Interesting: Contrasting two cigars side by side

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by wlai

I do actually enjoy the analysis, as it turns out. I'm interested in developing my palate, and I am tasting a lot of singles from samplers, but the subtleties of one vs. another is kinda lost on me. When you can't actually pin point what this or that spice is other than just being spicy, and not being able to put words to describe it, they tend to run together in my memory.

I've seen the favor wheel(s), and they are somewhat helpful. But I still don't know what "nutty" on any of those wheels mean. Heck I have a mouthful of nuts as I type this, and I see no resemblance to my smokes. I think being able to contrast immediately the subtle difference seems like as viable a strategy as any, Pnoon do you disagree?

Yes, I do.

Trying to discern subtle differences before you have experienced and can differentiate the general differences seems to put the cart before the horse.

To put it another way, I am grateful that I did not taste high end/rare cigars early on in my cigar journey. I would not have been able to appreciate the complexity and nuances some of those cigars have to offer. I can certainly appreciate them now.

Just my opinion/perspective.
Like many others here, I will tell you THE most important thing is to enjoy the hobby/obsession. Everything else is secondary.