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Cigar smoking is often seen as a way to relax and enjoy life’s finer moments. Unlike cigarette smokers, most cigar smokers enjoy cigars without inhaling the smoke. How then do they enjoy smoking, you may ask. By focusing on the flavor and aroma of the cigar, a feeling that most describe as pretty satisfying.  

 

However, this does not mean that cigar smoke can never be inhaled. In fact, when cigar smoke is inhaled, either by choice or accident, it can create a much more intense smoking experience.

 

Have you ever wondered what happens if you inhale a cigar and whether or not you should inhale one? In this guide, we will open your eyes to the things that you will likely feel, should you ever inhale a cigar. We’d also provide tips on how to inhale a cigar, so you can learn to do it like a pro.

 

Is Cigar Smoke Different From Cigarette Smoke?

 

Yes, cigar smoke is richer and stronger than cigarette smoke because of the way cigars are made. Unlike cigarettes, which often use processed tobacco with additives, cigars are made from whole tobacco leaves that go through a fermentation process.

 

This process helps get rid of impurities and brings out the natural flavors, making the taste bolder and richer. Fermentation also makes the aroma much stronger, giving cigars their distinctive rich scent.

 

When you inhale cigar smoke, these flavors and aromas become even more intense, making the experience more intense.

 

What Happens When You Inhale Cigar Smoke？

 

So far, we have established that cigar smoke is richer than cigarette smoke because of how cigars are made. Now, it’s time to see what it will do to you if you inhale cigar smoke. So, what happens when you inhale a cigar?

 

You Experience a Full Flavor Rush

 

When you inhale cigar smoke, the flavors become even more powerful. The notes of cedar, spice, cocoa, or earthiness stand out more because the smoke fills both your taste buds and lungs. This heightened intensity can make smoking a cigar even more enjoyable.

 

It Gives You a Nicotine Kick

 

Cigars have a high nicotine content, often much higher than cigarettes. While a single cigarette contains about 10-12 milligrams of nicotine, a large cigar can have as much as 100-200 milligrams.

 

When you inhale cigar smoke, the nicotine is absorbed more quickly into your bloodstream, leading to a stronger and faster effect. This intense nicotine kick can feel relaxing or even euphoric.

You Will Feel A Warming Sensation

 

The smoke that comes from cigars is usually very thick. When you inhale this smoke, it spreads through your chest and gives you a warm, comforting feeling. For some, this warmth makes cigar smoking feel more special.

 

The Aroma is Heightened

 

Inhaling cigar smoke allows you to get a stronger sense of its smell. As the smoke fills your lungs, the aroma trickles into your nostrils, pulling you deeper into all its notes and profiles.

 

It Helps You Relax

 

Since nicotine has calming effects, inhaling cigar smoke can help you relax. It could become an important part of your relaxation routine, whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or just taking a break from a busy day.

 

However, you need to remember that too much nicotine can cause dizziness, nausea, or discomfort, especially for beginners. So, start slowly and know when to stop.

 

 

How to Inhale a Cigar？

 

Cigar smoking is a centuries-old tradition that allows you to slow down and relax. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you enjoy smoking and inhaling your next cigar.

 

Step 1: Choose the Right Cigar

Cigars come in many sizes and strengths. If you’re just starting, go for mild cigars with lighter flavors. But if you smoke regularly, you might like stronger cigars with flavors like spice or cocoa.

 

Step 2: Inspect the Cigar

Check your cigar for any damage. A good cigar will have a smooth wrapper without cracks.

 

You can also give it a gentle squeeze between your fingers to make sure it’s firm and does not have any lumps.

 

Step 3: Cut the Cigar

Use a cigar cutter to remove the cap from the closed end of the cigar. While cutting, make sure to keep your hand straight.

 

Cutting too much can make the cigar wrapper remove, while cutting too little might block airflow and make it hard to smoke.

 

Step 4: Toast the Foot

Before lighting, toast the open end of the cigar by holding it above a flame. Make sure you don’t let the flame touch the cigar directly. Slowly rotate the cigar so that the edges are evenly toasted. This helps ensure an even burn when you light it.

