Retrohaling
Retrohaling is a cigar smoking technique in which the smoker gently exhales a portion of the smoke through the nose (nasal passages) instead of the mouth. This method activates the olfactory receptors, which are directly connected to how the brain perceives flavor—providing a more intense, nuanced, and complete tasting experience.
Retrohaling does not involve inhaling the smoke into the lungs. Instead, it’s about redirecting the smoke from the mouth, through the nasal cavity, and out the nose—without passing it down the throat.
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Why Retrohaling Enhances Flavor
Roughly 70–80% of flavor perception comes from smell. When smoke passes through the nose, the olfactory system detects aromatic compounds that the tongue alone cannot.
Benefits of retrohaling include:
- Stronger detection of pepper, spice, cedar, floral, and herbal notes
- Improved awareness of the cigar’s complexity and transitions
- Better understanding of a cigar’s strength and nicotine intensity
- A deeper sensory experience, especially for medium to full-bodied cigars
“Retrohaling reveals flavors your tongue alone will miss.”
— Cigar Journal – Retrohale Like a Pro
How to Retrohale (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Take a slow puff and let the smoke rest in your mouth
Step 2: Close your mouth and begin exhaling gently through your nose
Step 3: Use your throat and soft palate to push the smoke from the mouth cavity through the nasal passages
Step 4: Release the smoke fully—don’t rush, and avoid inhaling into the lungs
Important: Retrohaling takes practice. Start slowly, with just a small amount of smoke, and use milder cigars until you’re comfortable.
Best Cigars for Retrohaling
Some cigars are better suited for retrohaling due to their balance of strength and complexity. Ideal choices include:
- Medium-bodied blends with rich aroma (e.g., Ecuadorian Habano wrappers)
- Aged cigars with mellowed strength and developed flavor
- Spicy or pepper-forward cigars (retrohaling intensifies those notes)
Avoid retrohaling on harsh, young, or overly strong cigars until you've built tolerance and technique.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inhaling instead of redirecting — retrohaling is not inhalation
- Trying to retrohale too much smoke at once
- Forcing smoke too hard, which can burn the nasal cavity
- Using full-bodied cigars before mastering the basics
Is Retrohaling Necessary?
No, retrohaling isn’t required—but it’s a valuable tool for those who want to fully appreciate the depth of a cigar’s flavor. Many seasoned smokers retrohale occasionally throughout a cigar to:
- Track how the flavor evolves from third to third
- Gauge strength or body
- Enjoy flavor bursts otherwise missed during normal puffing
Citation: Cigar Aficionado – Retrohale 101
Related Glossary Entries
Summary
Retrohaling is a skill that opens up a deeper, more aromatic dimension of cigar smoking. It’s not just for experts—any smoker can learn it with time and care. By retrohaling, you tap into the full potential of what the cigar maker intended, experiencing the blend's complexity in its truest form.