Cigar & Tasting Blog
Here, we talk about cigars just as we experience them: with curiosity, passion and without pretension. Whether you’re a novice looking for guidance or a seasoned Blue Smoker, you’ll find plenty to enjoy — tastings, advice, pairings, stories and new discoveries.
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Cigar Sommelier Institute (ICSI)
A scientific approach to cigars, presented by Anthony Azar At Intertabac Dortmund, Anthony Azar, founder of the International Cigar Sommelier Institute (ICSI), led a session on the storage, serving and pairing of cigars. A thermal engineer and former designer of combustion chambers for racing car engines, he applies a technical and data-driven approach to the…
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The art of assemblage: a masterclass by Claudio Sgroi
The art of assemblage: a masterclass by Claudio Sgroi During a tasting and talk in Dortmund in 2026, Claudio Sgroi explained to us how he crafts a cigar based on flavour, and why it is far more complex than it seems. Gallery – Dortmund Masterclass 2026 Photo copyright and exclusive use @neqtar.ch @bluesmokespirit Browse our…
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Sensory analysis according to the Agroscope
Reference work We make extensive use of this reference guide, provided by the Agroscope and the Swiss Confederation. It is a straightforward and accessible guide that walks us through the various stages of sensory analysis.
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54 flavours
54 Flavours – Jean Lenoir The Blue Smokers originally came from the world of wine: Lea has been working in the field of wine tasting for over 20 years. It was therefore driven by this sensitivity to aromas and tasting that they turned their attention to the world of cigars. And the similarities are (very)…
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A story of spices
A story of spices Spices or herbs? Spices and herbs are often confused, yet they differ in their origin and use. Spices generally come from dried parts of the plant: seeds, bark, roots or dried fruit. They are used in small quantities to add strength and character.Examples: pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, cloves. Herbs, on the other…
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Basic principles of sensory analysis
Basic principles of sensory analysis Flint, forest floor, vetiver… these are all terms that can quickly be confusing. When an amateur finds themselves in the company of fragrance experts, they can soon feel lost in a jungle of technical jargon. But when it comes down to it, isn’t tasting ultimately all about emotions? Let’s get…
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The agreements
The agreements The flavour characteristics of food and drink interact with one another, sometimes significantly altering the perception of tastes and flavours. For example, a wine tasted with a sweet dessert may seem more acidic than it actually is. Conversely, the same wine served with a dish that is predominantly acidic — such as a…
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Cigar Travel Diary
Cigar Journal – a guide to tasting Our main advice is to trust your instincts and let your emotions guide you. All your perceptions will rely first and foremost on your own ‘palate’. You will use your five senses to fully appreciate (or not) every moment of the tasting experience. The sense of smell accounts…

Our blog
A cigar is, above all, an experience. A moment in time, an encounter, an emotion. Through these articles, we share our favourites, what we’ve learnt and the stories that bring our world to life.
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Take your time, choose your cigar. Light it, savour it… and let yourself be guided.