 

Step 5: Light the Cigar

Once the foot is toasted, place the cigar to your lips and hold the flame near the foot. Gently puff as you rotate the cigar to light it evenly. When the cigar is fully lit, the ember should glow evenly, telling you that it’s ready to smoke.

 

Step 6: Take Slow Drags

If you choose to inhale cigar smoke, you should do it slowly and carefully. Take small drags so the smoke enters your lungs gradually. This allows you to fully enjoy the rich flavors and aromas without feeling overwhelmed.

 

Remember, cigar smoke is much stronger than cigarette smoke. So if you’re a beginner, start with a small amount and increase as you get more comfortable.

 

Step 7: Savor the Experience

Many cigars reveal new taste notes as they burn. So, as you smoke, pay attention to how the flavors change. You may also pair your cigar with a drink, like coffee or whiskey, to make the experience even better.

 

Step 8: Know When to Stop

Most people smoke a cigar until about a third of it remains. If the flavor becomes too strong or harsh, place the cigar in an ashtray and let it go out naturally. You don’t need to stub it out like a cigarette, as this can release an unpleasant odor.

 

Techniques for Smoking Cigars

Here are some simple tips to help you get more out of your cigar smoking experience:

 

Try Retrohaling

If you’re ready for a challenge, try blowing the smoke out through your nose without inhaling it. This can help you notice subtle flavors you might not pick up otherwise.

 

Take Gentle Puffs

Don’t take big, deep puffs. Instead, take slow, small ones, like you’re sipping a drink. This keeps the cigar from getting too hot, which can ruin the taste.

 

Pair It with a Drink

Enjoy your cigar even more by pairing it with a drink. Coffee, whiskey, or even sparkling water can bring out new flavors in the cigar.

 

Manage the Ash

As you smoke, the cigar will naturally develop an ash. Let the ash grow to about an inch before gently tapping it off into an ashtray. This helps maintain an even burn and prevents overheating.

 

Why should you rotate a cigar as you smoke it?

Ensuring an even burn

If the cigar is kept on the same side all the time, the bottom will burn faster than the top, resulting in an uneven burn. By rotating the cigar, the heat is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the cigar, avoiding the “canoe” type of bias burning, thus maintaining an even burn throughout the cigar.

 

Enhances taste and flavor

An even burn avoids overheating on one side, prevents the tobacco from being overcooked and producing bitter flavors, and maintains the original aroma and layering of the cigar, making the smoking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

 

Prevents Burning Problems

Rotisserie cigars also reduce the common problems of “tunnel burning” (where the center burns too fast and the outer layers are not burned out) and “cone burning” (where the outer layers burn too fast), helping to maintain a good burn with an even heat distribution of the ash.

 

Controlling the speed of combustion

Rotating the cigar at the right time in conjunction with a slow, even smoking rhythm helps to control the combustion temperature, avoiding too rapid a burn that may result in a harsh flavor or burning of the tongue.

 

Should I Inhale Cigar Smoke?

Cigars are traditionally enjoyed without inhaling. However, inhaling cigar smoke can make the experience more satisfying for some people.

 

Still, cigar smoke is so strong that inhaling it is not for everyone. It could be overwhelming for people who aren’t used to handling such nicotine levels.

 

Also, inhaling cigar smoke can cause discomforts like coughing, throat irritation, or dizziness, especially for beginners.

 

Most cigar enthusiasts agree that you shouldn’t inhale cigar smoke the way you would cigarette smoke. Cigars are meant to be savored—letting the smoke linger in your mouth allows you to appreciate the complex flavors and aromas without sending the thick, potent smoke into your lungs.

 

If you choose to inhale, start small and pay attention to how your body reacts. This will help you avoid some unpleasant effects and get more satisfaction from the experience.

 

In short, while some seasoned smokers may inhale small amounts, most people find that enjoying a cigar’s flavor without inhaling is the most pleasant and traditional way to smoke.

 

Is it safer to puff rather than inhale cigar smoke?

