There are many reasons to fall in love with cigars. Some people love how the rich, nuanced flavours create a tapestry of taste that dances on the palate.
Others love how the slow burn of a well-crafted cigar mirrors the unhurried moments in life, inviting reflection and connection.
For me, the reasons I love smoking cigars go way beyond the smoke rings.
5 Reasons I Love Cigars
1. Every Cigar Tells A Story
For me, the allure of cigars goes beyond mere smoke; it’s the captivating story that unfolds through 400 skilled hands over 2 to 4 years to transform raw ingredients into a sensory masterpiece.
Picture the sun-drenched tobacco fields in the Dominican Republic, where leaves soak in the Caribbean sun, infused with tropical warmth.
Now, envision the green Jalapa valleys of the Nicaraguan mountains, shaping tobacco plants with a flavour that echoes the lush landscape.
In these vibrant landscapes, the story of the cigar begins.
Now step into the rolling room, where skilled artisans delicately cradle leaves, selecting only the finest to weave into a cigar.
The air is thick with the aroma of aged tobacco, a scent that lingers as leaves are expertly rolled and bound.
It’s a symphony of craftsmanship, where hands dance with precision, moulding each cigar into a work of art.
Then cigars traverse oceans to reach your hands where the care bestowed upon them, from sunlit fields to artisan’s hands, is evident in every draw.
The story of a cigar is also a deeply personal one – a moment forever etched in your memory of when you first tasted the vivid flavours, recalling where you were and who you were with.
So, as you enjoy a cigar, you’re immersing yourself in a grander narrative, one that intricately intertwines your own story across the vast expanse of space and time.
2. Cigars Give You License To Unwind
I love cigars because they force you to deliberately slow down and give you the precious opportunity to unwind.
This is a big one for me because, given my inherently ambitious and driven nature, which (let’s face it) means I’m constantly stressed.
It took years to discover a real way to relax and that’s where cigars come in.
Cigars offer a much-needed escape from the crazy hustle and bustle of life and give you an excuse to sit back in your favourite armchair with a glass of your preferred drink.
The relaxation starts with the ritualistic preparation of the cigar; inspecting, smelling, cutting, taking a dry draw and lighting it.
The initial puffs signify a pause in life, allowing the day’s stresses to gently fade away.
Smoking a cigar demands a commitment of time, anywhere from forty-five minutes to two and a half hours. It’s an intentional decision to sit and do nothing else.
And, of course, there’s the need to pace yourself – cigars can’t be rushed. Smoke too fast and the cigar will overheat and taste bitter. Smoke too slow and it’ll go out.
This delicate balance mirrors life’s rhythm, reminding us that genuine relaxation requires a measured tempo.
3. Cigars Keep You In The Moment
I love the way cigars force me to be present in the moment.
Whether I’m lighting up at a local pub, a quaint coffee shop or one of Bangkok’s many cigar lounges, smoking a cigar is one of the few moments in life where I stop and throw myself into the exact moment I’m in.
Many people use cigars to celebrate life’s big events like getting married, having a baby or sealing that business deal.
And cigars aren’t only reserved for major milestones, it’s about recognising the small ones too; I’ll often reward myself with a cigar for a hard week’s work accomplished.
A companion in reflection for both significant triumphs and quiet, profound moments, cigars offer a timeless ritual in a world dominated by fast food, instant gratification, constant connectivity, and short attention spans.
They stand as a deliberate pause, allowing us to relish the subtleties of life, connect with the moment, and savour the chapters written in smoke, one draw at a time.
4. Cigars Taste Exquisite
Indulging in a CAO Flathead is like savouring a juicy, meaty steak – bold, robust and utterly satisfying.
Puffing on a Churchill Late Hour is like enjoying a luxurious 5-course Christmas dinner, complete with all the trimmings but without all the calories.
