Are you confused about whether to inhale cigar smoke?
We get asked this question often. Especially by new cigar smokers.
It’s not advised to inhale cigar smoke into your lungs.
Cigarette smoke is generally absorbed better in the lungs than the mouth since it is more acidic.
But cigar smoke absorbs better via the mouth membranes as it is more alkaline.
To fully immerse oneself in the cigar-smoking experience is to bask in the bouquet of flavors through your palette.
Much like a connoisseur sipping a superb wine. Rolling it on the palate and relishing the nuances.
Join us as we walk you through the labyrinth of smoking cigars.
What Happens in Case You Inhale Cigar Smoke
Most people who try inhaling cigar smoke will have a coughing fit, wheezing, headache, and chest pain.
Which ruins the pleasure of a flavorful, well-aged stogie.
Inhaling smoke into the lungs delivers no meaningful nicotine, zero added flavor, and it’s uncomfortable.
This applies whether it’s a full-sized one or a smaller cigarillo.
Powerful cigar can make you feel sick and ruin your experience.
Unlike cigarettes, a handmade cigar delivers richer, more powerful smoke.
There are several times the levels of carbon monoxide than unfiltered cigarettes.
In addition, isoprene, a colorless compound, is present in cigars and cigarettes.
It’s significantly more present in the former.
It’s a risk of developing some serious health risks.
Conversely, let the mouth (the mucus membranes, to be specific) be the absorber of nicotine when smoking a cigar.
That said, inhaling is not sensible or beneficial to the entire experience.
You’ll look like a newbie to aficionados too.
How to Smoke a Cigar Properly
Like everything else in life, you should do things the right way.
Smoking cigars has its correct way of doing it.
Indulge the Moment and Practice Soft Puff
Have you seen the occasional cigar smoker make an extravagant show of lighting their cigar?
Aim to be more understated and avoid drawing undue attention. It’s bad etiquette.
Begin your journey with a soft puff or what’s called “gentle puffs” in the cigar world.
Softly drawing in the smoke and letting it dance in your palette.
It allows your olfactory senses to benefit from it. This creates a more intense feeling.
Smoke is more delicate with light puffs, not a deep draw.
Make a little ‘O’-shaped mouth opening to expel the smoke.
Take your time between puffs to fully savor each note of the flavor.
Draw on the cigar once every minute or so.
Avoid drawing deeply because it overheats the tobacco creating more smoke.
The joy of softer puffs is that the stogie lasts longer because it burns slowly.
Also, with smaller puffs, you’ll bring the smoke into your mouth and tease your throat.
It requires practice to get it right and needs a readjusted with different-sized premium cigars too.
Retrohale: Advanced Method
Don’t confuse retrohaling with inhaling cigar smoke. They’re different things.
To deliver the full flavor profile from a seasoned stogie, it’s often necessary to retrohale.
This means to bring smoke into your mouth and expel it either through your nose.
Cigarette smokers go through an adjustment period to stop inhaling. But believe us, adapting happens fast.
Retrohaling as a beginner works best with mild cigars rather than stronger ones.
When trying it for the first time, select a brand that won’t be overwhelming.
While it enhances the taste and flavor when enjoying an aromatic stogie, it isn’t for everyone.
Some aficionados waited a while before trying it.
Additional Cigar Smoking Tips
When you’re new to the cigar-smoking world, there’s much to learn.
So you won’t want to make a blunder that shows you up.
Start with a Mild Cigar
Beginner cigar smokers should look into thicker, traditional cigars.
Why? Because they’re slow burners that don’t get as hot as a thinner cigarillo.
So, as a beginner, start slow. Do this by choosing a milder cigar. It’ll be easier on a sensitive palette.
Cigars are full-flavored, packed with tobacco, and deliver long-lasting enjoyment.
Also, pair it with a beverage to balance out an overpowering flavor.
Cutting & Lighting a Cigar
The process of cutting into the cap of the cigar needs space. Be careful not to cut too far.
This will unravel the wrapper leaf and make a mess.
A v-cutter or a punch cutter better directs the smoke.
Which we highly advised for beginner cigar smokers, as it’s hard to make a mistake.
Another option amongst many cigar cutters is the guillotine cut. You’ve seen gentlemen in the movies cutting their stogies like this.
Lighting your cigar should be done carefully and progressively to let the tobacco get warmer.
It is not something to be rushed.
Once lit, it’s best to not extinguish one and relight it later. Because it can create a bitter taste profile.
Choose a torch lighter over a soft flame if you are just starting out.
However, using cedar spills is also an old-school and elegant option.
Be a Polite Smoker
Being aware of people nearby and designated no-smoking areas allows you to be a polite smoker.
A prized stogie will lose flavor if it’s put out and relit several times. So, it pays to be mindful of others.
Also, know that the ash can safely be even two inches deep before ashing it into an ashtray.
Only inferior stogies constructed with tobacco leftovers, instead of whole leaves produce worrisome ash that’s always teetering on the edge.
Lastly, stay away from windy conditions; they’re not your friend after lighting up.
Do You Inhale Cigar Smoke FAQs
Will inhaling the cigar smoke give you a buzz?
Yes, it delivers a buzz if you inhale cigars. Nicotine is significantly higher in cigars than in cigarettes.
So, the olfactory senses take immediate notice.
Should you inhale cigar smoke if pregnant?
No. Smoking of any kind is ill-advised when pregnant.
Should you inhale Cuban cigars?
Favored Cuban cigars offer rich flavors. But they burn hotter and subsequently produce more smoke.
Therefore, hand-rolled versions of the Cubans are even less advisable to inhale.
Does cigar smoke go into your lungs even if you retrohale?
Yes, even if you retrohale, some cigar smoke may enter your lungs.
