We regularly get questions from our followers and also members about the technology we use at Cigar Sense. David Wells, vice-president, co-founder and technologist at Cigar Sense, explains how Cigar Sense works, why our technology is not AI and gives us insights on many more connected aspects. Quick episode summary How does Cigar Sense work? Knowing how to name an aroma A solution: Profile Advisor Helping the industry with a standardized language Is this AI? Data privacy Why isn't there an app? References On correlation vs. causation: https://www.cigarsense.com/correlation-or-causality/ On accuracy in recommender systems: https://www.cigarsense.com/accuracy-in-cigar-recommender-systems/ On personalization in recommender systems: https://www.cigarsense.com/personalization-in-cigar-recommender-systems/ On transparency in recommender systems: https://www.cigarsense.com/transparency-in-cigar-recommender-systems/ On user control in recommender systems: https://www.cigarsense.com/user-control-in-cigar-recommender-systems/ Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors, nor cigars or ads sale revenue. The people we accept/invite on our podcast are not paying us for the exposure we offer them. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, we strive to provide independent information.

Cigar Sense Podcast

058: Cigar Sense technology: is it AI based?

The Cigar Sense panel is a key instrument that allows consumers to know what a cigar actually delivers to the senses. On top of to consumers, the trained sensory panel work is dedicated to anyone who wants to know and market the cigar for what it is. Quick episode summary Benefits vs. mainstream marketing or promotional copy Difference between consumers (or untrained tasters) and trained tasters within a sensory panel The purpose of the trained sensory panel How many panelists (aka analysts) should there be? The sensory analysis system The selection of panelists The training The samples procurement The samples preparation The descriptive test The product specification The analysis submission The blind data consolidation References On sensory analysis and its misconceptions: https://www.cigarsense.com/a-new-profession-in-the-cigar-industry/ On cigar reviews usefulness and standards: https://www.cigarsense.com/on-cigar-reviews-usefulness-and-standards/ On sensory analysis vs. tastings: https://www.cigarsense.com/sensory-analysis-or-tastings/ On the science of cigar tasting: https://www.cigarsense.com/the-science-of-cigar-tasting/ On sensory evaluations: https://www.cigarsense.com/005-on-sensory-evaluations/ On sensory analysis: https://www.cigarsense.com/004-on-sensory-analysis/ Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors, nor ads revenue. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, we strive to provide independent information.

057: The Cigar Sense panel

Is more cigar choice better? Today we have a plethora of choices of premium cigars. We discuss what are the possible motivations for people to choose from many cigars or from less and identify one solution to fill the gap between many choices and "good enough for me", in respect of our individual taste. Quick episode summary Is having more cigar choice a better way to satisfy our needs? Choosing between the best or “good enough for me” Why do some people always want to try all cigars? How do we know what is the best for us? What about consumers who want what is familiar? Imitate or preserve our individuality? How can we fill the gap between a wide choice and preserve our taste? References Barry Schwartz https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Schwartz_(psychologist) Cigar Sense free membership https://www.cigarsense.com/ 

056: Is more cigar choice better?

If you had an idea of what your unique personal taste is about, after listening to this episode you may look at some things differently. Aniello Buonincontro wrote a book, "Degustazione Razionale", which means rational tasting. He researched anthropology, sociology, neuroscience and psychology. He also studied the issues concerning the characteristics of the premium cigar in relation to marketing and consumption. Aniello is a certified sommelier and a Cigar Journal panelist. He has been in charge of the most renowned cigar courses in Italy (Catadores by the Cigar Club Association). He actually is an aeronautical engineer. Nine years ago, he left his job as production manager in a multinational company and became sales manager at Cigars and Tobacco, one of the biggest, if not the biggest, importer and distributor for Italy of new word cigars. Among his role's activities, he provides training and guidance for events and manages the relationships with many producers, retailers and enthusiasts. Quick episode summary What is personal taste? How do genetic, sensory and mental factors play a role when we talk about our personal taste? Why should consumers and marketers care about personal taste? Symbology and art in the cigar world's marketing. New or boring cigars? What is good taste? Should we smoke what we really like or conform to others? Why can't producers anticipate what consumers like (unless they have relevant data)? What is the real pleasure? Who is to blame for our conformism, our following others' tastes? What's the difference between good and pleasant? What is the role of emotions when we talk about "pleasant"? What is the difference between an off-flavor and an unpleasant aroma? How can we protect our authentic taste? What is the challenge when doing this? What is the difference between tasting and judging? When judging, do a long-time experience and quantity of cigars smoked count?   Resources: Aniello Buonincontro's blog: https://sigarietempo.com/  Get your free personalized recommendations powered by technology and sensory analysis:  https://www.cigarsense.com/   HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this episode, give us an honest review, subscribe and share with your friends! You can also follow us on: https://twitter.com/CigarSense  https://www.facebook.com/cigarsense/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cigar-sense-inc-/ https://www.pinterest.com/CigarSense/ https://www.instagram.com/cigarsense/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsrQpv6q5CusJ51-6_aK_qg   Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors nor ads revenue. The people we accept/invite on our podcast are not paying us for the exposure we offer them. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, what we strive to provide is independent information.