For example, a cigar may evoke flavour notes of:
- Coffee
- Vanilla
- Floral
- Nutty
- Spicy
- Woody
- Sweet
- Fruity
- Chocolate
- Peppery
Yet, this is merely the beginning of the endless exploration the world of cigars offer.
New world cigars, in particular, unfold an ever-expanding panorama of flavour profiles that offer cigar enthusiasts a never-ending journey of discovery.
With each new cigar, the taste experience becomes a unique adventure, offering notes that range from earthy and woody to sweet and spicy.
Many cigar smokers even keep a cigar journal as a way to keep track of the flavour profiles of their cigars.
The world of cigars is a palette of possibilities, where enthusiasts can traverse a diverse landscape of tastes, textures and aromas.
In the world of cigars, the taste is not just exquisite -it’s an endless symphony of flavours waiting to be explored.
5. Cigars Connect People
I moved to Bangkok a little over a year ago and found myself in a city where I knew no one.
Joining the local cigar society turned out to be the best way to connect with people – super interesting people I’ve built genuine connections and engaged in fascinating conversations, individuals I would never have had the honour of meeting otherwise.
Step into any cigar bar anywhere and you’ll see people from all walks of life connecting with each other and sometimes forming life-long friendships.
When you’re smoking a cigar, it doesn’t matter if you’re a CEO or a street sweeper – everyone is on a level playing field.
I love being a part of the global cigar community. I love the shared obsession over the nuances of cigar blends and geeking out over the latest cigar-related gadgets.
Cigars provide a shared platform for enthusiasts to connect and form lasting bonds with fellow cigar lovers, wherever you are in the world.
Cigars Are More Than Simply Blowing Smoke
I love cigars because they are a celebration of quality craftsmanship, a ritual of relaxation, a delightful exploration of taste and give you a real sense of camaraderie with fellow brothers of the leaf.
Each draw is a unique experience that combines artistry, relaxation and a shared passion within the vibrant cigar community.
What about you? Why do you love cigars?
Whether it’s one of these reasons or something else, let us know in the comments!
Enjoy your smokes! ??
For me, it’s the ritual, the intentional pause in life where I can appreciate the flavors, reflect and just be.
Cheers to all my fellow brothers of the leaf! 🍂💨 #cigarlover #cigarcommunity #cigarsaremorethanjustsmoke
Absolutely brother, that’s what it’s all about! As I said in the article, cigars are one fo the few ways I can actually switch off.
When I’m sat in a lounge or a nice cigar bar with one of my favourite sticks, I can feel my body relax and the tension leave my shoulders. I’ve tried a ton of other things but nothing quite hits the spot like cigars do.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I found your enthusiasm for cigars truly contagious! It’s fascinating to hear about your passion and the intricacies involved in appreciating a good cigar. Have you explored different types of cigars from various regions, and if so, do you have any favorites? Personally, I’ve only recently started delving into the world of cigars and would love to expand my palate.
Your emphasis on the social aspect of cigar smoking resonated with me. It’s incredible how cigars can bring people together and create memorable experiences. Have you ever had a particularly memorable cigar-smoking moment with friends or family? I’d love to hear about it! Your insights shed light on a hobby that’s often misunderstood but deeply cherished by many. Thank you for sharing your perspective on why cigars hold a special place in your heart!
These are very encouraging words – thank you!
When I first started smoking cigars I stuck to Cubans because I thought they were “the best”. That used to be the case but not anymore. New World cigars (i.e. cigars made in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica etc.) are so good now.
Right now I’m enjoying Ramon Bueso, love Nub Cigars as well.
If you’re just getting into cigars I recommend trying a wide variety of them to find what you like. Because everyone’s palette is different and what I like you might not like.
After a couple of years, you’ll have a much better idea of what you like and what you don’t and you’ll probably settle on a few brands. Then a couple of years after that you’ll get bored and start exploring new ones again. That’s all part of the adventure.
On to your second question: honestly, some of the best conversations I’ve had have been over a cigar – too many to count!