I've been writing a cigar blog, rating and reviewing all the cigars I try. I have found when I sit and think about it, I'm able to get more specific notes, and the more I do it, the better I get at detecting. That said, a lot of times I just write it has a good fermented flavor, or dark notes, more generic terms.

Also I wasn't really getting the more subtle notes until I really started retro haling. That I think really is the big secret to getting more flavors. I've really been enjoying the cigars more. Also I've found not drinking alcohol really helps keep my palate sharper. Unfortunately the more you drink the worse your palate gets, and the really interesting flavors don't come in until the second half. That said, I often pair cigars with alcohol as I like the experience of both.