Cigar Sense Podcast
by Franca Comparetto
Cigar Sense Podcast is your spot to listen in on sensory and cultural aspects of the premium cigars. You'll have insights on how to better recognize and articulate the sensory experience of fine cigars. A variety of inner-views and interviews will be on hand to empower you as a cigar consumer and inspire you, as well as your regular host, Franca Comparetto.
Episodes
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Consumer Tasting Groups - Join and win!
Have you ever struggled to name the flavors that you perceive when smoking a cigar? Or have you ever wondered if it's the cigar or if it's you to be off? Have you ever met friends who could not agree on what to think about a cigar? Did you ever try to define a cigar's flavor profile, but then...
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Why is Cohiba the most expensive cigar brand?
Why are Cuban Cohiba's now more expensive than ever? In this episode we discuss: the causes of supply disruptions the causes of demand increase the response of most cigar producers the Habanos new pricing strategy the "truly rare" effect vs. scarcity and exclusivity marketing strategies the...
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Uncovering the unrecognized cigars
Top cigars lists time seems to have ended for the season, but there are many excellent cigars that haven't been recognized. In this episode we discuss: How can more of the excellent cigars be recognized? What is quality, anyway? How can we know, before buying it, if we will like a cigar?…
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ChatGPT, can it help cigar lovers?
What is ChatGPT? Challenges Opportunities for the cigar industry Test: what are the flavors of cigar X? Test: personalized cigar recommendations Garbage in, garbage out? Google, will it detect AI content? The powerful bigger picture For more about the sensory and cultural world of cigars, visit...
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Is it the cigar or am I off?
We get questions from our members. Recently Albert, a long time member, asked us: "Sometimes while smoking a familiar cigar, I sense more bitterness or other sensory impressions than usual, and I wonder if it's actually the cigar, or in fact I am off. I'm excluding any obvious source of prejudice...
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Product Excellence Awards program intro and first award
Cigar Sense launched a "Product Excellence Award" program, to provide recognition to those premium cigars producers that consistently meet high standards in terms of draw, burn, production consistency, sensory and other key quality indicators, and meet a majority of consumers' preferences much...
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064: Cigar beginner forever
Is it good to remain a cigar beginner forever? In the cigar industry, knowledge is almost entirely transferred verbally and this generates a lot of opportunities for misconceptions and errors. Additional attention is needed when trying to pass on potential knowledge that others cannot easily...
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063: Perdomo brand, a short history
Our members asked us to talk more about brands history, in addition to cigar tasting related topics. Therefore, in this episode, we are sharing a few facts about the history of the Perdomo brand: from countertrends to chemical analyses, cigar production innovation in a nutshell. References: Ferri...
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062: Partagás brand, a short history
Our members asked us to talk more about brands history, in addition to cigar tasting related topics. Therefore, in this episode, we are sharing a few facts about the history of the Partagás brand: from 1845 to the Cuban revolution, General Cigar Dominicana and the American market trademark....
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061: The Greater China perspective
We discuss the cigar consumer in Greater China with Eric Piras. Eric Piras has an incredible experience of over 25 years in the cigar industry. He is based in Hong Kong, where he manages his import-export cigar trading Cigraal Ltd, the agent for brands such as Arturo Fuente, Ashton, Joya de...
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060: Blind tests, are they worth the effort?
Blind tests or open tests? Are blind tests worth the effort? People have all sorts of opinions about this because there are different purposes for doing tests. Episode summary Purposes for blind tests: 1. guide consumers to buy the best cigars for them 2. leisure (hedonic type of tests) Purposes...
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059: A must-have status symbol?
We recently spoke about how unique is our taste with Aniello Buonincontro, who wrote the book, "Degustazione Razionale", which means rational tasting. He researched anthropology, sociology, neuroscience and psychology. He also studied the issues concerning the characteristics of the premium cigar...
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058: Cigar Sense technology: is it AI based?
We regularly get questions from our followers and also members about the technology we use at Cigar Sense. David Wells, vice-president, co-founder and technologist at Cigar Sense, explains how Cigar Sense works, why our technology is not AI and gives us insights on many more connected aspects....
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057: The Cigar Sense panel
The Cigar Sense panel is a key instrument that allows consumers to know what a cigar actually delivers to the senses. On top of to consumers, the trained sensory panel work is dedicated to anyone who wants to know and market the cigar for what it is. Quick episode summary Benefits vs. mainstream...
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056: Is more cigar choice better?
Is more cigar choice better? Today we have a plethora of choices of premium cigars. We discuss what are the possible motivations for people to choose from many cigars or from less and identify one solution to fill the gap between many choices and "good enough for me", in respect of our individual...
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055: How unique is our taste?
