I cannot pick out subtle flavors in cigars or wines. In that sense, I share the opinion of most of you, that this is not necessary to know that you have enjoying yourself. However, for those of you who are technically minded, it is a fact that there are groups of chemical compounds (such as esters), which are produced by plants, and do lead to the real perception of things like fruit flavors in wines and beer hops (and, I would guess cigars). These compounds, are detected by the sense of smell, and if sampled in their pure form, have a very distinct character of bananas, plums, berries, etc.... This is not a coincidence; it is because, these are the same compounds that are found in high concentration in banannas, etc... I just assume that my sense of smell is not as good as others. My wife has a highly sensitive "taste", which I am a little envious of. But, it is a scientific fact that women in general have more sensitive pallets. So...even though I cannot readily detect these subtlties, it would just be ignorant of me to therefore assume that it does not exist, and it would be limited for me to not keep my mind open to these things while I enjoy my smokes.