[Mugen910]

I'm going to have to chalk it up to a few things:

1) Reputation - If a cigar has 7/10 people saying it was yummy from this year to this box then I'll try it and see if I can agree or not...This helps me determine what flavor profile I might enjoy.

2) Environment-Cigars to me always taste better when I'm around other BOTLs. Whether I'm relaxed and enjoying a cigar or wanting to relax to enjoy a cigar. This helps me determine if the mood compliments the current cigar choice.

3) Knowledge-How much do I know about cigars? Honestly, I know diddly squat...but I learn through trial and error. I'll read up some of the reviews from other folks and see if I can compare experiences.

4) Cost-Price does not always dictate quality but it is a lot easier to toss a $2-$4 cigar that not smoking well then toss something in the double digits. With that being said...I'm sure this will change eventually too...I'm learning from BOTL's that if it's not smoking well...regardless of the cost, then it just wasn't meant to be.

5) Style-I mean style in cigars. As in size and shape. I started off with cigars that were smaller is size due to time frame of smoking allowance but I've learned to save the larger cigars for herfs and have really started to enjoy different shapes and sizes from different marcas.

I'll try to summarize my thought process by saying "Yes" taste changes but so do cigars. I keep the notion that my taste buds have a profile that I will enjoy at certain times in my life...I started off with very mild when I begin this crazy hobby...Then worked my way into stronger stuff because I wanted to push the limits of my stomach and sinus (snorking)...currently I'm at a stage where hints of chocolate and hazelnuts fancy my taste pallet with slight changes in the smoke dimensions. Maybe in the future I'll enjoy the most complex of cigars and fully appreciate the craftsmanship.

I don't think I'll ever be the "I only smoke this brand" cigar lover...because that will just limit my experiences of enjoying fine cigars.

Sorry for the rambling but I hope this wasn't too confusing.