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Cigars have always been associated with sophistication, relaxation, or celebration. Experiencing premium cigars for the first time or offering new space in this entirely glamorous world, a common question arises, “are you supposed to inhale a cigar?”

Well, watch a cigar smoker. Just because you find the smoke blowing out of their nostrils does not mean they are inhaling it through their lungs. It hangs around in the mouth, and instead of expelling it right away, it is savored. 

You would breathe a cigar in your mouth—why, and what happens when it goes into your lungs? What is even more beneficial about the experience than not inhaling it fully?

Let’s break it down.

Do You Inhale Cigar Smoke?

The short answer? No, you do not inhale cigar smoke. Cigars have never been meant to be inhaled as deeply as cigarettes. Cigars are specially made for their rich, mature-aged flavors and essences only.

There are a few key reasons why cigar tobacco isn’t meant to be inhaled:

• Very strong tobacco – Cigars are made from aged, cured tobacco, which has been fermented for a very strong taste.
• Unfiltered smoke – Cigars do not have filters and hence, don’t smooth out searing intake like cigarettes do.
• Nicotine is absorbed differently – Cigar smokers do not consume nicotine through the lungs, but instead, it is internally absorbed. 

Few would ever inhale, even among the many enthusiasts who have been enjoying cigars for years. They are just into the flavor, aroma, and, most of all, the relaxation that comes with a well-rolled, premium-grade cigar. 

What Happens if You Inhale a Cigar?

Inhaling cigar smoke can be a very harsh experience. Especially for those new to cigars. The smoke is thicker, unfiltered, and more concentrated than cigarette smoke, so inhaling it has nasty effects.

Here’s what happens when you inhale a cigar:

Cigars are meant to be tasted and smelled, not to be inhaled like cigarettes. But if you do take in some cigar smoke mistakenly or through habit, it can provoke some rather unpleasant and potentially risky side effects. Here’s a more detailed look:

1. Intense Coughing and Throat Irritation

Cigar smoke is thick, dense, and unfiltered, much stronger than cigarette smoke. When it gets into one’s lungs, it feels like taking a harsh gulp of whiskey straight from the bottle. The thick smoke irritates the soft, very fine lining right after it goes into the throat, causing a burning sensation, and initiating a violent coughing when inhaled.

When you inhale that, you feel as if your throat has been on fire, leaving behind a scratchy and dry feeling that can linger long after the exhaled smoke is gone. It also causes hoarseness or difficulty in speaking when you inhale too much.

2. Dizziness and Nausea

One of the biggest jolts first-time cigar smokers experience is the sudden hit of nicotine. Now, one might ask, do cigars have nicotine? Well, while cigarettes offer barely respectable amounts of nicotine, cigars hold immense quantities that, if the worst comes to the worst, may even contain as much nicotine as one entire pack of cigarettes in one cigar.

When inhaled, the nicotine rapidly enters your bloodstream through the lungs, causing:

• A sudden head rush or lightheadedness
• Dizziness, feeling disoriented or off balance
• Nausea or stomach discomfort

If you inhale too much, you might even feel cold sweats, weakness, or the urge to vomit—a sensation often referred to as “nicotine sickness.” This effect is much stronger with cigars because they are designed to be absorbed slowly through the mouth rather than quickly through the lungs.

3. Overpowering Nicotine Absorption

Cigars do not require the necessity to inhale. Nicotine is absorbed naturally through the mucous membranes of your mouth. Even without bringing the smoke in, an enjoyable resonance of nicotine from a good cigar will happen.

But when you inhale, you absorb nicotine at an extreme rate, which can cause:

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Excessive sweating
• A feeling of overstimulation

Inhaling usually makes newer spirits dizzy and unpleasant. Even well-experienced smokers do not do it because it ruins the easy, pleasant experience that cigars are supposed to give.

4. Increased Health Risks

While cigars already come with certain health risks, inhaling makes those risks significantly worse. Regular inhalation of cigar smoke increases the chances of:

• Lung disease – Cigar smoke contains high levels of tar and carcinogens, which can be serious to the lungs, such as the development of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer in case of being in contact with smoke very often.
• Throat cancer – The ‘burning’ effect of cigar smoke is capable of causing continuous and cumulative irritation to the throat and larynx. Thus, the risk of throat and esophageal cancer increases.
• Heart complications – Because of cigars’ high nicotine content, if a person inhales the cigar smoke, one can expect to experience high blood pressure, palpitations, and an increased risk of stroke while smoking.

