Why am I finding (almost) all cigars unenjoyable?

[Cigar_Addict]

So in my attempt to find some hearty YT content, I found a short which gave some tips on being able to enjoy/taste cigars. I tried one of their points on lighting it, keeping the jet flame far enough away that it was barely touching the cigar, took a while longer to get started, but it is quite a bit more enjoyable. Still not able to really taste particular flavours, but it certainly seems less harsh.

IMG_20250130_191036.jpg

Not an exact science as I think these Factory Smokes are a little inconsistent, but I'll be trying this with future smokes in the hope it bears fruit

[Cigar_Addict]

A small note for anyone having similar issues... I have recently started drinking sparkling water while smoking & have found that helps quite a bit. Seems to cleanse the palate a little.

So much so that an Oliva Serie V Lancero I had recently I think I might have actually tasted chocolate 🍫

[ha_banos]

What has hit your palate before makes a huge difference. Be aware of what you've had before or during. Mix it up see what happens.

[Kickback]

Have you tried milder smokes?
Maybe you’d do better with these, a smaller ring gauge and slower smoking.
??

[Simon Bolivar]

Have you tried milder smokes?
Maybe you’d do better with these, a smaller ring gauge and slower smoking.
??

Good advice On official tasting, they are only allowed water to drink, not for me but as you said, it can help you highlight the flavours. Getting coffee bean flav, after drinking a coffee, is hardly surprising!

[Cigar_Addict]

Have you tried milder smokes?
Maybe you’d do better with these, a smaller ring gauge and slower smoking.
??

I have noticed that smaller ring guage sticks seem to have better flavours (at least for me), and an old (discontinued) favourite of mine was a 47.

A new favourite YT channel of mine did a blind taste test on the same cigar, but different sizes.

A good watch if you're interested