Scientific research has proven that chronic consumption of the plant can lead to cancer. Most ways of consuming it are now frowned upon by the general populace. Cigarettes smell terrible and make smokers cough stuff up. Dipping and chewing are seen as gross habits — apparently, spitting brown gunk out of your mouth is disgusting — who knew? The general public perception of tobacco is, at best, pessimistic.
There is, however one aspect of smoking that still has a glamorous quality to it: smoking cigars.
First, let’s get something straight. I’m not talking about Swishers or Black n’ Milds. Those are cheap, terrible excuses for what you can call a cigar. You can’t inhale an entire cigar and feel fine. No, I’m talking about puffing on a nice, handmade Avo, Rocky Patel (my personal favorite) or Macanudo.
Despite the dangers of tobacco, cigars still have a classy quality to them. There’s nothing quite like lounging with a group of friends and puffing on a
few cigars.
I do have a few friends who say, “Why smoke a cigar when you can smoke a blunt instead?” But the appeal of cigars extends far beyond the principle of getting high. There are multiple facets as to why cigar-smoking is so enjoyable.
To be real, the nicotine buzz is nice. It’s relaxing to smoke a fat cigar and feel yourself de-stressing. What’s more, since the cigar is a much heftier animal than a lowly cigarette, the feeling can last a lot longer (provided you haven’t smoked half a pack earlier that day).
The flavor, however, is where the art of cigars truly shines. Every cigar has a different, complex flavor to it. And once you smoke a few, you realize the intricacy of flavor and you grow to appreciate it. Some cigars are light smokes with woody undertones, some are more medium-bodied with chocolatey hints and some will just plain knock your head off with boldness. There really is a cigar for everyone — the flavor combinations are just so varied.
And mouth cancer? Come on. If you burn through three a day, then yes, you might be at risk. But one a week or every few weeks won’t hurt you.
Cigars are a great addition to food and drink as well. After eating a hearty meal, I enjoy topping it off with a nice cigar, especially if smoked with company. Some cigar-smokers swear by pairing their smokes with wines and scotches; I personally prefer them without a liquid accompaniment.
If you’ve never smoked a cigar, do yourself a favor and try it (if you’re over 18, of course). Buy an Arturo Fuente, Romeo y Julieta, something light (you can tell in part by how light the leaf wrapper is). Don’t get one that’s too large — you may get tired of it before it’s done. Buy it, cut it, light it, and enjoy it in the company of friends. Go at it with an open mind.
Within the first few puffs, it may taste bitter. But like anything else, it’ll grow on you if you smoke a few times.
Just don’t inhale. You’ll thank me later.
