The Cigar Guys Flavor Wheel
What’s on the wheel
Eight flavor families sit around the center, and each one fans out into the specific notes you are listening for:
- Plants: Grass, Hay, Moss, Cedar, Oak, Smoky, Tea, Tobacco, Vegetal
- Herbs & Spices: Licorice, Cardamom, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Green Pepper, Red Pepper, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin
- Earth & Minerals: Barnyard, Earth, Lead/Graphite, Mineral, Must, Salt
- Fruits: Cherry, Citrus, Currant, Molasses, Orange Zest, Plum, Raisin
- Nuts: Almond, Cashew, Marzipan, Peanut, Walnut
- Other Flavors: Bread, Char, Caramel, Espresso, Roasted Coffee, Coffee w/ Milk, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Cocoa, Cream, Honey, Leather
- Flowers: Flowers
- Non-Flavor: Harsh, Dry, Bitter
The wheel was drawn for our post on how to taste cigar flavor notes.
Guide to using a cigar flavor wheel
As a cigar enthusiast, whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a newcomer, understanding and appreciating the complex flavors in a cigar can significantly enhance your smoking experience. A cigar flavor wheel is an invaluable tool in this journey. Here’s a guide on how to use it effectively.
Step 1: Understanding the wheel
The cigar flavor wheel is a circular diagram divided into segments, each representing a different category of flavors. These categories can range from broad classifications like ‘sweet,’ ‘spicy,’ and ‘woody,’ to more specific notes like ‘leather,’ ‘nuts,’ or ‘caramel.’ Familiarize yourself with these segments before lighting up your cigar.
Step 2: Preparing your palate
To truly appreciate the flavors, ensure your palate is clean. Avoid strong foods or drinks just before smoking. Water is the best palate cleanser. Some enthusiasts also prefer neutral beverages like sparkling water or mild coffee during their smoke to maintain a clean palate.
Step 3: Smoking and tasting
Light your cigar and take slow, deliberate puffs. Let the smoke linger in your mouth to coat your palate. Between puffs, refer to the flavor wheel and ask yourself which flavors you are detecting. Are they woody, earthy, sweet, or spicy? Try to pinpoint as accurately as you can.
Step 4: Identifying flavors
Use the flavor wheel as a reference guide. Start from the broader categories and narrow down to specific flavors. For instance, if you sense a sweet taste, narrow it down further — is it more like chocolate, fruit, or caramel?
Step 5: Record your experience
Keep a journal of your cigar experiences. Note the cigar brand, size, and flavors you detected using the wheel. Over time, this journal will help you identify your flavor preferences and choose cigars you will likely enjoy.
Put it to work on the smokes we cover: every review on the blog is us doing exactly this out loud, and the cigar FAQs cover the mechanics that get you to a clean draw in the first place.