How old to be accepted by society as a cigar smoker?

[molecularstudent]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Chris, I'm new to the forum and this is my first post. I don't actually live in the UK....I'm sorry. I live in France (once again, a big sorry haha) and I work in Switzerland. I moved over here in October last year from my home country of New Zealand (sorry about the world cup haha).

I am relatively new to cigars and have really only just begun to collect and enjoy good cubans (my 125-150 count humidor is now packed to the brim and I'm looking at tupperdors now! I've definitely caught the bug!).

I am 28 years old and sometimes feel like I get strange looks from people when I am enjoying a good cigar. Am I too young? I guess there is a general impression that cigar smoking is for my parents age and above. But I enjoy it, I find it very relaxing, and I just love having some time to myself. I have a good job in Geneva and feel like this is my reward. What is the general age group of the members on here? At the end of the day the answers won't affect my decision to enjoy cigars but I thought it might be interesting.

By the way, I can't tell you how nice it is come across a site in English, speaking about things I love, such as UKCF, after struggling with French all day!

Look forward to hearing from you!

Chris

PS My favourites so far are Montecristo No. 2s and 3s, Partagas Black Label Bravo, among many others! I buy my cigars at GestoCigars in Geneva Switzerland (amazing service and friendly people) and Andorra

[NathanJD]

Hi Chris,

Im 28 as well, I think the funny looks are probably more to do with the fact that this pastime is not en vogue with our generation in general. Luckily, we're fast approaching the age where we don't care and neither do others

I guess people may think your just being pompous if they don't know you - like your trying to experience something thought to be a great luxury and maybe above the station of someone of our age. The More comfortable you look, I dare say the less heads you'll turn

[fireman_uk]

I'm 30 years old and have been smoking cigars since my early-mid 20's. I used to be really self conscious smoking cigars in public, especially the larger vitolas. I still can feel a little uncomfortable at times but it usually depends on my environment and the type of people I'm surrounded by. I find that I enjoy a cigar much more when I'm with fellow cigar smokers or on my own. But now at the age of 30 and completely covered in tattoos people seem more accepting of it for some reason. But I tend to not care as much any more whether I'm 'accepted' or not. Life's too short.

[peanutpete]

Hi Chris you will find people of all ages on here i think a few as young as 20 and some a year or two older dont worry about the looks i think most cigar smokers have had them while smoking while out

[Nightwingvyse]

I'm only 22, but rather than feel like i'm not old enough to enjoy a good cigar, i instead feel that i am enjoying a more mature and responsible luxury, rather than puffing on cigarettes every five minutes for a nicotine high, or chugging down adolescent alcopops and new-generation cider (for which my alternative is a nice, more respectable straight serving of high quality bourbon whiskey).

Smoking cigars is a sign of responsibility and moderation, simply because unless you have more money than hairs on your balls, cigars are too expensive to become an uncontrollable habit, especially in this country.

[molecularstudent]

Hi,
Thanks for your reply. You are right about simply looking comfortable. But I'll be honest, I'm not sure how comfortable I can look with a cigar with a big ring gauge! I have two 60 gauge cigars in the humidor and I think they will be enjoyed by myself!
Its nice to know there are some other young ones out there! And you're right about fast approaching the age of not caring....haha
How long have you been enjoying cigars for?
C

[molecularstudent]

That's reassuring to know the looks are for everyone!

[molecularstudent]

Yes, I agree, I enjoy a cigar much more when I am by myself! I haven't met anyone else who smokes cigars yet but I imagine I would enjoy sitting down with a friend for an hour or two with a drink and a cigar. I tried to find a cigar club or lounge where I am but the only ones I could find were in Geneva and were very expensive!
Thanks for your reply
C

[molecularstudent]

I'm only 22, but rather than feel like i'm not old enough to enjoy a good cigar, i instead feel that i am enjoying a more mature and responsible luxury, rather than puffing on cigarettes every five minutes for a nicotine high, or chugging down adolescent alcopops and new-generation cider (for which my alternative is a nice, more respectable straight serving of high quality bourbon whiskey).

Smoking cigars is a sign of responsibility and moderation, simply because unless you have more money than hairs on your balls, cigars are too expensive to become an uncontrollable habit, especially in this country.

Completely agree with you, plus the other half keeps me in check and doesn't allow it to become a habit . Also, I just checked out the cgars website that everyone speaks about on this forum and you are right about it being an expensive hobby in the UK. I have to be honest I feel slightly lucky buying in Switzerland...

[molecularstudent]

Hi Chris,

Im 28 as well, I think the funny looks are probably more to do with the fact that this pastime is not en vogue with our generation in general. Luckily, we're fast approaching the age where we don't care and neither do others

I guess people may think your just being pompous if they don't know you - like your trying to experience something thought to be a great luxury and maybe above the station of someone of our age. The More comfortable you look, I dare say the less heads you'll turn

Yes its the 'pompous' look I was trying to avoid....oh well I guess it is their problem to judge so easily. I replied to your comment earlier, but I have only just realised I should 'reply with quote'. Sorry this is the first forum I have ever posted on.

[NathanJD]

No worries Chris! To answer your first question, I've really only been enjoying cigars for the last 18 months but I took a trip to Cuba in 2002 and smoked a few then. It didn't click with me straight away and it took quitting cigarettes (4 years ago) and trying cigars as a non-smoker that I worked out how to enjoy them!

I like to smoke a petite corona size when I'm out walking and then it's when I'm walking the dogs in a less inhabited area to avoid 'upsetting' too many people. I'd rather enjoy a larger ring gauge cigar somewhere on my own or at least with a like minded friend

[James811]

I was 20 last week, and I have been smoking cigars for about 8 months. I don't see age as a problem, if you enjoy it, then don't worry about it!

[Drewmidorn]

I get funny looks a lot...

Nothing to do with either my age or cigars.

D

[gmacz]

It is rare to see anybody smoke cigars, I have not seen anybody else smoke them outside in a long time.
People are interested and do ask about them.
Usually it is the smell that catches their attention.

[Reaver2145]

I started when my father gave me one from his humidor when i was 16 im now in my mid 20s though if you ask people im in my mid 30s and where i live its rare to see anyone smoking cigars out and about like i do though after a while of getting known by the smoking locals down the pub it turned from strange looks to questions to a few ERDM choix being handed out and now most of them guys and gals are outside smoking a stogie when "the Tuesday mob" arrive and these guys are between i would say early 20s and late 70s so honestly you can be any age just as long as you enjoy it.

The landlord on the other hand wasnt so pleased and has resorted to using flower pots as ashtrays.