If you’re new to the world of cigars, it’s natural to wonder: do you inhale cigars like you do with cigarettes? The short answer is no, cigars are not meant to be inhaled. Inhaling cigar smoke can be harsh, unpleasant, and even harmful, especially for beginners. In this post, we’ll explain why you don’t inhale cigars, what happens if you do, and how to enjoy a cigar the proper way.
Do You Inhale Cigars?
Cigar smoking is a completely different experience to smoking cigarettes. While cigarette smoke is usually inhaled into the lungs, cigar smoke is meant to be drawn into the mouth, tasted, and then exhaled. You enjoy the flavours and aromas through your palate, not through deep inhalation.
Premium cigars are made with whole tobacco leaves and are typically much stronger and more full-bodied than cigarettes. This makes inhaling not only unnecessary but also unpleasant for most people.
Why Don’t You Inhale Cigars?
There are a few key reasons why cigar smokers avoid inhaling:
Strength and Nicotine Levels
Cigars are made with whole tobacco leaves and so contain significantly more tobacco than cigarettes; even a small cigar can pack in much more nicotine. Inhaling that much nicotine directly into the lungs can lead to dizziness, nausea, and even nicotine poisoning.
The Enjoyment is in the Flavour
Cigars are all about the flavour experience. The blends, ageing, and craftsmanship all contribute to complex flavour notes, like spice, earth, coffee, cedar, or leather. By drawing the smoke into your mouth, you can fully appreciate these nuances. Inhaling bypasses your taste buds and ruins the experience.
It’s Harsh on the Lungs
Cigar smoke is thicker, stronger, and more alkaline than cigarette smoke. It’s simply not designed for lung inhalation. Cigar smokers rarely, if ever, inhale, and those who try often regret it!
What Happens If You Inhale a Cigar?
Inhaling a cigar can cause some uncomfortable side effects, especially if you’re not used to strong tobacco. Here’s what you might experience:
Coughing and Irritation
The most immediate reaction is likely to be a coughing fit or a burning sensation in the lungs. The dense, heavy smoke isn’t filtered like a cigarette, making it much harsher on your respiratory system.
Nicotine Rush or Sickness
Even without inhaling, cigars can deliver a lot of nicotine through the lining of your mouth. If you do inhale, the sudden rush can lead to light-headedness, nausea, or, in severe cases, vomiting and headaches.
So, do you inhale cigars? The answer is a firm no. Whether you’re enjoying a robust Nicaraguan blend or a smooth Connecticut wrapper, cigars are meant to be savoured. Draw the smoke into your mouth, let the flavours linger, and slowly exhale. That’s how you get the full cigar experience.
Check out our full guide to smoking cigars to discover more about the best ways to prepare and smoke a cigar:
If you’re just starting out, take your time, choose a milder cigar, and focus on flavour over strength. You’ll appreciate cigars much more when you enjoy them the way they’re meant to be enjoyed.
