Difference Between Indoors or Out?

[Colt45]

This is kind of an offshoot of "how's your palate", or at least I was thinking about it at the same time. I'm wondering if anyone else notices a difference when

smoking the same cigar indoors versus out. On a number of occasions I've found cigars smoked indoors tend to become a bit more generic in nature, kind

of buttery, losing a little distinguishing nuance.

I've wondered if other than being a figment of my imagination, it has anything to do with the way air moves "through" the cigar outdoors. Which also makes

me ask, if the difference is real, which version shows the true nature of the cigar? Do outdoor conditions help impart flavor characteristics I might not taste

in a more stable indoor environment? It almost seems the opposite of what I should expect.

[reg]

I think any difference would be not with the way air moves through the cigar, but how the air circulates in the room, and constantly breathing and smelling some of the smoke rather than fresh air outside

[khomeinist]

I certainly think it is possible that plant volatiles that are surrounding your outdoor location might affect your sensory apparatus while smoking a cigar. I tend to think that the surrounding environmental factors (whether indoor or outdoor) are highly influential, but perhaps not in terms of 'tasting' but 'perception.' I will try to elaborate on this in the other thread. I often think that a serene outdoor environment, devoid of unnatural noise or extreme distractions, will often help me to enjoy the subtle, aromatic qualities of a good smoke. Indoor, I might be prone to putting on music, talking with friends or family, messing about with tech gadgets, etc.... and the result for me is a loss of focus and contemplation.

Many of my best cigar experiences (in terms of complexity and WOW factor) have been in really weird locations like cramped airport smoking lounges, crap bars, watching my Buffalo Bills piss away another season, etc. I have also had amazing experiences sitting on a rock in the middle of 'nowhere.'

So....never forget that we are not 'sampling machines.' Perception is key. And don't for a minute think that you can assess your own consciousness objectively.....

Tasting is not just about sensory neurons located on the tongue. Don't forget that our brains are involved. Good luck sorting the complex web of sensory stimulus, perception, mood, genetic predisposition, etc. etc. etc.

[Davin]

The only difference I have ever experienced is that if I'm smoking outdoors and there is some wind it sometimes can affect the burn, causing runs or the cigar to burn hot, which can affect the flavors I experience. Also, even if the cigar is burning well, if there is wind the smoke somehow seems to give a somewhat less luxurious "mouth-feel". In short I'm not much a fan of smoking in windy conditions.

[LeafLover]

I'd much rather smoke indoors. I feel less distracted by unwanted smells, uncomfortable weather (heat/cold), wind, etc. you find outdoors. Being indoors, cuts all these variables out and allows me to be engrossed in the cigar itself and smell its aroma.

Plus, I've never been outdoors where a leather couch, nice tall wing chair, or comfortable seating for that matter was present. I do have a fantastic set-up in my patio complete with patio couches, coffee tables, table set, etc. but would much rather plop myself down at my B&M in their temperature controlled environment. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking smoking outdoors.

As to difference in flavor. I think the flavors are the same, smoking same cigar indoors vs. outdoors, but the experience is different adding to the positive or negative experience.

....only if the my B&M will allow me to bring in a bottle of single malt.

[dicko]

The only difference I have ever experienced is that if I'm smoking outdoors and there is some wind it sometimes can affect the burn, causing runs or the cigar to burn hot, which can affect the flavors I experience. Also, even if the cigar is burning well, if there is wind the smoke somehow seems to give a somewhat less luxurious "mouth-feel". In short I'm not much a fan of smoking in windy conditions.

I agree with your two points here re hotter burn and mouth-feel. I agree it affects flavour. Wind sucks!

I do like smoking outside because you get a view and it is more relaxing being amongst trees etc etc but because of wind I normally try and smoke indoors.

Also, when it is very cold or hot outside that makes personal comfort another factor in prefering indoors.

In good conditions (minimal wind, good temp) I would say outside.

[MrGlass]

I find I enjoy smoking cigars indoors more than outdoors, however for me I feel this is simply a matter of perception. For me, smoking indoors is a novelty. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I'll make the most of it not because I think I'll have a better tasting smoke, but because it feels more fun?

Childish I know, but by the time I could smoke, it was already being restricted. Surely I'm not the only one that feels this way?

Nick.

