The Cigar Aficionado Podcast Episode #1: Blind Tastings
5/6/202622 min
Step into the world of blind tasting as the hosts of the Cigar Aficionado podcast put their palates — and instincts — to the test. In this debut episode, the conversation explores the art, psychology, and surprises behind tasting without labels, discussing how perception, experience, and expectation can dramatically influence flavor. From unexpected favorites to humbling misidentifications, Episode 1 offers an entertaining and insightful look at what really separates a great palate from a confident guess. Perfect for cigar lovers, spirits enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by sensory experience and expert opinion.
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsDavid Savona· Host0:00
[theme music] This is the Cigar Aficionado podcast. I'm David Savona, joined here by Greg Mottola in the Cigar Aficionado Lounge. The Cigar Aficionado Lounge, which is where we do our blind tastings, which is the subject of today's podcast. Tasting blind is how we do it at Cigar Aficionado.
Greg Mottola· Host0:27
A long time ago, I used to be the tasting coordinator, and that is ... That position meant that I was the, pretty much the engine for all blind tastings. I'm not the tasting coordinator anymore. Someone else does that. I'm on the, on the panel. But what that coordinator does is he goes out, buys the cigars at retail, most of the cigars at retail.
David Savona· Host0:52
95% of what we taste is bought at retail.
Greg Mottola· Host0:54
He removes the bands, and then he replaces it with a band that looks like this. I'm not sure which camera to hold it up.
David Savona· Host1:03
It's a generic file folder label you can buy at Staples. We buy lots of them.
Greg Mottola· Host1:09
When these cigars make it to a taster's desk, they don't know what they're smoking. They know the number. And that is really the core principle that has driven this cigar since day one, blind tastings.
David Savona· Host1:24
For those who aren't familiar with a blind tasting, what is it? We didn't invent it. It, it's happened before. What, what is a blind