055: How unique is our taste?

We all have our individual needs and values. Often so many of them are combined together. Even if it might not be a priority for us to consider premium cigars as luxury products, at least consciously, we may recognize some patterns discussed in this episode.   Quick episode summary What needs lead us to buy premium cigars as luxury products? Among the wide variety of cigars, which ones do we tend to choose based on such needs? Where does knowledge fit in the luxury picture? Some challenges for cigar companies. A solution for consumers (and companies).   References Stamatogiannakis, Antonios; Calderón, Susan; Gonçalves, Dilney - 2017/09/08 - Spoiling Ourselves: Consumers’ Choice of Luxury Products Cigar Sense free membership https://www.cigarsense.com/    HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this episode, give us an honest review, subscribe and share with your friends! You can also follow us on: https://twitter.com/CigarSense  https://www.facebook.com/cigarsense/Facebook https://www.linkedin.com/company/cigar-sense-inc-/LinkedIn https://www.pinterest.com/CigarSense/Pinterest https://www.instagram.com/cigarsense/Instagram   Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors nor ads revenue. The people we accept/invite on our podcast are not paying us for the exposure we offer them. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, what we strive to provide is independent information.

054: Choosing premium cigars for luxury

The history of the Dunhill Cuban cigars was presented at the III International Symposium "Habana/Habanos"2009, an event gathering historians, museum workers, researchers of different branches, journalists, collectors, artists, trader, sommeliers with the propose of, a.o., sharing researches and accumulated experiences on the Habanos economy and analyze the links between the tobacco industry and the Cuban national history, culture and identity. You can read the full transcript of the lecture at https://www.cigarsense.com/the-history-of-the-dunhill-cuban-cigars/ Alex Iapichino is General Counsel and Group Company Secretary of Naked Wines plc, the leading direct to consumer online wine retailer, with operations in UK, USA and Australia. Alex lives in London and is an avid smoker, passionate about Cuban cigars. Join Cigar Sense for free [https://www.cigarsense.com/] and get your personalized recommendations powered by technology and sensory analysis! Resources mentioned during this episode About Smoke - An Encyclopaedia of Smoking, Alfred Dunhill Ltd., c 1932. An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of post Revolution Havana Cigars, Min Ron Nee, Interpro Business Corporation, First Edition, January 2003, page 125.   HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! We’d love it if you could please share Cigar Sense Podcast with your followers. If you like this episode, head over to Apple Podcast, Podchaser or your favorite player app and kindly leave us a review and follow the show! Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors nor ads revenue. The people we accept/invite on our podcast are not paying us for the exposure we offer them. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, what we strive to provide is independent information.

