Why Cigars Are Not Meant to Be Inhaled. A ritual, not a habit
- gpgrantswiss
- Sep 23, 2005
- 4 min read
A Cigar Is Not a Cigarette
To the uninitiated, a cigar may seem like just a large cigarette. But that’s a major misconception.
A cigarette is a quick fix for nicotine hunger.
A cigar is a ritual — a philosophy, a form of contemplation.
Cigarettes are made from chopped tobacco mixed with chemicals that make burning easier and smoother.
A premium cigar, however, is crafted entirely from whole tobacco leaves that have undergone long fermentation.
It has no filter, no chemical additives, and no combustion enhancers. Each leaf plays its role — from the wrapper to the binder — creating a complex and rich aroma.
Smoking a cigar is not an act of consuming nicotine. It’s an act of enjoyment — like comparing a quick espresso on the go to a full tea ceremony.

Why cigars are not inhaled
The First Rule for Beginners — Don’t Inhale
This rule often confuses newcomers. But it’s not about prohibition.
It’s not “you mustn’t” — it’s “there’s no point and it’s harmful.”
Cigar tobacco is many times stronger than cigarette tobacco.
The leaves used for rolling are fermented and packed with essential oils, aromatic compounds, and nicotine.
Trying to draw the smoke into your lungs triggers an immediate physical reaction — coughing, dizziness, nausea, and weakness.
It’s not about a ban. It’s about common sense.
The Price of a Mistake
Even one deep puff can ruin your evening and your appreciation of cigars for a long time.
Your lungs are not built for such dense, concentrated smoke — they respond with a violent coughing fit.
And that’s just the beginning.
More serious are the systemic effects of nicotine intoxication:
dizziness and nausea;
weakness and cold sweat;
rapid heartbeat and trembling hands;
throat irritation lasting for hours.
If you keep inhaling for 30–40 minutes, the consequences will be harsh — and the pleasure completely gone.
For Flavor, Not Nicotine
The meaning of a cigar lies in savoring its taste and aroma, not in absorbing nicotine.
Smoking a cigar is a dialogue with tobacco — not a fight against it.
When you hold the smoke in your mouth, your taste buds can recognize every layer of flavor: from sweet cedar notes to earthy and chocolate undertones.
Inhaling the smoke destroys this experience — it rushes straight to your lungs, and the ritual loses its soul.
A good cigar demands time and respect. It’s not a nicotine impulse — it’s an aesthetic experience.
How to Smoke a Cigar Properly
Use wooden matches or a butane torch — never a petrol lighter, which spoils the flavor.
Light the cigar evenly, rotating it above the flame.
Take a few “cold draws” from the unlit cigar to appreciate its aroma.
Savor the smoke: roll it gently in your mouth and slowly exhale through your nose.
Don’t tap off the ash — a firm ash column (2–3 cm) cools the smoke and softens the taste.
Why You Shouldn’t Relight a Burnt-Out Cigar
After burning and cooling, chemical changes occur inside the tobacco. Relighting a cold cigar releases bitterness and a burnt, unpleasant odor.
If your cigar goes out — it’s fine. You can relight it within the first five minutes without losing flavor.
But wait longer, and it’s over: the tobacco absorbs moisture, resins solidify, and when relit, the taste turns harsh, acrid, and smoky.
It’s better to leave an unfinished cigar than to ruin your impression.
Remember: a cigar is not fast consumption — it’s a matter of respect.

Can You Inhale Cigarillos?
Light cigarillos or slim cigars occasionally allow for a shallow draw. But even here, moderation is key.
After each puff, take two or three calm breaths to avoid overloading your lungs.
Myths and Realities of Harm
Some believe that smoking “without inhaling” reduces nicotine intake. In truth, nicotine and tar are still absorbed through the mouth’s mucous membranes — the difference is that the smoke doesn’t reach the lungs directly.
So yes, cigars are still harmful — but they don’t deliver the same direct impact to the respiratory system.
For the true aficionado, the focus isn’t on health claims — it’s on flavor, aroma, and respect for the craft of tobacco.
Intensity and the Physical Side
A cigar burns slowly, releasing dense, flavorful smoke.
One session can last from half an hour to an hour. To inhale such smoke, you’d need lungs “like an elephant’s.”
The intensity increases nicotine absorption, sometimes causing a mild, drunken feeling — but that’s not the goal.
The real purpose is relaxation, meditation, and pure enjoyment of the moment.

You Can — But You Shouldn’t
Technically, yes, you can inhale cigar smoke. Practically, you shouldn’t.
You’ll ruin the experience, possibly harm your health, and waste a fine cigar.
A cigar is not designed for nicotine intake — it’s meant for pleasure, aroma, and atmosphere.

Aficionado’s Advice
Why cigars are not inhaled?
Smoke slowly. Don’t rush, don’t inhale, don’t relight a cold cigar.
Respect the tobacco, and it will reward you with soft smoke, even burning, and deep relaxation.
A cigar is a conversation with yourself — not a contest with the tobacco.























