Last night I was enjoying a cigar that I am going to review. As I smoked I was thinking of different ways of describing the flavors I got. Afterwards I had one taste that I couldn't really describe, and I thought to myself "is that what some might call complex"?

So I wanted to pose the question here and get all of your thoughts on it. How do you describe complexity?

To me I have always described complexity as a change of flavors. IE; one minute you taste hints of vanilla, the next a little spice, the next puff something else, etc. But in my recalling of flavors last night, I could see where someone might describe complexity as flavors they can't describe. A mixture of flavors instead of singular flavor that changes. So what say you?
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I'd go with a little of both views.
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I stopped reviewing a while ago as it was killing my enjoyment of cigars.

I will say this. IMO Complexity is when a cigar gives you so much more than just a simple flavor and smoke. A cigar that boggles the mind that you wonder..."WOW, that was awesome and I am not sure why!" Even a cigar that has 2 or 3 changes through the smoke make not be complex IMO.

Some cigars are good, they taste nice and when they are done, they're done. The complex ones for me are the ones that when done just make me sit back and reflect on that cigar for quite sometime. Those are also generally the cigars that I actually don't put out around the halfway point or so...
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I personally would call that "dynamic".


That is precisely how I would describe "complex" also; a mixture of multiple interrelated flavors going on at one time.


I would call those "flavors I can't describe". :-)
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Multiple changes in flavor.

A "marrying" of flavors that is unusual.

These are two things I consider complexity in a cigar, but I an open to others' interpretations if they ring true to me.
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For me, for a cigar to be complex, it has to have two factors, a combination of multiple flavors at once, with at least 3 phase changes throughout the cigar. A cigar with a bunch of flavors all at once that I cant tease out and indentify is generally "muddled" while complexity usually implies balance to me.
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Good point, Clayton.
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:-)
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I would think the term "complex" can mean different things to different folks when referencing a cigar.
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Multiple layers of flavors. Some may be more pronounced or I have an anfinity to recognize, while others I notice, but do not know what they are. Smoking with someone with different taste and palate will help you discover new flavors in anything.

As much as I like to smoke with people who love the same cigars as I... I want to smoke with someone who may dislike my favorites. I am curious to explore their perspective some.

Woody, mossy, and beany would describe the prolife I like most in cigars. Also lead to why I may talk up one cigar or be indifferent to another...
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I fully agree, that's exactly why I posed the question. :-)
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For me it is both the changing of flavors and multi flavors at the same time. But most all what matters is that you are enjoying what you are smoking!
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Complex To Me Means That I Can Discern A Variety Of Flavors. Don't Mean To Thread Jack, But What Do You Mean By "Woody, Mossy, & Beany"?
Thanks!:-)
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Gotcha. Well, complex to me it means a changing and layering of flavors. :-)
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It's complicated!
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Complexity is anything I can't taste.
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Cigars that have wood flavors which fall into moss like flavors. Punch is known for such notes in their cigars and also something that comes from age. The bean flavors include coffee, cocoa, actual beans like mung or vanila. Quite pronounced in Cohiba and Montecristo, but also to degrees in many cigars.

Others may prefer cigars that are spicy, herbaceous, floral, or leather tasting.
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In cigars (and beer especially for me), complexity is a multitude of flavors and aromas blending together nicely, but not forming a single flavor or aroma. It is something that has many aspects to it. You may not be able to decipher each flavor and aroma, but it should be noticeable that there are many there.
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wow, i read the first post and couldnt think of a way to word my definition of the word, but this hit the nail on the head perfectly (in my opinion). well done :-)

stearns
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Thank ya sir!
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