Cigar smoking is a deliberate, multi-sensory activity distinct from the rapid consumption associated with other tobacco products. The experience is centered on the controlled appreciation of aroma and flavor, transforming a simple act into a structured ritual of contemplation. Unlike the quick, deep draw of a cigarette, a cigar encourages the user to engage with the product slowly and mindfully, savoring complex tobacco flavors on the palate. This focused engagement goes beyond mere nicotine delivery.
The Preparatory Ritual
The experience begins with selecting the cigar, known by its vitola, a designation of size and shape. For example, a shorter, thicker Robusto may offer a more intense flavor profile than a longer, thinner Lonsdale. Once selected, the closed end, or cap, must be opened using a specialized tool such as a guillotine, punch, or V-cutter. The goal is to remove just enough of the cap to expose the filler tobacco and create an adequate draw, while preserving the wrapper leaf’s structural integrity.
Preparing to light the cigar involves toasting, accomplished with a clean-burning flame source like a butane lighter or a cedar spill. The cigar’s foot, or open end, is held near the flame but not directly in it, allowing the heat to gently warm and carbonize the tobacco. This gentle heating avoids scorching the wrapper, which introduces a bitter taste. The cigar is rotated slowly until the entire circumference of the foot glows evenly, ensuring a consistent burn from the first draw.
The Sensory Experience
Smoking a cigar is primarily an exercise in taste and aroma detection, as the smoke is drawn into the mouth and immediately expelled, never inhaled into the lungs. The texture of the smoke is a physical sensation, often described as velvety, creamy, or sometimes dry and peppery. A smooth texture indicates a cooler, well-paced burn. When puffed slowly, the smoke temperature remains relatively cool, preventing the harshness of an overheated stick.
The flavor profiles are complex, relying on the five basic tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami—but are dominated by aroma compounds. These secondary notes are often described as leather, cedar, earth, dark chocolate, espresso, or baking spices. To fully appreciate these subtle aromas, many experienced users practice retrohaling, gently pushing a small amount of smoke out through the nose. The nasal cavity contains more sensory receptors than the mouth, allowing for a deeper perception of the volatile aromatic compounds.
The aroma that drifts from the resting cigar, known as the room note, is distinct. This aroma, which can be rich and sweet or woody and musky, is perceived by bystanders and differs from the flavor perceived on the palate. The complexity of the flavor evolves as the cigar is smoked, changing through its first, second, and final thirds as the heat moves closer to the mouth. This constant evolution requires focused attention.
Duration, Setting, and Pace
The time commitment required is a defining characteristic of cigar smoking. Duration is dictated by the cigar’s size, or vitola. Smaller options like a Petit Corona typically last 20 to 30 minutes, while larger sizes, such as a Robusto or Churchill, demand 45 minutes to over an hour and a half, making them unsuitable for rushed occasions.
A slow, deliberate pace is paramount to fully extract the intended flavors. The general rule is one gentle puff approximately every 30 to 90 seconds, allowing the cigar to rest between draws. Puffing too frequently causes the tobacco to overheat, resulting in a bitter, acrid taste and an uneven burn line. The slow pace maintains an optimal combustion temperature, ensuring the smoke remains cool and the flavor is clean and balanced.
Cigar smoking is often associated with specific environments that encourage relaxation and contemplation. It is commonly enjoyed in social settings like lounges or patios, where the shared experience reinforces the deliberate slowing of time and allows for mental unwinding or focused conversation.
Understanding the Physical Effect
The physiological response stems from nicotine absorption, which occurs predominantly through the oral mucosa, or the lining of the mouth. The curing and fermentation of cigar tobacco results in alkaline smoke, allowing nicotine to be readily absorbed through the mouth tissues without inhalation. This mechanism is distinct from the typically acidic smoke of cigarettes.
The resulting effect is a steady and slower onset of a “nicotine buzz,” manifesting as mild lightheadedness, a sense of calm, or a gentle, stimulating lift. Since nicotine is absorbed through the mouth’s lining rather than the vast surface area of the lungs, delivery into the bloodstream is less immediate and less intense. The experience is characterized by a smooth, sustained feeling of relaxation.