Cigar taste map on the tongue

Cigar tastes on the tongue can vary widely depending on the blend, wrapper, filler, and even the individual smoker's palate. Here's a breakdown of how cigar tastes may be experienced on the tongue:

1. Front of the Tongue: The front of the tongue is often associated with sweet and salty tastes. Some cigars may offer initial notes of sweetness, similar to caramel, vanilla, or honey. This sweetness can come from the wrapper or the filler tobacco.

2. Sides of the Tongue: The sides of the tongue are sensitive to sour and acidic tastes. While cigars are not typically sour, some may have subtle acidic undertones, often associated with citrus or fruit-like notes.

3. Center of the Tongue: The center of the tongue is where you'll detect salty and savoury flavours. Some cigars may have savoury characteristics, like spices, herbs, or even umami-rich elements such as soy sauce or roasted nuts. 

4. Back of the Tongue: The back of the tongue is where you might experience bitterness. This can be a positive aspect of a cigar, providing a balance to the sweetness or spiciness. Bitterness can be reminiscent of dark chocolate, espresso, or black coffee.

5. Tip of the Tongue: The tip of the tongue is where you might perceive subtle floral or herbal notes. These flavours can be quite delicate and may not be present in all cigars.

6. Whole Tongue Experience: The combination of flavours on the entire tongue creates the complexity and character of a cigar. A well-balanced cigar will offer a harmonious interplay of sweet, spicy, savoury, and bitter elements, providing a multi-dimensional taste experience.

Cigars often have three main parts: the first third, the second third, and the final third. Each of these stages may reveal different flavour profiles, and the taste may intensify or mellow as you progress.

Additionally, the texture of a cigar's smoke and the retrohale (exhaling through the nose) can enhance the overall tasting experience, as aromas are also a significant part of cigar enjoyment. Keep in mind that the way you perceive and describe cigar tastes is subjective and may differ from one smoker to another, adding to the rich tapestry of cigar enjoyment.