What is retrohaling?

If you’ve been around cigars for any length of time, you’ve no doubt heard the terms “retrohale” and “retrohaling” being thrown around. But what exactly does that mean? In this email, we take a closer look at what retrohaling is, how to do it, and why anyone would even want to. 

What is retrohaling?

Retrohale, or retrohaling, is a term used by experienced cigar smokers to describe the process of blowing a portion of the smoke through your nose. This method engages your taste buds in a way that traditional puffing doesn’t.

How Retrohaling Enhances the Cigar Smoking Experience?

In last week’s email, we touched briefly on retrohaling. If you missed that email, you can find it [here]. We talked about how to get the most from the palate when smoking a cigar—the full range of flavors to be enjoyed, which include sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami (savory). In that email, we touched briefly on retrohaling.

So what’s the deal with retrohaling, and why do smokers do it? The exercise of retrohaling adds another dimension to the cigar smoking experience. It allows you to combine your sense of taste with your sense of smell.

When you exhale smoke through your nose, it travels down through your nasal cavity, activating the olfactory bulb—a large nerve that extends from the top of your nose and connects directly to your brain. When you breathe cigar smoke through your nose, it adds a significant amount of flavor and intensity, revealing hidden notes you might otherwise miss—especially in complex blends like the ADVentura The Explorer, which offers layers of earth, spice, and dark chocolate.

How do you retrohale?

For some people, retrohaling properly takes a lot of practice, but with others, it comes easily. The simple way to retrohale is by simply drawing the smoke into your mouth and blowing some of it through your nose with pressure from your lungs. This is made easier by pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth as you’re blowing out.

If retrohaling doesn’t come easily, take it slow. Try it one or two times per cigar until you master it. Trust me, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts. Just be careful not to inhale the smoke into your lungs. 

Notes on retrohaling...

I typically do this only two or three times per cigar. It isn’t necessary with each puff. I also find it easier to do with mild or medium cigars that have a bit of spice. This may prove true for you as well, especially if you’re just starting out on your experimentation with retrohaling.

If you're new to retrohaling, reach for something smooth and approachable, like the Acid Blondie Belicoso. Its mellow sweetness and aromatic profile make it a great introduction without overwhelming the senses.

Some strong cigars can overwhelm when retrohaled, so go easy if you're still learning. For a medium-bodied option that delivers balanced complexity, the Aladino Connecticut is another great stick to practice with. Its creamy texture and subtle spice come alive through the nose.

But with the right balance, you’ll begin to notice subtle notes of flavor and texture that transform an ordinary puff into an enjoyable experience.

For first-time retrohalers, this method can be a real game changer, revealing the complex character of a cigar in ways you may never have imagined. Give it a try and pay attention to the aroma as it mixes with the taste. You just might discover a new appreciation for your favorite sticks.

Got questions? As always, we’re here to help and offer our support, no matter where you are on your journey of cigar discovery.