Personally, I tend to get black peper from a lot of DPG's sticks. Some sticks are more heavy with this flavor than others. A good tip for someone new into cigars is to try and slow down your smoking. Taking longer breaks in-between puffs, and sipping instead of trying to get a ton of smoke on each draw might help with the harsh/hot factor. It took me a long time to actually apply that technique. I still tend to smoke cigars I really like too fast, but it gives me an excuse to practice smoking more cigars.
Other cigars that just mention pepper could also be refering to red peppers, green peppers...etc.
I tend to pick up some red pepper taste from Taboo special forces blends that will leave a tingle on the lips.
Bottom line is taste are subjective, and eveyone will enjoy different cigar profiles. The sweetness of maduros, the black pepper of DPG's, they all depend on what your in the mood for.
Enjoy the adventure, and try as many differnt cigars as you can. A cigar you hate today maybe your best friend a year from now.
