The Immediate Physical Impact: Understanding 'Cigar Sickness'
When you smoke a cigar too quickly, the most immediate and common consequence is a cluster of symptoms often referred to as 'cigar sickness' or nicotine overload. This occurs because the rapid succession of puffs causes your body to absorb a significant amount of nicotine in a short period. Unlike cigarette smoke, cigar smoke is not typically inhaled into the lungs, but nicotine can still be absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Symptoms of Nicotine Overload
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea, sometimes leading to vomiting
- Headaches
- Cold sweats
- Increased heart rate
To avoid this, it is crucial to recognize that cigars are not meant for quick, deep puffs. They are designed for a relaxed, leisurely pace, with a slow draw and pause between each puff to allow the flavors to develop and the heat to dissipate. A good general guideline is one to two puffs per minute. Listening to your body and taking breaks are essential, particularly for those with less experience.
The Sensory Decline: Harsh Tastes and Aromas
The experience of a premium cigar is centered on its complex and balanced flavor profile. Smoking too fast completely disrupts this process. The rapid, frequent puffs force the tobacco to burn at an unnaturally high temperature. This overheating has several negative sensory consequences.
- Acrid, Bitter Taste: The delicate flavor compounds in the tobacco are destroyed by the excessive heat, replaced by a burnt, harsh, and bitter taste. This is often the first indicator that you are smoking too quickly.
- Lack of Nuance: You miss out on the subtle, evolving flavors the cigar maker intended. The heat obliterates the multi-layered profile, leaving a one-dimensional, unpleasant taste.
- Excessive Heat on the Palate: The smoke becomes uncomfortably hot, burning the tongue and palate rather than providing a smooth, pleasant sensation.
The Technical Consequences: Poor Burn and Wrapper Damage
The craftsmanship of a quality cigar is designed for an even, consistent burn. Smoking too fast disrupts this balance, leading to a host of technical issues that further degrade the experience.
Signs of an Improper Burn
- Tunneling: This occurs when the filler tobacco in the center of the cigar burns faster than the wrapper and binder. It creates a 'tunnel' down the middle and results in a hot, unsatisfying smoke. This is a telltale sign of overly aggressive puffing.
- Uneven Burn: If one side of the cigar is burning faster than the other, you'll have to constantly correct it, which is both inconvenient and detracts from the flavor.
- Split Wrapper: The rapid change in temperature and humidity can cause the wrapper—the outermost, most delicate layer of the cigar—to split or crack. This makes it difficult to maintain a consistent draw.
Fast vs. Slow Smoking: A Comparative View
| Characteristic | Smoking Too Fast | Smoking Slowly (Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Bitter, harsh, burnt | Balanced, nuanced, complex |
| Burn | Uneven, tunneling, hot | Even, cool, consistent |
| Physical Effects | Dizziness, nausea, rapid nicotine hit | Relaxing, calming, gradual nicotine absorption |
| Aroma | Smoky, charred, unpleasant | Fragrant, subtle, rich |
| Wrapper Condition | Prone to splitting | Intact and pristine |
Long-Term Health Risks of Continued Overheating
While the immediate effects are the most noticeable, consistently smoking cigars too fast can contribute to more serious, long-term health concerns. The higher temperature combustion generates more concentrated toxic chemicals, even if the smoke isn't inhaled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that cigar smokers can have elevated risks for oral cancers, even if they don’t inhale. Rapid smoking could intensify this exposure.
A Note on Inhaling
It is crucial to remember that cigars are not cigarettes. Inhaling cigar smoke is strongly discouraged. The tobacco in cigars is more potent and alkaline than cigarette tobacco, and inhaling it can lead to immediate and severe coughing, as well as a massive, overwhelming dose of nicotine that can exacerbate 'cigar sickness' and increase health risks. For more information on the dangers of tobacco use, visit the CDC's official website: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/.
The Proper Technique for Enjoying a Cigar
Avoiding the pitfalls of smoking too fast is simply a matter of adopting the right technique. Here’s a brief overview:
- Light Gently: Toast the foot of the cigar, not directly into the flame. Rotate it to achieve an even, slow burn.
- Puff with Purpose, not Speed: Take gentle, measured draws, just enough to keep the cherry lit and producing smoke. Wait 30 to 60 seconds between each puff.
- Appreciate the Pause: Let the cigar rest in an ashtray between puffs. This allows it to cool down, which is essential for preserving the flavor.
- Manage the Ash: A longer ash indicates a slower, cooler burn. Let it grow to about an inch before gently tapping it off. Don't constantly flick it.
- Listen to Your Body: If you start to feel any symptoms of nicotine overload, stop smoking immediately and have a glass of water. There is no shame in putting a cigar down before it is finished.
Conclusion: The Virtue of Patience
Smoking a cigar too fast transforms a potentially rich and relaxing experience into a hot, bitter, and nauseating ordeal. By understanding the consequences—from the immediate physical discomfort of 'cigar sickness' to the destruction of flavor and damage to the cigar itself—smokers can appreciate the value of patience. The slower, more deliberate approach is not just a matter of etiquette; it is the key to unlocking the true potential and intended pleasure of the cigar.