053: The history of the Dunhill Cuban cigars

Many doubts, reactions, engagements and questions indicate the interest that the cigar industry is showing in sensory analysis. We welcome them all. Join Cigar Sense for free [https://www.cigarsense.com/] and get your personalized recommendations powered by technology and sensory analysis!   Quick episode summary What is the meaning of "tasting"? What is different from food & beverage products when applying sensory analysis to cigars? Can the results drive products adrift? Is the individual drowned in the average? Does the individual become data to be mediated? Do only mechanical/industrial cigars justify the application of sensory analysis? How do you resolve for the product variability? How about variability of cigars through storage and aging? The molecular orientation of the smoke can change the sensory perceptions. How do you cope with this? How can humans work like machines, with no influence from the external world? How far can only subjective expressions be taken into account?   Resources mentioned during this episode Cigar Sense article Sensory analysis, a misunderstood discipline Cigar Sense article Sensory analysis, questions and reactions Cigar Sense Podcast episode 51 A new profession in the cigar industry Aniello Buonincontro's book Degustazione Razionale   HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! We’d love it if you could please share Cigar Sense Podcast with your Twitter followers: [bctt tweet="Just listened to #CigarSensePodcast's awesome #podcast about #sensoryanalysis with @cigarsense! It's worth a listen. Check it out" username=""] If you dug this episode, head over to Podchaser and kindly leave us a review and follow the show! You can also follow us on: Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Instagram   Feedback and promotion on the show You can ask your questions, make comments and be featured on the show! Let your voice be heard. Email Franca Comparetto [franca@cigarsense.com]. We have no external investors nor ads revenue. The people we accept/invite on our podcast are not paying us for the exposure we offer them. Just like for the Cigar Sense membership and our educational resources, what we strive to provide is independent information.

052: Doubts and reactions to sensory analysis

This episode is based on our article Sensory analysis, a misunderstood discipline. Franca explains some key factors that drive misconceptions when it is about sensory analysis: it deals with subjective data sensory science is a young research area anyone can evaluate cigars many expert tasters many obsolete tasting guides a lot of academic literature, little sharing of benefits among non-academic communities companies like to tell consumers what to sense, even if it's wrong why should marketing teams believe results from sensory tests that are inconsistent with their own evaluations? why, on the contrary, is there trust on influencers, who also publish totally different results (but help sell)? There are certainly more points and we will update our article where appropriate. If you have any comments to the episode or to the article, please email Franca, your comments might be included in our next episode. --- Log-in or sign-up for free at cigarsense.com to download your free ebook "Our senses in action when enjoying a premium cigar". 

051: A new profession in the cigar industry

Franca interviewed Scott Haugh, Director of The Haugh Family Foundation and co-founder of Cayman Cigar Company. Cayman Cigar Company has a unique story in that they are the world's first and only premium cigar company to give 100% of all net profits to charity. They are helping Caymanians in addiction recovery in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands through their nonprofit The Bridge Foundation (www.thebridgefoundationcayman.org) and growing tobacco at their nonprofit Beacon Farms (www.beaconfarmscayman.org). Beacon Farms employs graduates of The Bridge Foundation and teaches sustainable farming practices while providing stable careers for deserving local residents who are continuing their sobriety and improving their lives. Cayman Cigar Company will soon make the world's first cigar for international export using 100% grown tobaccos from Beacon Farms. This will be the first super-premium, very limited production cigar from a brand-new tobacco growing region. Visit the Cayman Cigar Company and the Haugh Family Foundation. The foundation supports inclusive learning programs for special needs children, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for U.S. Veterans and specialized agricultural opportunities and training for Caymanians in addiction recovery in the Cayman Islands. --- Log-in or sign-up for free at cigarsense.com to download your free ebook "Our senses in action when enjoying a premium cigar". 

050: Made in Cayman, nonprofit

Ana Lopez started working in the tobacco industry in 1984. She is a former operational marketing director of Habanos and participated in the creation of more than a hundred of new lines and products and of concepts, such as the Habanos limited editions, Colección Habanos, and even Habanosommelier. She is also founder of the Habanos festival. Ana is currently a sales advisor at the company Hunters & Frankau in the UK. She is Master in Havana cigars. Together with her husband, Ana has recently started venturing into YouTube and created the Cigar Ritual Channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqbE0uuVGjJdQZpbdUDALTg] where you can find great educational content. This interview covers many different aspects of the theme we approached: the influence of the wrapper on the Cuban cigar's flavor the different types of tastings in Cuba - tasting commission in the factories, national commission of tasters measuring flavor intensity and importance of creating objective cigar profiles using a common sensory language; why is this not so important in Cuba? the enigma of origin of the believe "the darker the color, the stronger the taste" what should women smoke? the role that consumers deserve and more.

