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Cigarillos have occupied a fascinating niche in the tobacco world for centuries—sized between cigarettes and traditional cigars, they offer a distinctive smoking experience that draws both curiosity and controversy. As with larger cigars, there’s an ongoing debate about whether you should actually inhale cigarillos. Many new smokers wonder if it’s safe if it’s customary, and how it might affect flavor, nicotine consumption, or overall enjoyment.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to explore cigarillos. You’ll thoroughly understand how to inhale cigarillos or simply enjoy them for their nuanced flavors—while also gaining insight into their cultural and social context. Let’s begin!

Do You Inhale Cigarillos?

Regarding tobacco products, especially cigarillos, one of the most frequently asked questions is: “Do you inhale cigarillos?” Although cigarette smokers often inhale by default, traditional cigar aficionados typically advise against inhaling. Here are a few reasons why:

• Strength and Flavor: Cigarillos are generally made from different blends of tobacco than standard cigarettes, often resulting in a stronger flavor and a higher nicotine content. Inhaling that concentrated smoke can feel harsher on the throat and lungs.
• Health Concerns: Any form of tobacco smoke carries potential health risks. However, when you inhale cigarillos, those risks can increase due to the density of the tobacco and the potential for additional chemical additives, depending on the brand.

Cigarillos, like larger cigars, are meant to be enjoyed by puffing and relishing the taste rather than drawing smoke deeply into the lungs. Regardless, some individuals still inhale cigarillos by personal choice, so it depends on your preference and understanding of the associated risks.

How Are You Supposed To Smoke a Cigarillo?

Learning how to smoke cigarillos can feel like learning a delicate art. While the overall steps resemble those of larger cigars, cigarillos come in more compact sizes and sometimes have filters.

• Cut or Pinch the Tip: Many cigarillos come pre-cut or with a filtered tip, eliminating the need for specialized cutting. However, for certain hand rolled cigarillos, you may need to snip off the closed end or pinch it slightly to create a comfortable draw.
• Toast and Light Evenly: Using a butane lighter or a match, hold the flame close to the foot of the cigarillo (the open end) and rotate it gently. Toasting the tobacco first helps produce an even burn and unlocks more flavor. Once you see the edges glowing, take a few puffs while continuing to apply heat until the foot is lit evenly.
• Puff, Don’t Inhale: Unless you consciously decide to inhale cigarillos (which we’ll address in more detail throughout this article), you typically want to puff and savor the taste in your mouth. This is similar to smoking a larger cigar: gently draw the smoke in, relish the flavor, and exhale.
• Pace Yourself: Cigarillos are smaller than premium cigars, but they can still pack a punch. Puffing too quickly may cause overheating, which can lead to a sharp, bitter taste. Aim for a slow, steady cadence that lets you enjoy the flavors while reducing any harshness.

If you’re still uncertain about technique, watch a few experienced cigarillo smokers or browse a few online tutorials on how to smoke cigarillos without inhaling. You’ll pick it up in no time.

What’s the Point of Smoking Cigarillos?

Cigarillos are sometimes dismissed as simply small, convenient alternatives to regular cigars, but there’s more to the story. After all, some might say they’re simply “smaller cigars” or “thicker cigarettes.” In reality, there are multiple reasons why many smokers—and even non-daily smokers—appreciate them:

• Flavor Exploration: Many types of cigarillos come in different wrappers and fillings that produce various flavor profiles. From mild, sweet notes to robust, earthy undertones, the compact size concentrates these tastes in a quick session.
• Social Element: Smoking a cigarillo can be a social activity, akin to enjoying cigars & cigarillos during a celebratory event or casual gathering. Unlike a long, leisurely cigar session, a cigarillo can fit into a shorter break and still provide a communal experience.
• Convenience: Cigarillos are compact, easy to transport, and don’t usually require the same cutting and lighting routines as large cigars. They’re faster to smoke, making them appealing to those who want a shorter session.

The purpose behind smoking cigarillos comes down to personal enjoyment, flavor preference, social engagement, and nicotine satisfaction. Some people love that mini-cigar experience; others see it as a functional halfway point between cigarettes and large cigars.

Is a Cigarillo Safe Since It Is Not Inhaled?

