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Commentary: Why I Smoke Cigars

23 Aug 2011

The StogieGuys.com team has been writing about cigars daily for well over five years now. Yet in the 1,850 plus articles we’ve authored to date, I don’t think my colleagues or I have ever explicitly stated why we smoke cigars.

Perhaps we don’t need to. I suppose we all have our reasons. I smoke cigars. You smoke cigars. The fellow patrons at your local tobacconist, your herf buddies, perhaps even some of your family members…they all smoke cigars. At the end of the day, we’ve all come to the same conclusion: that a cigar-filled life is better than a cigar-less life. Amen to that.

And so we smoke. Despite the chorus of negative publicity, occasional dirty looks, and mountains of misinformation, we consciously select, buy, and smoke cigars. We keep carefully maintained humidors. We read about cigars. We pay high prices for rare smokes. And we routinely set aside 90 minutes or more to enjoy tobacco. This is what makes us Brothers of the Leaf.

I’ve identified four broad reasons why I love cigars, and why I go to great lengths to make room for premium tobacco in my life:

The taste. Words like leather, cocoa, nuts, pepper, cream, cedar, caramel, floral, etc. appear in just about every cigar review. Does any cigar actually taste like leather? Not really. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten leather. But there are no words in our vernacular that accurately describe the sensation of a fine-tasting cigar. This uniqueness in taste makes cigars indispensable.

Relaxation. I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but premium tobacco seems to soothe my soul unlike anything else. The sense of relaxation I get from an end-of-the-day cigar is priceless. Tobacco may be a stimulant, but what it seems to stimulate in me is peace of mind and clarity of thought.

The hobby. Loving cigars is about much more than the mere act of smoking. The combined efforts of caring for cigars, collecting them, seeking out rare smokes, and reading about the industry amount to a wonderful, dynamic hobby. When I was a kid I used to obsess over baseball cards; now I obsess over cigars.

Friends and family. Above all else, I love how cigars promote gathering and conversation among friends and family. Cigars are the ultimate icebreakers, helping me connect with new and old acquaintances alike. Some of the best, most memorable conversations that I can recall took place over a fine cigar. And nothing like a cigar helps you commemorate a special occasion with some great company.

So that’s why I smoke cigars. Feel free to let us know what you love about cigars in the comments below.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

8 Responses to “Commentary: Why I Smoke Cigars”

  1. Mike C. Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 5:45 am #

    Great article Patrick! You nailed it! Nothing beats sitting outside with a good stick watching my kids play.

  2. timbryce Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 9:40 am #

    Patrick –

    Good article. I do it for relaxation. Nothing better at the end of a day. It's also not a bad way to smoke out a cold!

    I've written on this myselfl which you can find at:
    http://timbryce.blogspot.com/2010/04/cigars-101-i…

    All the Best,
    Tim Bryce
    Palm Harbor, FL

  3. Gregg Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 10:00 am #

    Great job Patrick…you're right on point as to why I smoke cigars!!! I've been smoking cigars on and off for about 12 years; on a regular basis since 2006. It's my equalizer and relaxer…especially when it's paired with good bourbon.

  4. Guy Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 10:20 am #

    Thanks Patrick for reminding us why we smoke a great cigar, Well done l'ami .
    As for me, I've been enjoying great cigars for over 40 years now,(97% Habanos),
    and I'm still learning, Isn't that what life is all about ?

    Enjoy your smokes, and thank you for the work you all do on this fine site, even though
    I don't smoke many NC's ( not many that I like), I do appreciate keeping updated on what
    goes on in the cigar world and your site does a great job on that.

    Amicalement,
    Guy,
    France

  5. Tyler Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 11:55 pm #

    I just started cigars a couple of months ago and I have been trying several different kinds. How do you guys feel about the cigars from Drew Estates?

  6. Heavy Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 4:55 pm #

    I couldn't have said it better. I love sitting outside at nighttime next to my chiminea smoking my favorite cigar. Looking up at the stars and reflecting on my day is how I like to wind down. Great article thanks for sharing… Mike G. Boca Raton, Fl

  7. EdMac Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 6:26 am #

    Those four reasons that you stated just about cover it for me.

    A quick story I heard on the radio: soldiers were patrolling a rural area in Afghanistan and entered a small village. The Captain asked the elders if they had seen any Taliban and he received just head shakes. The Captain knew that they were there so while they camped overnight he had an idea. He approached the elders the next day and offered them a cigar to smoke with him and his men. By the time the cigars were put out the elders had given up the hideout of the Taliban.

  8. Dave Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 5:10 pm #

    You indeed nailed it. I love the flavor, the look and feel of a cigar. I love the bands the boxes, the stories behind the blend and the people who make them. I like reading the reviews and trying new brands/blends. I enjoy the time relaxing with a cigar and shopping for cigars. I enjoy cutting and pre-light draws the color of wrappers and the list goes on and on. I just love cigars. I don't make much money or live and opulent lifestyle but I have found ways to enjoy my love for for cigars.