049: On Cuban cigars and their marketing

Bongani Cigars is the first African Cigar brand. Their premium cigars are made in Mozambique and they are growing their presence across Africa, Europe and the US. Kamal Moukheiber discusses with Franca about: the African cigar tobacco tradition the young open-minded African consumer: as they become more mature and wealthier, they shift from international to what talks to their identity the scent of Ghana cedar wood the Mozambican production team with a Dominican undertone culture and more. --- Log-in or sign-up for free at cigarsense.com to download your free ebook "Our senses in action when enjoying a premium cigar". 

048: Made in Africa: Bongani cigars

From Greece to the USA to Saudi Arabia to Cuba, the principles and international mindset of Nicholas Syris convey that the road less traveled, when choosing, enjoying and marketing premium cigars, is not always easy, but provide the highest satisfaction. Nicholas has a deep experience in tobacco, blending, understanding consumers and a lot more. Lots to learn from him. He is the LH (Lavida Habana) Premium Cigars brand owner and  blender, as well as a Cuba "expert". --- Log-in or sign-up for free at cigarsense.com to download your free ebook "Our senses in action when enjoying a premium cigar". 

047: Nicholas Syris

Angelika Bauer has been working for Messe Dortmund and since 2006 and is the Project Director of InterTabac and InterSupply. In this episode, we discuss the trade show mission and goals, how visitors can access the show, the forthcoming activities and more. Visit their LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/intertabac/ for more updates. 

046: InterTabac @ Messe Dortmund

In this episode, industrial engineer Radhames Rodriguez discusses the benefits of Tabacalera El Artista vertical integration from farms to factory to distribution. He is a young innovator, always thinking outside of the box, while respecting the family tradition. We also discussed: the use of the sensory language in marketing; the challenge of determining the characterizing flavors of cigars produced with a particular tobacco in a particular terroir; the objectivity of cigar analyses based on statistics; the premium cigar on its way to become an intangible cultural heritage in the Dominican Republic and more. Radhames Rodriguez is one of the youngest cigar executives in the industry, an industrial engineer by trade, applying his knowledge to his 3rd generation family owned cigar factory, which has been in operation in Tamboril, DR since 1956. Tabacalera El Artista is one of the few boutique brands to be vertically integrated from farms to factory to distribution, owning the supply chain. As he says: "This means really good tobacco at a very sharp price!" — This podcast is brought to you by Cigar Sense founders and paid members. With the free Cigar Sense membership, you can obtain personalized recommendations of cigars that best suit your unique individual tastes.  In a few simple steps, you can see what your top cigar picks are from the thousands of cigars available on the market.  You can also explore sensory and other cigar attributes as Cigar Sense helps you better understand what you like and dislike in a cigar. — Be sure to subscribe to Cigar Sense Podcast so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate the show? It would be greatly appreciated!

045: El Artista - 3rd generation innovation

In this episode, Randy Griggs and Franca discuss about cigar reviews, their usefulness and whether some standards might help increase it. Randy Griggs has worked in the craft beer industry for 19 years, establishing himself as a flavor sensory specialist. After becoming a beer judge at age 21, Randy followed up with a BBQ judge certification and is studying to become a beverage and spirits specialist, as well as a cigar sommelier. Randy has worked with event production teams to develop beer educational events throughout the country, including the Great American Beer Festival as well as a speaker at the National Craft Beer Wholesalers conference. Randy hosts alongside Rob Rasmussen for Cigar Dojo's pairing-focused cigar show, A Flavor Odyssey. When not smoking cigars and drinking craft beer, Randy is also very passionate about food, coffee, BBQ, cheese, and all things craft. — This podcast is brought to you by Cigar Sense founders and paid members. With the free Cigar Sense membership, you can obtain personalized recommendations of cigars that best suit your unique individual tastes.  In a few simple steps, you can see what your top cigar picks are from the thousands of cigars available on the market.  You can also explore sensory and other cigar attributes as Cigar Sense helps you better understand what you like and dislike in a cigar. — Be sure to subscribe to Cigar Sense Podcast so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate the show? It would be greatly appreciated!

044: On cigar reviews - usefulness and standards

Cigar Sense Podcast is your spot to listen in on sensory and cultural aspects of the premium cigars. You'll have insights on how to better recognize and articulate the sensory experience of fine cigars. A variety of inner-views and interviews will be on hand to empower you as a cigar consumer and inspire you, as well as your regular host, Franca Comparetto.

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Cigar Sense Podcast

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