If you had an idea of what your unique personal taste is about, after listening to this episode you may look at some things differently. Aniello Buonincontro wrote a book, "Degustazione Razionale", which means rational tasting. He researched anthropology, sociology, neuroscience and psychology.…
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054: Choosing premium cigars for luxury
We all have our individual needs and values. Often so many of them are combined together. Even if it might not be a priority for us to consider premium cigars as luxury products, at least consciously, we may recognize some patterns discussed in this episode. Quick episode summary What needs lead…
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053: The history of the Dunhill Cuban cigars
The history of the Dunhill Cuban cigars was presented at the III International Symposium "Habana/Habanos"2009, an event gathering historians, museum workers, researchers of different branches, journalists, collectors, artists, trader, sommeliers with the propose of, a.o., sharing researches and...
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052: Doubts and reactions to sensory analysis
Many doubts, reactions, engagements and questions indicate the interest that the cigar industry is showing in sensory analysis. We welcome them all. Join Cigar Sense for free [https://www.cigarsense.com/] and get your personalized recommendations powered by technology and sensory analysis! Quick...
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051: A new profession in the cigar industry
This episode is based on our article Sensory analysis, a misunderstood discipline. Franca explains some key factors that drive misconceptions when it is about sensory analysis: it deals with subjective data sensory science is a young research area anyone can evaluate cigars many expert tasters…
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050: Made in Cayman, nonprofit
Franca interviewed Scott Haugh, Director of The Haugh Family Foundation and co-founder of Cayman Cigar Company. Cayman Cigar Company has a unique story in that they are the world's first and only premium cigar company to give 100% of all net profits to charity. They are helping Caymanians in...
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049: On Cuban cigars and their marketing
Ana Lopez started working in the tobacco industry in 1984. She is a former operational marketing director of Habanos and participated in the creation of more than a hundred of new lines and products and of concepts, such as the Habanos limited editions, Colección Habanos, and even…
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048: Made in Africa: Bongani cigars
Bongani Cigars is the first African Cigar brand. Their premium cigars are made in Mozambique and they are growing their presence across Africa, Europe and the US. Kamal Moukheiber discusses with Franca about: the African cigar tobacco tradition the young open-minded African consumer: as they…
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047: Nicholas Syris
From Greece to the USA to Saudi Arabia to Cuba, the principles and international mindset of Nicholas Syris convey that the road less traveled, when choosing, enjoying and marketing premium cigars, is not always easy, but provide the highest satisfaction. Nicholas has a deep experience in tobacco,...
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046: InterTabac @ Messe Dortmund
Angelika Bauer has been working for Messe Dortmund and since 2006 and is the Project Director of InterTabac and InterSupply. In this episode, we discuss the trade show mission and goals, how visitors can access the show, the forthcoming activities and more. Visit their LinkedIn page at...
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045: El Artista - 3rd generation innovation
In this episode, industrial engineer Radhames Rodriguez discusses the benefits of Tabacalera El Artista vertical integration from farms to factory to distribution. He is a young innovator, always thinking outside of the box, while respecting the family tradition. We also discussed: the use of the...
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044: On cigar reviews - usefulness and standards
In this episode, Randy Griggs and Franca discuss about cigar reviews, their usefulness and whether some standards might help increase it. Randy Griggs has worked in the craft beer industry for 19 years, establishing himself as a flavor sensory specialist. After becoming a beer judge at age 21,...
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043: The sensory world of Room 101 Cigars
In this episode Franca discusses the sensory world of Room 101 Cigars with Matt Booth. Learn about the key principles that drive Matt's personal and business activities. He has a special way to describe his cigars using emotions. However, Matt also pays attention to the sensory language and to…
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042: Correlation or causality?
In episode "Correlation or causality?" David Wells, VP and co-founder of Cigar Sense, explains the key principles that drive the accuracy of our cigar recommendations. He also talks about the differences between online recommendations based on data correlation, aka big data analytics, as opposed…
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041: Are we telling the truth to cigar manufacturers?
You might have heard us often saying that for cigar consumers it is of utmost importance to be heard by manufacturers, so we can hope to see our preferences taken into consideration. This determines how easy or hard it is for us to get to smoke what we actually like. But how do we communicate our...
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040: Sensory analysis or tastings?
What is the difference between sensory analysis and tastings? What is important when selecting assessors? What are the benefits for producers, marketers and consumers when use is made of sensory analysis? The are the most recurring errors when identifying aromas? Who is a sensorialist? And a lot...
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039: The sense of cigars in the Arab Emirates
Jasim Ahmed conveys the sense that cigars assume in the Arab Emirates. Overall cigars are drivers of curiosity, creativity, innovation, culture and lifestyle. Education plays an important role, especially in today's digital era where anybody can divulge disinformation extremely fast. What makes...
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038: The many shades of pairings
There are so many different pairing possibilities with cigars, and many shades within the same products. We talked about some of them with Oscar Marulanda: wine and spirits sommelier, cigar sommelier, tea sommelier, water sommelier and chocolate taster. Oscar's vocation and passion for oenology,...