[El Presidente]

Strangely Perhaps but I prefer enjoying a cigar outdoors. The only stipulations are that there can be no wind(Light breeze...no problems) and that my mind can't be too engaged on something else.

Brings a smile to my face remembering having a cigar in a hammock in the Amazon looking up into the rain forest canopy. i still remember every detail of that SLR Regio. I haven't me a divan that could match that moment

[thechenman]

Like El Presidente...I enjoy smoking outdoors more than indoors...at least when the weather is halfway decent. It is more serene, and I like the outdoors. Indoors is great when the weather is less than ideal, but I hate when rooms smell of stagnant smoke. That detracts from the experience. I also hate it when you ware indoors and your senss are inundated by other peoples cigar smoke. It detracts from me trying to apprciate the nuances of my own cigar. That is much less of an issue outdoors.

[JoshMP]

That's actually a really hard one to answer. I enjoy both but for different reasons.

I definately prefer smoking indoors for the relaxation of it, the comfort is also a huge factor. That and there is something nice about sitting and watching the smoke drift lazily around a room.

On the flip side cigars smoked outside are great in the perfect conditions. If there's no wind and the sun is shining I'll move outdoors straight away.

In terms of flavor I agree with you,when I'm smoking outdoors I seem to pick up more subtle flavors. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that where I smoke indoors there's always 4 or 5 other people smoking and it does clog up the air with a bit of a mish mash of smells.

[Trimble]

Depending on the climate, probably a mixture of the two. I prefer a well vented, covered area that offers the best of both worlds if possible. Like an open sun-room or covered patio for example. There's nothing like opening the garage door and settling a foot or so in with my feet kicked up enjoying a choice beverage and a great smoke on a warm afternoon or evening! Gotta love it.

[bolivr]

I would agree outdoors is best when the weather is fine. Warm enough AND no wind. Pretty rare here so indoors offers the best chance to concentrate on the smoke in hand. Shame we are not all in Brisbane

To Colt's question, yes, I have noticed a difference in the flavours of the same cigar taken outside after smoking inside for a while. Other members might like to give it a try and see. I think it is something to do with the fresh air flowing over the sinus but its just a layman's theory. Out in the fresh air there seems to be more of the lighter flavours like tea or citrus coming through. I'm thinking specifically of La Gloria Cubana here.

[Mel]

I would agree outdoors is best when the weather is fine. Warm enough AND no wind. Pretty rare here so indoors offers the best chance to concentrate on the smoke in hand. Shame we are not all in Brisbane

To Colt's question, yes, I have noticed a difference in the flavours of the same cigar taken outside after smoking inside for a while. Other members might like to give it a try and see. I think it is something to do with the fresh air flowing over the sinus but its just a layman's theory. Out in the fresh air there seems to be more of the lighter flavours like tea or citrus coming through. I'm thinking specifically of La Gloria Cubana here.

Cigars do taste better outdoors when conditions are right. Another poster mentioned being inundated by others cigar smoke butI would add that the smoke in the room from your own cigars affects the flavor perception. I ahve found that after smoking in my room and then stepping out on the porch to pee that the cigar suddenly tastes better.

The organs of taste and smell become saturated with residual smoke in the air and dumb down the experience while smoking indoors. The constant refreshing from clean air found outside allow the organs to perceive a new the more subtile nuances of cigar flavors.

[OZCUBAN]

I remember indoor smoking

But alas that was quite some time ago as indoor smoking is not permitted here

No Cigar Lounges in Perth

Like everything nowadays i take what i can get when i can get it

cheers Oz

[Bartolomeo]

I smoke outside 99% of the time so I really dont know better but the times I have smoked inside, I dont care for the stagnant smoke

Bart

[samb]

My preference is in the experience, not necessarily the difference in flavor. I absolutely love having a smoke on a warm summer morning outside, but there must be no wind, which is rare for my location, and the temperature must be just right. The experience is enhanced when I reflect on Don Alejandro's last months in his chair on deck enjoying a cigar. However, with the indoors, I find that I am better equipped to concentrate on the task at hand, as opposed to the solely the cigar, with a huge cloud of smoke around me. If Im studying or reading, the nicotine helps stimulate my memory and concentration, and I find being surrounded by smoke helps to create an environment of meditation if not studying.