Cigars have long been associated with sophistication, celebration, and leisure. However, many wonder whether smoking a cigar gives you a "buzz" similar to other tobacco products. The simple answer is yes—cigars do give you a buzz, but the experience is unique compared to cigarettes or other nicotine sources. This article breaks down what the cigar buzz is, how it works, and factors that affect your smoking experience.
The sensation known as a "cigar buzz" comes primarily from nicotine, a naturally occurring chemical found in tobacco leaves. When you smoke a cigar, nicotine is absorbed into your bloodstream, which leads to various physiological effects.
Nicotine enters your bloodstream through the lining of your mouth, creating a “buzz” as it stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
Dopamine, commonly referred to as the “pleasure chemical,” induces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and well-being. Norepinephrine, on the other hand, heightens alertness and focus. Together, these chemicals create the cigar buzz, making smokers feel calm yet alert.
Although nicotine is present in both cigars and cigarettes, the amount of nicotine and the way it’s absorbed can vary significantly between the two.
With cigars, most of the nicotine absorption happens in the mouth, not the lungs. This is why many cigar smokers don’t inhale deeply, but still experience the full effects of the buzz. When smoked correctly, a cigar can deliver a slow, steady infusion of nicotine that lasts longer and feels more satisfying compared to the quick hit of a cigarette.
One of the most common questions is how long the buzz from a cigar will last. While this can depend on several factors, such as the size of the cigar and your personal tolerance, here’s a general rule of thumb:
If you're looking for a lasting experience, enjoying your cigar in a well-maintained environment—like using a humidor cabinet to store your cigars—ensures a consistent quality that enhances the overall session.
It’s important to differentiate between the buzz from a cigar and a cigarette. Although both contain nicotine, cigars deliver significantly higher doses.
This means that the buzz from a cigar is generally stronger, more sustained, and more enjoyable for those seeking a relaxed and indulgent experience. Additionally, cigars are designed to be smoked slowly, often taking an hour or more to finish, allowing for a prolonged, mellow buzz. On the other hand, cigarettes are typically smoked quickly, leading to a shorter nicotine rush.
One of the key benefits of cigar smoking is the time factor. A cigarette might last 5 to 10 minutes, but a quality cigar can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to fully smoke. This slower pace not only enhances the nicotine buzz but also gives smokers a chance to savor the complex flavors of the tobacco.
To preserve the integrity of your cigars and ensure every session is as enjoyable as the last, proper storage is essential. Using a humidor humidifier keeps your stogies fresh, maintaining the balance of moisture and flavor, which directly impacts the quality of the buzz.
Not all cigar buzzes are created equal. Several factors can influence the intensity and duration of the buzz you experience when smoking a cigar. Here are some key variables to consider:
Just like with alcohol, nicotine tolerance varies from person to person. If you're new to cigars or don’t smoke frequently, you may experience a more intense buzz from just a few puffs. For seasoned cigar smokers, the body builds up a tolerance over time, requiring stronger cigars or more prolonged smoking sessions to achieve the same effect.
Cigars come in different types and strengths, primarily categorized as light or heavy. Light cigars contain less nicotine, leading to a more subtle buzz. While cigars made from dark, full-bodied tobacco tend to have more nicotine, leading to a stronger buzz.
If you’re looking to explore different cigar strengths, it’s essential to store them in a cigar locker. This keeps your smokes in perfect condition, allowing you to choose the ideal cigar for every occasion without compromising on quality.
The more you smoke, the more nicotine you absorb. If you only take a few puffs, the buzz will be mild. But if you smoke a large cigar over an extended period, the nicotine level in your bloodstream will rise, intensifying the buzz.
How you smoke also impacts the experience. Since nicotine is primarily absorbed through your mouth and not your lungs, slowly savoring each puff will increase the amount of nicotine absorbed over time. Inhaling the smoke into your lungs, while unnecessary for most cigar smokers, can intensify the buzz.
Where you smoke also matters. An outdoor setting might dilute the smoke with wind and open air, reducing the amount of nicotine you inhale. On the other hand, a well-ventilated cigar lounge equipped with a smoke eater can help manage the smoke without detracting from your smoking experience.
To fully enjoy your cigar in a clean, smoke-free environment, it's highly recommended to run an air purifier 24/7 to remove particles and maintain air quality.
Yes, you can control the intensity of your cigar buzz through several strategies:
While the cigar buzz can be a pleasurable experience, especially for aficionados, it's important to be aware of potential side effects:
If you ever feel overwhelmed by the buzz, it’s a good idea to step away from the cigar, take a break, and drink water to counteract the effects.
Enjoying a cigar is not just about the buzz—it’s also about the ritual, the flavors, and the ambiance. Here are some tips to enhance your smoking experience:
Understanding how a humidor works is essential for cigar enthusiasts who want to enhance their smoking experience. Humidors regulate humidity, keeping cigars fresh and preserving their flavor. Cigars that are too dry or too moist can affect the quality of the smoke and, by extension, the buzz.
Investing in an air purifier can help remove smoke odor and ensure that your smoking environment is free of excess smoke. This is especially important if you smoke indoors or in small spaces, allowing you to enjoy your cigar without discomfort.
Whether you prefer a lighter or a stronger buzz, the type of cigar you smoke will have a significant impact on your experience. Keep a variety of stogies in a humidor box, so you can easily match your mood with the perfect cigar.
A humidifier is another key tool in maintaining perfect humidor humidity and preserving the quality of your cigars. Too much or too little humidity can drastically alter the flavor and strength of your cigar, potentially diminishing the quality of the buzz.
So, do cigars give you a buzz? Absolutely! The nicotine in cigars offers a unique, pleasurable sensation that many smokers find relaxing and enjoyable.
However, the experience is far more nuanced than that of a cigarette or other tobacco products. The cigar buzz is slow-building and long-lasting, but the intensity of the buzz depends on a variety of factors, including your tolerance, the type of cigar, and how much you smoke.
As with all tobacco products, moderation is key. Enjoy your cigars responsibly, and savor the experience for what it is—an indulgence best appreciated in moments of relaxation.
For the ultimate cigar experience, invest in quality cigar accessories to preserve your smokes and create the perfect smoking environment.Comments will be approved before showing up.
Great humidifier! Auto regulates and keeps an amazingly consistent humidity level. My humidor is a 6 cubic foot in wall model that I have the EB-200 in.
This was a great purchase for our lounge! We will be definitely be purchasing more Humidors as we grow !
Thank you to Ben and his team !
