Why You Shouldn't Inhale a Cigar

First, we would like to point out that there is no universally valid rule for this topic that you must absolutely follow.

What is the Difference Between Inhaling and Puffing?

When you "puff" a cigar — meaning the cigar smoke is not inhaled but moved in the mouth and then blown out through the mouth or nose — the nicotine is absorbed by the mucous membranes of the mouth. If the cigar smoke is inhaled, the nicotine enters the lungs, in the same way and as quickly as when smoking a cigarette.

It would be a lie to claim that there aren’t many cigar smokers who regularly inhale the smoke from their cigars, even though this is considered a no-go. However, the majority of aficionados do not inhale cigars, as the primary goal is to experience the flavors and aroma complexity of the cigar. It is about the sensory experience, the exploration of the variety of flavors that some cigars exhibit more distinctly and others less so. Only the palate and the nose can explore the nuances of the different tobacco flavors. This is about enjoyment, and enjoyment is rarely absorbed through the lungs.

The flavors are absorbed by the taste receptors in the mucous membranes of the mouth, and one should allow some time for them to be detected before exhaling the smoke. You can also exhale the smoke through the nose, which one cigar expert once referred to as "post-nasal." Essentially, this method of enjoyment behaves much like wine tasting, where you hold the liquid in your mouth for a while to savor the various flavors.

The taste buds in the mouth can detect flavor profiles like bitterness or sweetness. Only in combination with the sense of smell and personal experience does a full flavor experience of the cigar occur, with some aficionados perceiving flavors like coffee, chocolate, spices, or even roasted aromas. The cigar's flavors can only truly unfold when it is smoked slowly and thoughtfully.

See also here: Cutting and Lighting a Cigar

Why Shouldn't You Inhale Cigars?

The reason it's not recommended to inhale cigar smoke is rooted in the fact that a cigar typically contains between 100 and 200 milligrams of nicotine, which can even exceed 400 milligrams in stronger cigars.

In comparison, a cigarette contains only about 8 milligrams of nicotine. Therefore, a cigar is roughly equivalent to a pack of strong cigarettes. Furthermore, a cigar has no filter to retain the harmful residues of the burned tobacco, including nicotine. If the cigar were smoked with a deep inhalation, these particles would immediately enter the bronchi and then into the highly sensitive alveoli of the lungs. In the best case, this would result in a coughing fit, but in the worst case, a nicotine overdose.

Additionally, cigarettes contain over 600 different substances that are added to tobacco products and filters to make smoking more attractive or even more pleasant. By using various types of sugar, tobacco companies mask the strong tobacco taste, and menthol helps alleviate coughing and irritation.

There are different strengths of cigars depending on the origin of the tobacco. A cigar from the Dominican Republic or Honduras is milder and lighter — hence lower in nicotine content — than a cigar from Cuba or Nicaragua. Therefore, experienced smokers may find it possible to inhale the smoke of a milder cigar.

If you're curious, you can try inhaling a puff, but be prepared. The alkaline cigar smoke can quickly trigger a coughing fit. Especially non-smokers who only enjoy a cigar on special occasions should avoid inhaling and instead take the time to savor the different flavors of a good cigar.

A tip for beginners: Cigars for Beginners