The general population is divided into three major groups insofar as how the react to bitter flavors. Some are so sensitive to bitterness that they can't eat foods that are faintly bitter, like some greens. The majority fall in the middle and tolerate some bitterness, even enjoy a little, but don't enjoy very bitter things, like double expressos or chewing pills without water. The third group enjoys bitter things because they don't perceive them as so bitter, but rather, delicious.
When we talk about strong cigars, many of which are bitter, we are actually talking in three different languages. We define bitterness differently and especially what we perceive as excessively bitter is often like comparing apples and oranges.
I don't enjoy bitter cigars, but I tolerate a little bitterness. You have to tolerate a little of this or that to be a cigar smoker anyway, since unexpected flavors pop up all the time. I have a lot of dollar cigars that taste as bitter as my more pricey triple-ligeros or extra-fuertes. Sure, they lack the complex flavors that accompany the bitterness in the expensive cigars, but unless you enjoy that bitterness, it ruins everything and nothing else matters except where to toss the cigar.
I've pondered the term "strong" in reference to cigars. For me, it would refer to either the nicotine punch or how heavy the flavor is. There are times when I want a strong, tasty cigar, like when I'm having a nicotine fit. When I'm in the mood to smoke all day, I like milder cigars like Gisperts.
But bitterness? I always assumed that bitterness was a MISTAKE until I read a review a few hours ago comparing a certain cigar with a cup of double expresso and giving it 4 stars for its bitterness. Obviously we are dealing with different taste buds, not just different tastes.
What is a strong cigar to you? What do you mean by strong? How about bitter? Where do you stand?
