What is retro-olfaction?

Retro-olfaction, or retro-nasal olfaction, is an essential sensory mechanism for fully appreciating the complex aromas of cigars. This sophisticated method enables aficionados to perceive subtle aromatic nuances that often go unnoticed when smoke is simply expelled through the mouth. In this article, we help you understand what retro-olfaction is, and give you the keys to perfecting this technique to enrich your tasting experience.

Understanding retro-olfaction

Definition and operation

Visit retro-olfaction is the process by which aromas are perceived when air laden with volatile compounds rises from the mouth to the nasal cavity via the back of the palate. Unlike direct olfaction (or orthonasal olfaction), where odors are picked up by breathing in through the nose, retro-olfaction involves the olfactory senses.smoke expiration through the nose après kept in the mouth.

This process involves theolfactory epitheliuma membrane located in the upper part of the nasal cavity. This area contains millions of olfactory receptors capable of detecting a wide range of aromatic molecules. Once the odorant molecules have been detected, these olfactory neurons transmit electrical signals to the olfactory bulb, located at the base of the brain. From there, the information is relayed to different regions of the brain, including the olfactory cortex, responsible for odor interpretation.

It is important to note that theolfaction feedback is closely linked to the sense of taste. When we taste a cigar, the flavors perceived on the tongue (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami) combine with the aromas detected by retro-olfaction to create a complete sensory experience.

The chemical mechanisms of retro-olfaction

Retro-olfaction offers a unique olfactory perception, thanks in particular to several chemical phenomena:

• Particle composition Retro-olfaction: During retro-olfaction, only the aromatic molecules of cigar smoke reach the olfactory receptors, unlike direct olfaction, which can pick up other surrounding odors.
• Interaction with saliva The temperature of aroma-laden breath, combined with saliva, amplifies the flavors perceived by the olfactory pathway. Saliva helps dissolve certain aromatic compounds, making them more easily detectable by olfactory receptors.
• Flavor evolution Retro-olfaction allows us to perceive the evolution of aromas throughout the cigar's burn, revealing nuances that can vary between the first, second and last thirds.

The importance of retro-olfaction in cigar tasting

For cigar aficionados, retro-olfaction is an essential technique for fully appreciating the aromatic richness of a module.

Aroma amplification

Retro-olfaction allows you to perceive up to 75% overall tasting capacityrevealing flavors that are not always perceptible only in the mouth.

Differentiated perception

Many cigar experts report that they have perceived significantly different flavors with this technique, compared to the traditional palate tasting method. This technique makes it possible to detect more complex and subtle aromatic nuances.

Quality assessment

Retro-olfaction helps to gauge the quality of the tobacco used in cigar making. In particular, it detects the presence of residual ammonia in the tobacco, indicating its state of maturity and fermentation.

How to apply retro-olfaction

Basic technique

• Gently suck the smoke into your mouth without inhaling it into your lungs.
• Hold the smoke in your mouth for a few seconds, rolling it over your tongue to stimulate your taste buds.
• Close your mouth and open your throat slightly.
• Gently exhale the smoke through your nose, concentrating on the aromas rising up into your nasal cavity.

Tips for perfecting your technique

• Start with small puffs to get used to the sensation.
• Practice regularly to master this method and develop your olfactory sensitivity.
• Try different smoke expulsion techniques (fast, slow, jerky) to see how they affect your perception of aromas.

It's important to note that retro-olfaction doesn't require a large amount of smoke. In practice, it is recommended that only 10 to 20 % smoke through the nose to avoid irritation or discomfort. This measured approach allows subtle aromas to be perceived without overloading the senses.

How do you integrate retro-olfaction into the tasting ritual?

Frequency

The ideal frequency of retro-olfaction may vary according to personal preference. Some enthusiasts use retro-olfaction every 4 to 5 puffsothers once per cigar third. The important thing is to find a rhythm that allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of the aromas without saturating your senses.

Exploring flavors 

Use a flavor wheel for identify aromatic nuances revealed by retro-olfaction. This tool can help you develop your tasting vocabulary and refine your perception of aromas.

Record your perceptions

Hold a TASTING DIARY where you'll note how the aromas evolve over the course of the tasting, particularly during transitions between the different thirds of the cigar. This will help you to track the evolution of your olfactory palette and compare different cigars more objectively.

Enrich your tasting experience with retro-olfaction

Retro-olfaction is a powerful tool for cigar aficionados who wish tohone their palate and perceive the full aromatic richness of their favorite modules. By learning to master this technique, it's possible to access a whole new dimension of tasting, where each puff reveals unsuspected nuances and subtleties.

Remember that mastering retro-olfaction takes time and practice. Be patient, experiment with different techniques and don't hesitate to share your experiences with other enthusiasts. With perseverance, you'll develop a greater sensitivity to aromas and enrich your tasting experience considerably.

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