Thread: Why cigars?

I get asked this quite a bit as Im a younger guy (25 but look 20) and I am full on into cigars. They always ask why do you like cigars or what is it about cigars draws you to them? And to be honest I don't really have a straight answer for them. I always say something about how they always have had a stigma of class and decadence/excess and that I like the smell and taste of them. I also prefer a cigar over say a cigarette because to truly enjoy cigar it requires you to take a break and relax to get out all of the complexities of it.
What are your answers?

Flavors definitely, but mostly just the experience. It's very relaxing and allows us to take time out of our days and put our feet up and truly reflect. Also, the camaraderie it brings when shared with good friends is unmatched

It is undeniable that cigars have been and still are associated with an upper social status, which is fine. It becomes derogatory when you see amateurs light up (and failed to) a cigar like a cigarette and behave arrogantly in bars, clubs, lounges, etc.

To me, smoking a great cigar is literally a transcendental experience. The blend of the scents, flavors, thick white smoke envelop me from the surrounding world. Time slows down.

As jibaholic101 stated, the get-together with friends around great cigars (and drinks) is wonderful.

Personally, its all about the experience. Its ability to escape anything thats going on at that given time, and relax for an hour, or more.

A its definitely a plus when a few people get to together and indulge together.

I cant tell you how many people i've met abroad (cruises, resorts, etc) while enjoying cigars. Cigar smokers are like their own little family.

Sometimes its more about the time you take to sit down and enjoy a good cigar. I can still remember the time I smoked a fine Cuban Monticristo on Alcatraz or the times in Afghanistan. Watch the Sopranos to get the "I am the King" attitude that sometimes comes from smoking a cigar.

I had my first cigar with my grandfather when I was 16... I was into black n milds before then.... It turned out that everytime I would go to the mountains with him, I'd have one so it was a sentinmental thing at first.. I enjoyed them and began trying new ones on my own time and enjoy one on a friday night for relaxing, or whatever. Cigarettes are disgusting........ I got my friends into them aswell. It is also a good conversation piece... I had one at starbucks one morning and 2 older gents were sitting 2 tables down from me and asked what i was smoking. I told him and he said i had good taste and asked what I did for a living... 2 days later, i see him with his wife show up at my store and they bought some shoes from me.... I love cigars!

For me it is the social aspect. The camaraderie. Not many things that can transend class lines like a cigar. I have once been in a circle of smokers with a CEO, Athlete, Baker, Janitor & Student

Because they bring people together and they all have one thing in common: a good cigar. I've met WWII heroes, CEOS, factory workers, bookies, people from all walks of life while smoking cigars.
Cigars to me equals contemplation and relaxation because in order to truly enjoy a cigar I must do both.

Perfect explanation! To me it's relaxation I sit out in my shop and watch interact with my employees while I smoke my cigar.

Originally Posted by spivy

For me it is the social aspect. The camaraderie. Not many things that can transend class lines like a cigar. I have once been in a circle of smokers with a CEO, Athlete, Baker, Janitor & Student

It's even harder for me trying to explain it being that I'm 18. I enjoy trying to figure out what flavors are hidden in it and analyzing each phase of the cigar. Relaxing is key, some people think it's weird to smoke alone but that is a great way to connect with yourself through the cigar "finding your chi" as my former history teacher would say. Socially they are great conversation starters when I pull one out then talking to new and old friends is the greatest part. Cigars are my mini vacation from daily life and it's nice to be complicated while being stress free at the same time. Just like dressing up really nice every once in a while.