Why lemon, lime (and alcohol) are effective at cleansing the palate

Monday, November 29 1999

Q. I recently read your blog on cleansing the palate before smoking a cigar. My question is, why are citrus drinks like Bitter Lemon good for doing this?
- Ramon in San Antonio

A. For the answer to this question, allow me to refer to an email I received on that blog from my SocialCigar.com friend, Robert Meyn:

"It's basically the same reason I use Bourbon/water/lime twist (and not too strong on the bourbon) as my "smoking" drink: both alcohol and acids (citric specifically with lemon or lime) are solvents (polar protic solvents to be exact) i.e. they dissolve things that might by adhering to the inside of your mouth and blocking your taste buds. Dang, I'm glad that minor in chemistry finally paid off." - Robert