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037: Il top dell'associazionismo
Episode "Il top dell'associazionismo" (The top of the cigar association life) is recorded in Italian. Francesco Minetti is: President of the Cigar Club Matelica since 2005 Organizer of the Encuentro Amigos de Partagas President of the Cigar Club Association (CCA) since 2010 Hombre Habano Award…
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036: Understanding rum
What are the different rum styles? How is rum produced and distilled? What are the keys to rum aging and angel share? What are the best rum tasting glasses? We discussed all this and a lot more with Valerie Bradshaw, our guest in the Cigar Sense Parlor. Valerie is a professional wine, spirits and...
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035: Ms. master cigar sommelier
We talked about learning how to pair gourmet products and about the value of education. Cigar smoking can remain a hobby and still offer you much more pleasure if you decide to learn alongside professionals, the sommeliers who learn to advance in their career. The discussion also showcases a…
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034: The world's leading cigar magazine
Reinhold C. Widmayer is Senior Editor in Chief at Cigar Journal, the world's leading cigar magazine. We asked him: what are the fastest growing countries in terms of cigar consumption and events how consumption changed due to Covid-19 what he would like to see changing in the premium cigar…
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033: The science of cigar tasting
When enjoying a cigar, everything is fair. But when focusing on a cigar, either for a technical tasting or to get to know the most enjoyable impressions of your cigar, there are considerations you may want to make. These are intended to enable a tasting that is as objective as humanly possible…
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032: Mayan inspired
We discussed the Mayan tradition, which inspired Oscar Valladares' creativity in his cigars' packaging, but not only. We also talked about misconceptions in cigar reviews, what's good and less good in the cigar industry, and more... Oscar Valladares started working with Rocky Patel in 2011. His...
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031: On yachts, women and cigars
We discuss yachts, women and cigars with Nikki Glenn. Yachts and cigars paired by Nikki. How did she go about such unusual pairings? And how do we evolve from the flavored cigars that tobacconists often recommend to women? Nikki Glenn is a classically trained violinist and vocalist who performs…
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030: Wine and spirits styles, their sensory characteristics
Valerie Bradshaw is a super credentialed wine, spirits and cigars assessor. She is also a member of the Cigar Sense expert panel. With her, we talked about: the sommelier educational path and what you can learn in a wine educational program the tools Valerie uses to keep the nose trained and...
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029: On vintage cigars and auctions
What is a vintage cigar vs. a rare cigar? What are the stages for aging cigars from procurement to sale? At what conditions is it best to store cigars for aging? Is ventilation good in the first couple of years? What's the correct interpretation of Min Ron Nee's advice? What changes do cigars...
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028: The sense of cigars in Lebanon | Help the Beirut people
We recorded this interview the day before the Beirut explosion heavily affecting the town and the already weak Lebanese economy. We hope the sense of cigars but, above all, the sense of safety for all Lebanese people will soon be re-established. We wish all Lebanese a strong recovery from the...
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027: Appearance and construction in quality control
Appearance and construction are considered extremely important for the final experience that Altadis want to provide to their end consumers. We went through an Altadis quality control evaluation sheet that Travis W. Pappenheim repurposed for marketing presentations. This is an extract of the full...
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026: A sensory session
The full meeting, held via Zoom with Claudio Sgroi and a number of Cigar Sense members, lasted 3 hours and 20 minutes. We kept what was most relevant for our audio audience. We talked about: - how you get from the tobacco compounds to the aromas, the 5 basic tastes and the tactile perceptions…
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025: On life insurance for cigar smokers
Why do few insurance companies offer affordable life policies to cigar smokers? Dave Arlinghaus, also known as Cigar Life Guy™, explains this to us. He also reveals what is important when choosing a life insurance. It's not a shame to smoke cigars and the worst mistake you can make is to hide…
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024: At the gringo cigar factory
With his peculiar and entertaining allure, Pedro Gomez talks about the premium cigar industry and gives his advice to cigar lovers. Born and raised in Esteli, Nicaragua, Pedro Gomez started very humble. From saddle maker to full scholarship paid by the US government. He started at Drew Estate...
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023: How do you picture an avid Cuban cigar smoker?
Alex Iapichino talks to us about vintage cigars, how to buy them, how to store them. He has a technical view of cigar tastings, especially vertical tastings, and was also serious about fora and association life. In addition, Alex shares his views on the future of the Cuban cigar market. Alex...
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022: The journey to Foundation Cigar Company
Nicholas Melillo talks to us about how his journey in the industry started with lots of passion for cigars, history and art. Nick also tells us about his trip around the world, his debut in Nicaragua at Drew Estate in 2003, the entrepreneurship with Foundation Cigar Company starting in 2015, with...
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021: The Sensory Experience Design
He is very well known thanks to the Light'em Up Lounge Events. But there is much more that Reinhard Pohorec is doing... ... as an entrepreneur, creative mind and host, Pohorec has established a unique reputation within the last decade in the world of sensory technology, luxury brands and...
About this show
Cigar Sense Podcast is your spot to listen in on sensory and cultural aspects of the premium cigars. You'll have insights on how to better recognize and articulate the sensory experience of fine cigars. A variety of inner-views and interviews will be on hand to empower you as a cigar consumer and inspire you, as well as your regular host, Franca Comparetto.
Hosted by
Franca Comparetto
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