2 Evidence: You smoke retronasal without knowing it
You smoke cigars retronasally - without knowing it. Sounds like mumbo jumbo? Believe me, you'll be amazed. Then think of wasabi with sushi - or your last cold. Two pieces of everyday evidence show you that your nose secretly smokes along when you smoke a cigar.
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Table of contents
FAQ: What and how?
What does "retronasal" actually mean?
"Retronasal" means: via the pharynx to the nose. The smoke enters the back of the nose via the palate - not when you inhale, but when you exhale. This allows you to, finest flavors that you often miss when blowing out through your mouth.
Because: A great perception of taste arises in the nose. Need proof? If you know WASABI from eating sushi: If you chew too much of it, your nose starts to sting and your eyes water. This is because chewing creates "vapors" and this "vapor" automatically rises through your nose.
Why smoke retronasal?
Deeper aroma perceptionRetronasal: You experience the aroma of cigar tobacco much more intensely and varied.
More control during tasting. This technique is particularly standard in professional tasting - e.g. with cigar judges
Is smoking retronasal harmful to health?
As long as you don't inhale the smoke into your lungs, retronasal smoking is no more harmful than normal cigar smoking. However, it can cause irritation to sensitive nasal mucous membranes - especially if the smoke is too strong or hot.
Evidence no. 1: Wasabi & sushi
Do you know this? You're eating sushi - delicious, light, elegant - and then it happens: you've had too much wasabi. Suddenly your nose is burning and your eyes are watering. And the surprising thing? You have the wasabi not inhaled through your nose. You ate it.
And yet your nose reacted.
Welcome to the world of retronasal olfaction.
What happens there: There's a "secret door" to the nose in your throat. To be more precise: the rear opening to the nasal cavity. When you eat (or smoke), molecules from your mouth pass through this connection to the olfactory mucosa - at the back, so to speak. Not through inhalation, but through the Detour via the oral cavity.
Evidence no. 2: Got a cold? No taste!
Second example: You have a cold. Your nose is blocked. And the food suddenly tastes like cardboard.
Why? Because your nose is blocked - and with it your retronasal connection. Your food can no longer send scent molecules to the olfactory mucosa.
All that remains is a bland taste. But no depth. No complexity. No "Mmmmhh..."
And now to the cigar: smoking retronasally - unconsciously and consciously
If you smoke a cigar without blowing the smoke through your nose, you still perceive it retronasally. Just like with wasabi. The smoke fills the mouth, the aromas rise up through the throat-nose connection to the olfactory mucosa - and voilà: You taste deeper. More complex. More multidimensional.
This is the unconscious retronasal perception.
Retronasal? Sounds crazy - but it's a real game changer
For many aficionados, smoking a cigar is a sensual ritual. But those who know the art of retronasal pleasure takes the experience to a new level. The smoke is not exhaled through the mouth, but through the nose. Don't worry - you don't inhale the smoke into your lungs. Instead, you gently guide it into your nasal cavity. Sounds crazy? But it's a real game changer.
How retronasal smoking works - step by step
- Take a gentle drag on the cigar
Only take in a small amount of smoke - no deep draught! - Let the smoke rest in your mouth
1-2 seconds are sufficient. - Blow the smoke out through your nose
Slowly, controlled - and please: not jerky!
The R+ technique
❌ Careful please! ❌ Suck on the cigar like a pacifier. Short and gentle "puffs". The little smoke goes straight through your nose in compressed form. Sensational! ❌ Careful please! ❌ My cigar friend Roli showed me this technique, it's not my invention.
Important information for beginners
- Practice makes the aficionado
You may cough at first or your nose may tingle. No problem. Take breaks. - Drink enough!
Still water is best - this keeps your sense of smell and taste clear.
Which cigars are suitable for retronasal enjoyment?
All cigars!
Conclusion
Retronasal smoking is not a duty - but a gift for your senses. You will be amazed, how many nuances are revealedwhen the smoke escapes through the nose. With a little practice, you will experience cigars in a whole new way. And suddenly you realize:
A good cigar doesn't taste good - it tells a story. And retronasally you hear every word.
Have you tried it yet?
Write in the comments below how your first experience with retronasal smoking was - without registration.
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