Yes, simply “sucking” or “puffing” cigar smoke is generally considered to be less of a health risk than inhaling cigar smoke and is more in line with the traditional way of smoking cigars. There are several reasons for this:

 

Less harmful substances enter the lungs

Cigar smoke contains more tar, nicotine and other harmful chemicals than cigarettes. Smoke stays in the mouth only when smoking, preventing it from entering the lungs directly, thus reducing the risk of lung diseases (e.g., lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

 

Reduced nicotine absorption

Although cigar smoke still contains a large amount of nicotine, when not inhaled into the lungs, nicotine is absorbed slowly mainly through the oral mucosa, at a lower rate and in lower amounts than when inhaled into the lungs, reducing the risk of addiction and health hazards.

 

Better Taste of Cigar Flavors

Cigar culture emphasizes “smoking” rather than “inhaling”, whereby the smoke lingers in the mouth, allowing the cigar’s aromas and layers to be savored, whereas inhalation can be uncomfortable due to the intensity of the smoke, which can detract from the experience.

 

Health Risks Remain, but are Low

Although not inhaling into the lungs reduces some of the risk, cigar smoke still increases the risk of mouth, throat, and esophageal cancer, and secondhand smoke can be just as harmful to the health of others.

 

Does smoking cigars have health risks even if you don’t inhale?

Even if you don’t inhale cigar smoke, there are still significant health risks associated with cigar smoking. According to leading medical authorities such as the Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigar smoke contains a large number of harmful substances, including tar, nicotine, and a variety of cancer-causing chemicals, which are absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth, even if the smoke is only retained in the mouth.

 

Cigar smoke that is not inhaled into the lungs primarily increases the risk of cancer in the mouth, throat, esophagus and vocal cords because the smoke directly contacts these tissues and releases carcinogens. In addition, nicotine can still be absorbed through the mouth, leading to nicotine dependence. Holding a cigar between your lips, even unlit, can also release nicotine and harmful substances when saliva comes in contact with the tobacco.

 

Although cigar smoke inhalers who do not inhale into their lungs have a lower risk of lung cancer than inhalers, they are still at serious risk for oral and upper respiratory diseases. Secondhand smoke from cigar smoke also contains harmful chemicals and poses a threat to the health of those around them.

 

In conclusion, not inhaling cigar smoke does not mean it is harmless, and cigar smoking still poses a variety of health risks, especially mouth and throat disorders. The safest option is to avoid all tobacco products!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Should I Store My Cigar in a Fridge?

No, you should not store cigars in a fridge. Doing this can dry the cigar out and ruin their flavor. Instead, you can make use of a humidor to keep them fresh.

 

Can I Relight a Cigar After It Goes Out?

Yes, you can relight a cigar, but first, gently tap off the ash and blow through it to clear out stale smoke. Then relight it evenly.

 

Should I Inhale Cigar Smoke?

Cigars are traditionally meant to be enjoyed by tasting the smoke in your mouth, not inhaling it into your lungs. However, if you want to enjoy a fuller experience, you can inhale cigar smoke. Just make sure to follow the guidelines we’ve provided.

 

Is Inhaling Cigar Smoke Dangerous?

Inhaling cigar smoke can increase the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, gum disease, tooth loss, and other health problems.

 

How Long Should I Wait Before Relighting a Cigar?

It’s best to re-light a cigar within 15–20 minutes of it going off to preserve its flavor. If you wait longer, it may taste stale.

 

What Happens If You Accidentally Inhale a Cigar?

If you accidentally inhale a cigar, you might cough or feel discomfort since cigar smoke is harsher than cigarette smoke. But don’t worry, you should feel better within minutes.

 

Why Does Cigar Smoke Feel Stronger Than Cigarette Smoke?

Cigar smoke contains more nicotine content than cigarette smoke. Also, it isn’t filtered and goes through more fermentation, making it much stronger and harsher than cigarette smoke.

 

Conclusion

Inhaling cigar smoke isn’t the most common way to enjoy a cigar. But by inhaling, you allow yourself to enjoy sweeter flavor profiles and relax more. If you ever decide to learn how to inhale a cigar, make sure to take your time to discover what works best for you.