There is a difference in the smoking habits of cigarette smokers and cigar smokers, the latter not having a habit of frequent inhalation, which proves why there are lower chances of lung diseases in the latter. It is quite minor if not the same where; those who do inhale are usually at the same risk as those who smoke heavy cigarettes, if not worse.

It is true that even those who are knowledgeable about smoking cigars would not do so as it affects the ability to taste, ruins what many consider to be a delightful date, and replaces it with an unwanted one.

Why Don’t You Inhale Cigars?

There are several reasons why you should avoid inhaling cigar smoke.

1. Cigars Are Meant for Flavor, Not Inhalation

Cigars are made for the enjoyment of their flavors. These rich tastes are intended to be dropped at the taste buds from earthy to woody, spicy, and even sweet without moving into the lungs.

2. Cigar Smoke is Much Stronger Than Cigarette Smoke

It should be noted that, unlike a cigarette, a cigar is made exclusively of antique and ripened tobacco. Such varieties produce an even more intense smoke, which makes them stiff and unsuitable for full-body inhalation.

3. Nicotine is Absorbed Through the Mouth

Cigars require inhalation to have an effect; it does not matter if you inhale. Any nicotine absorbed will be absorbed through the mucous membrane, which can be a more gentle type of drug release mechanism as opposed to the quick hit.

4. Inhalation Can Lead to Health Risks

Cigars already come with health risks, but inhaling can significantly increase them. While cigar smokers typically take fewer puffs compared to cigarette smokers, deep lung inhalation exposes the body to much higher levels of harmful chemicals.

5. Inhaling Can Ruin the Experience

The beauty of a cigar-smoking experience is in its ritual—taking slow draws, rolling the smoke in your mouth, and appreciating its complexity. Inhaling turns this slow, enjoyable activity into something harsh and unpleasant.

What’s the Point of Smoking a Cigar If You Don’t Inhale?

Some might wonder: If you don’t inhale a cigar, what’s the point of smoking one? The answer lies in the experience, craftsmanship, and flavors rather than just the nicotine rush.

Here’s why people smoke cigars:

• For the rich, complex flavors, a premium cigar can have deep, layered notes of chocolate, spice, wood, leather, and even coffee.
• For relaxation – Smoking a cigar is a slow, meditative ritual that can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
• For the social aspect – Cigars are often enjoyed during celebrations, gatherings, and special occasions.
• For the craftsmanship – Unlike mass-produced cigarettes, cigars are often hand-rolled, making each one unique.

Cigars aren’t about quick satisfaction but about appreciating tradition, craftsmanship, and the full-bodied flavors of aged tobacco leaves.

How to Properly Smoke a Cigar Without Inhaling?

If you want to enjoy a cigar-smoking experience fully, follow these steps:

1. Pick the right cigar – Beginners should start with a mild cigar before moving to stronger, full-bodied ones.
2. Cut the cigar properly – Use a sharp cigar cutter to remove the cap cleanly, ensuring an easy draw.
3. Light it correctly – Use a butane torch or cedar matches to avoid altering the cigar’s flavors.
4. Take slow, gentle puffs – Draw the smoke into your mouth, let it linger, and then exhale.
5. Savor the experience – A cigar is meant to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Take your time and appreciate the craftsmanship.

By following these steps, you’ll enhance your cigar-smoking experience while avoiding the harsh effects of inhalation.

Final Thoughts

So, are you supposed to inhale cigars? The simple answer is no. Cigars are meant to be savored, not inhaled. Their rich tobacco flavors, slow-burning nature, and unique tradition set them apart from cigarettes. 

Instead of inhaling, the focus should be on appreciating the complex flavors, enjoying the relaxing ritual, and understanding the cultural significance of cigar smoking.

Explore Mozsly’s premium cigar humidors, cutters, and lighters today, and enjoy every smoke to the fullest!