The short answer: No, not entirely. The perception that cigarillos are significantly safer stems from how some people compare cigarillos vs cigarettes—the logic being that if you don’t inhale, you avoid many negative health consequences. However, there are several misconceptions wrapped up in this idea:

• System through the mucous membranes in your mouth: Cigarillos often contain equal or even higher amounts of nicotine compared to regular cigarettes. That means you still absorb potentially addictive levels of nicotine.
• Misconception of Light Smoking: Some cigarillo smokers believe that since the session is shorter or since the cigarillo is “mini,” they’re not ingesting as many harmful substances. In reality, shorter sessions can still involve potent levels of nicotine and tar, especially if you’re smoking multiple cigarillos a day.
• Depth of Draw: Even without a deliberate deep inhale, a small amount of smoke can still make its way into your lungs. Passive inhalation (or secondhand smoke in enclosed spaces) can also contribute to health risks.

In short, cigarillos are not automatically safe just because they’re not fully inhaled. The health implications remain, though the extent can vary depending on frequency and personal habits. As with any tobacco product, moderate or limited use is advisable if you decide to smoke at all.

Do Cigarillos Get You Buzzed?

The answer generally is “Yes, they can.” The reason lies in the nicotine concentration found in cigarillos:

• Nicotine Potency: Nicotine is the primary psychoactive substance in tobacco that causes the “buzz.” Depending on the blend and brand, a single cigarillo may contain as much or more nicotine than a typical cigarette. Therefore, whether you inhale cigarillos or just hold the smoke in your mouth, you can still feel that heady sensation.
• Tolerance and Frequency: The more frequently you smoke, the higher your nicotine tolerance. First-time or infrequent smokers might experience a stronger buzz from a cigarillo, while seasoned smokers may find the sensation less pronounced.
• Smoking Technique: Inhaling deeply will generally increase nicotine absorption. However, even “no-inhale” puffing can deliver a pleasant tingle or relaxing effect, especially if you smoke on an empty stomach or without a tolerance built up.

It’s not uncommon for people who transition from cigarettes to cigarillos to underestimate how strong they can be—especially if they inhale cigarillos the same way they once inhaled cigarettes. This is just one more reason to approach cigarillos with caution and respect.

Considering a Cigar Humidor

A common question that arises once you get into cigarillos is storage. If you find a particular brand or blend you really enjoy, you’ll likely want to keep it fresh for the best taste and aroma. This is where a cigar humidor comes in. Although often associated with large premium cigars, a humidor can be equally beneficial for cigars & cigarillos of all sizes. Proper humidity and temperature control help preserve the tobacco’s natural oils, ensuring each smoke is as good as the last one.

• Flavor Preservation: By maintaining a stable humidity level, a humidor stops the tobacco from drying out or becoming overly moist. You’ll retain the nuances in flavor that make each brand special—whether you’re sampling popular favorites like moods cigarillos, trying out a new line of Marlboro cigarillos, or storing a pack of sterling cigarillos you’ve come to appreciate.
• Longevity: A humidor allows you to buy in bulk without worrying about your stash deteriorating. This can be especially handy if you’re comparing different brands of cigarillos or exploring various flavor profiles and want to store them for future sampling.
• Investment Protection: High-quality hand-rolled cigarillos or top-tier cigarillo lines can carry a heftier price tag, so a humidor ensures that investment doesn’t go to waste.
• Social Impression: If you often host guests or simply enjoy showing off your collection, a humidor adds a touch of sophistication and expertise to your setup. It’s also a conversation starter, bridging the social aspect of smoking cigarillos with the functional need to keep them in peak condition.

Therefore, whether you typically inhale cigarillos or just savor them for their flavor, investing in a humidor is a natural next step if you’re serious about maintaining quality. It’s a subtle yet highly impactful way to upgrade your overall smoking experience.

Summary

Cigarillos strike a balance between convenience and sophistication. They let you explore complex tobacco flavors without committing to the lengthier ritual of a full cigar. For some enthusiasts, the quick burst of nicotine is the biggest draw. For others, it’s all about savoring the layered notes of the tobacco or bonding with fellow smokers in a relaxed, social setting.

Whatever your approach, remain mindful of the potential health implications. Not all smokers choose to inhale cigarillos, and there are valid reasons—ranging from tradition and flavor to the desire to minimize exposure. Yet if you do inhale, understand that cigarillos can be quite potent. Above all, consider a Mozsly Cigar Humidor if you want to keep your cigarillos at their best.