Do You Inhale Cigars? Understanding the Proper Way to Smoke a Cigar

Cigars have been enjoyed for centuries as a symbol of celebration, relaxation, and luxury. However, for many beginners, the question often arises: Do you inhale cigars? Unlike cigarettes, which are typically inhaled, cigars are generally not meant to be inhaled. In this blog post, we’ll explore why cigars aren’t usually inhaled, how to smoke them properly, and the effects inhaling cigar smoke can have on your body.

Why Don’t You Inhale Cigars?

Cigars are designed to be enjoyed differently than cigarettes. The process of smoking a cigar focuses more on savoring the flavors and aromas rather than quickly satisfying a nicotine craving. Here are a few key reasons why inhaling cigars is not common:

1. Tobacco Strength and Volume

Cigars contain much more tobacco than cigarettes, which leads to a higher nicotine content and stronger smoke. Inhaling cigar smoke can be overwhelming and harsh on the lungs due to the density and concentration of chemicals. Cigars are typically made with high-quality tobacco that produces rich and complex flavors, which can be appreciated without needing to inhale.

2. Nicotine Content

Cigars contain a much higher nicotine concentration than cigarettes. A full-size cigar can contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. Since nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth, you don’t need to inhale cigar smoke to feel the effects of nicotine. Absorbing nicotine this way can still provide a satisfying experience without overwhelming your system.

3. Health Considerations

Inhaling cigar smoke increases your exposure to harmful chemicals and carcinogens, leading to a greater risk of lung damage, cancer, and other health issues. Although cigars are not without risk when smoked normally, avoiding inhalation reduces the direct exposure of the lungs to toxic chemicals.

The Proper Way to Smoke a Cigar

If you’re new to cigars, you might be unsure about the best way to smoke them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to enjoying a cigar without inhaling:

1. Cut the Cigar

Before lighting your cigar, you’ll need to cut the cap (the closed end) with a cigar cutter. Make a clean cut just above the cap line to create an opening that allows you to draw in air and smoke. Be careful not to cut too much, as this can unravel the cigar.

2. Light the Cigar

To properly light a cigar, use a torch lighter or wooden matches. Hold the flame just below the foot (the open end) of the cigar while rotating it slowly to ensure an even burn. Once the cigar is evenly lit, blow on the embers to help establish a steady burn.

3. Draw and Puff

When smoking a cigar, you should gently draw the smoke into your mouth and savor the flavors. Take slow, controlled puffs, allowing the smoke to linger in your mouth before exhaling. Do not inhale the smoke into your lungs. The goal is to taste the complexity of the tobacco and enjoy the experience, not to absorb the smoke deeply.

4. Pace Yourself

Cigar smoking is a slow, leisurely process. Take your time between puffs to avoid overheating the cigar, which can lead to a bitter taste. Puffing too quickly can also make the smoke hotter and more difficult to enjoy.

5. Exhale the Smoke

After holding the smoke in your mouth briefly, exhale it without inhaling. Focus on the flavors, aromas, and overall experience of the cigar, rather than rushing through it.

What Happens If You Inhale a Cigar?

While most experienced cigar smokers avoid inhaling, it’s worth noting what can happen if you do inhale cigar smoke, whether intentionally or accidentally:

1. Harshness on the Lungs

Cigar smoke is denser and more intense than cigarette smoke, so inhaling it can cause discomfort, coughing, and irritation in the lungs and throat. For many people, inhaling cigar smoke is an unpleasant experience due to its strength.

2. Increased Nicotine Absorption

Inhaling cigar smoke introduces large amounts of nicotine into the body very quickly, which can lead to dizziness, nausea, and even nicotine poisoning. Since cigars contain much more nicotine than cigarettes, inhaling can overwhelm your system, especially if you’re not used to high doses of nicotine.

3. Health Risks

Inhaling cigars greatly increases the risk of developing respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It also heightens the risk of heart disease and other serious health conditions. While cigars are still risky even if not inhaled, inhaling them can lead to more significant long-term health issues.

The Role of Retrohaling

There’s another technique that allows cigar smokers to fully appreciate the flavor without inhaling: retrohaling. Retrohaling involves blowing a portion of the smoke out through your nose after holding it in your mouth. This technique can enhance the flavors because the olfactory senses are more sensitive than taste alone. Here’s how to retrohale safely:

1. Take a puff and hold the smoke in your mouth.
2. Close your mouth and gently exhale a small portion of the smoke through your nose.
3. Be careful not to inhale while doing this, as retrohaling should only involve exhaling the smoke through the nasal passage.

Retrohaling isn’t for everyone and should be done sparingly, but it can bring out subtler notes in the cigar’s flavor profile.

Do Cigar Smokers Ever Inhale?

While most cigar smokers avoid inhaling, there are exceptions. Some smokers who are used to inhaling cigarettes might naturally inhale cigars as well, but this is not recommended due to the higher risks associated with cigar smoke. New cigar smokers, in particular, may accidentally inhale out of habit, but over time, they usually learn to enjoy cigars without doing so.

Conclusion: Do You Inhale Cigars?

No, you don’t typically inhale cigars. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are meant to be smoked slowly and enjoyed for their flavor, not inhaled into the lungs. Inhaling cigar smoke can lead to an uncomfortable experience, increased nicotine absorption, and higher health risks. Instead, cigar smokers savor the rich and complex flavors of the tobacco by holding the smoke in their mouth and then exhaling without inhaling deeply.

Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or new to the hobby, it’s essential to understand the proper smoking technique to fully enjoy the experience while minimizing health risks.