taste? References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Schwartz_(psychologist)https://www.cigarsense.com/

If you had an idea of what your unique personal taste is about, after listening to this episode you may look at some things differently. Aniello Buonincontro wrote a book, "Degustazione Razionale", which means rational tasting. He researched anthropology, sociology, neuroscience and psychology. He also studied the issues concerning the characteristics of the premium cigar in relation to marketing and consumption. Aniello is a certified sommelier and a Cigar Journal panelist. He has been in charge of the most renowned cigar courses in Italy (Catadores by the Cigar Club Association). He actually is an aeronautical engineer. Nine years ago, he left his job as production manager in a multinational company and became sales manager at Cigars and Tobacco, one of the biggest, if not the biggest, importer and distributor for Italy of new word cigars. Among his role's activities, he provides training and guidance for events and manages the relationships with many producers, retailers and enthusiasts. Quick episode summary What is personal taste? How do genetic, sensory and mental factors play a role when we talk about our personal taste? Why should consumers and marketers care about personal taste? Symbology and art in the cigar world's marketing. New or boring cigars? What is good taste? Should we smoke what we really like or conform to others? Why can't producers anticipate what consumers like (unless they have relevant data)? What is the real pleasure? Who is to blame for our conformism, our following others' tastes? What's the difference between good and pleasant? What is the role of emotions when we talk about "pleasant"? What is the difference between an off-flavor and an unpleasant aroma? How can we protect our authentic taste? What is the challenge when doing this? What is the difference between tasting and judging? When judging, do a long-time experience and quantity of cigars smoked count? Resources: Aniello Buonincontro's blog: https://sigarietempo.com/ Get your free personalized recommendations powered by technology and sensory analysis: https://www.cigarsense.com/ HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this episode, give us an honest review, subscribe and share with your friends! You can also follow us on: https://twitter.com/CigarSense https://www.facebook.com/cigarsense/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cigar-sense-inc-/ https://www.pinterest.com/CigarSense/ https://www.instagram.com/cigarsense/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsrQpv6q5CusJ51-6_aK_qg Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors nor ads revenue. The people we accept/invite on our podcast are not paying us for the exposure we offer them. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, what we strive to provide is independent information.

We all have our individual needs and values. Often so many of them are combined together. Even if it might not be a priority for us to consider premium cigars as luxury products, at least consciously, we may recognize some patterns discussed in this episode. Quick episode summary What needs lead us to buy premium cigars as luxury products? Among the wide variety of cigars, which ones do we tend to choose based on such needs? Where does knowledge fit in the luxury picture? Some challenges for cigar companies. A solution for consumers (and companies). References Stamatogiannakis, Antonios; Calderón, Susan; Gonçalves, Dilney - 2017/09/08 - Spoiling Ourselves: Consumers’ Choice of Luxury Products Cigar Sense free membership https://www.cigarsense.com/ HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this episode, give us an honest review, subscribe and share with your friends! You can also follow us on: https://twitter.com/CigarSense https://www.facebook.com/cigarsense/Facebook https://www.linkedin.com/company/cigar-sense-inc-/LinkedIn https://www.pinterest.com/CigarSense/Pinterest https://www.instagram.com/cigarsense/Instagram Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors nor ads revenue. The people we accept/invite on our podcast are not paying us for the exposure we offer them. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, what we strive to provide is independent information.

The history of the Dunhill Cuban cigars was presented at the III International Symposium "Habana/Habanos"2009, an event gathering historians, museum workers, researchers of different branches, journalists, collectors, artists, trader, sommeliers with the propose of, a.o., sharing researches and accumulated experiences on the Habanos economy and analyze the links between the tobacco industry and the Cuban national history, culture and identity. You can read the full transcript of the lecture at https://www.cigarsense.com/the-history-of-the-dunhill-cuban-cigars/ Alex Iapichino is General Counsel and Group Company Secretary of Naked Wines plc, the leading direct to consumer online wine retailer, with operations in UK, USA and Australia. Alex lives in London and is an avid smoker, passionate about Cuban cigars. Join Cigar Sense for free [https://www.cigarsense.com/] and get your personalized recommendations powered by technology and sensory analysis! Resources mentioned during this episode About Smoke - An Encyclopaedia of Smoking, Alfred Dunhill Ltd., c 1932. An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of post Revolution Havana Cigars, Min Ron Nee, Interpro Business Corporation, First Edition, January 2003, page 125. HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! We’d love it if you could please share Cigar Sense Podcast with your followers. If you like this episode, head over to Apple Podcast, Podchaser or your favorite player app and kindly leave us a review and follow the show! Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors nor ads revenue. The people we accept/invite on our podcast are not paying us for the exposure we offer them. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, what we strive to provide is independent information.

Many doubts, reactions, engagements and questions indicate the interest that the cigar industry is showing in sensory analysis. We welcome them all. Join Cigar Sense for free [https://www.cigarsense.com/] and get your personalized recommendations powered by technology and sensory analysis! Quick episode summary What is the meaning of "tasting"? What is different from food & beverage products when applying sensory analysis to cigars? Can the results drive products adrift? Is the individual drowned in the average? Does the individual become data to be mediated? Do only mechanical/industrial cigars justify the application of sensory analysis? How do you resolve for the product variability? How about variability of cigars through storage and aging? The molecular orientation of the smoke can change the sensory perceptions. How do you cope with this? How can humans work like machines, with no influence from the external world? How far can only subjective expressions be taken into account? Resources mentioned during this episode Cigar Sense article Sensory analysis, a misunderstood discipline Cigar Sense article Sensory analysis, questions and reactions Cigar Sense Podcast episode 51 A new profession in the cigar industry Aniello Buonincontro's book Degustazione Razionale HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! We’d love it if you could please share Cigar Sense Podcast with your Twitter followers: [bctt tweet="Just listened to #CigarSensePodcast's awesome #podcast about #sensoryanalysis with @cigarsense! It's worth a listen. Check it out" username=""] If you like this episode, head over to Podchaser and kindly leave us a review and follow the show! You can also follow us on: Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Instagram Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors nor ads revenue. The people we accept/invite on our podcast are not paying us for the exposure we offer them. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, what we strive to provide is independent information.

This episode is based on our article Sensory analysis, a misunderstood discipline. Franca explains some key factors that drive misconceptions when it is about sensory analysis: There are certainly more points and we will update our article where appropriate. If you have any comments to the episode or to the article, please email Franca, your comments might be included in our next episode. --- Log-in or sign-up for free at cigarsense.com to download your free ebook "Our senses in action when enjoying a premium cigar".