If not for the nicotine why smoke?

[Puff Scotty]

It's very easy to say that anyone who thinks they are in control of tobacco/nicotine consumption is kidding themselves but considering this discussion is focused on snobbery then I would question exactly who is looking down on who.

Err! exactly my point that's why I used the words I did as I don't think snob is the correct term, I think maybe were shooting the same target from a different angle...

[Styler]

Err! exactly my point that's why I used the words I did as I don't think snob is the correct term, I think maybe were shooting the same target from a different angle...

Quite possibly Puff, my hangover may be playing a small role in that

Heavy drinking... there's stupidity for you!

[Puff Scotty]

Heavy drinking... there's stupidity for you!

Bugger Matey,,,you lookin for an argument..hic!

[bigbarneyhotdog]

drinking & smoking is cool

[El Catador]

"If not for the nicotine, why smoke?"

Isn't that rather like asking "Why drink alcohol if not to get pissed?"

If it was purely the nicotine buzz, or any other type of intoxication for that matter, that cigar smokers were seeking, then surely there are far more convenient and cheaper ways to achieve it.

After all why splash out on a bottle of vintage champagne or a malt whisky (or fine Cuban) when a few cans of special brew (or a packet of Old Holborn and some rizlas) will get the job done at a fraction of the cost?

Personally, the light-headed feeling I get from nicotine (and alcohol) though not necessarily unpleasant (in small doses) is the least enjoyable aspect of the experience. But that's just me.

(Internet porn though? Well that's a different addiction altogether)

[Smallclub]

"If not for the nicotine, why smoke?"

Isn't that rather like asking "Why drink alcohol if not to get pissed?"

Exactly!
btw when I want a fix of nicotine (it happens sometimes) I smoke a virginia based blend in one of my pipes?
I think there's more nicotine in a small bowl of Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake or Esoterica's Stonehaven than in most cuban cigars, even big ones?

[Fat1]

I enjoy trying to identify all the various flavours I get (from good sticks anyway), then pairing these with a good drink and experiencing the change in flavours as the stick progresses. I also enjoy the ritual of cutting, lighting etc

Its not just about the smoking though, I am now hooked on collecting them and building up a good stock. This may sound a bit weird as well but I just feel sort of 'calm' when I am around them. I love checking them every couple of days for mould / critters etc, smelling them, giving them a gentle squeeze...ooo er! Its hard to describe but with all the stresses of everday life, to know that these things are just sitting there happy in their own little eco system, getting better with age makes me feel good.

[Puff Scotty]

Exactly!
btw when I want a fix of nicotine (it happens sometimes) I smoke a virginia based blend in one of my pipes?
I think there's more nicotine in a small bowl of Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake or Esoterica's Stonehaven than in most cuban cigars, even big ones?

Is the Stonehaven still available 'en France' I can't get it here (unless somebody knows where?)..

[senor_robusto]

right-o,
granting one's self an hour or more to 'blow smoke and relax' is a luxury we afford ourselves!!! it allows us to step out of life and commitments for a short period of time, to relax, be with our thoughts and 'right the wrongs of the world'!!! there are cheaper ways, as someone pointed out, to get nicotine buzzes...... smoke a load of rollies for example (as was pointed out)!!! i don't inhale cigar smoke, for me it's all about the flavours, just like chocloate, coffee, whiskey, brandy, rum etc! i also love the ritual of preparing myself for that hour's meditation and breathing exercise that comes with enjoying cuban cigars, as well as the ritual cutting and firing up!!! also, i'd like to point out, i don't think of it as smoking, more like perfuming the air........

this guy sums it up pretty well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht0F6y_q9-U&feature=fvsr

you also have to think about the associations made with cigars!!! i know it's stereotyping, but cigars are associated with success and class (what is the old saying, those who can afford to smoke cigars, those who can't smoke paper)! in movies etc, a cigar is usually a reward for a job well done!!! it also looks macho (eg, gangsters and villains usually smoke cigars, typically as a gross representation that they're financially secure and successful as a result of ill gotten gains)!! i would also like to suggest that, talking with most on here, we reward ourselves with the finer things in life for our hard work, success and persistence in life!! to echo poohbears sentiments from post 3 (yep, i'm pretty much in the same boat,), and to borrow churchill's quote (about champagne, but here it'll do to sum up my thoughts on cuban cigars):
'in victory i deserve it, in defeat i need it!'

anyway, to sum it up!! i hope i don't come across as a cigar snob!!! i like cigars for the flavour & aroma, for the time it affords me to relax and be with my thoughts.........all that as well as looking fancy and make one feel like a king!!! lol!!!

alex

[Puff Scotty]

right-o,
granting one's self an hour or more to 'blow smoke and relax' is a luxury we afford ourselves!!! it allows us to step out of life and commitments for a short period of time, to relax, be with our thoughts and 'right the wrongs of the world'!!! there are cheaper ways, as someone pointed out, to get nicotine buzzes...... smoke a load of rollies for example (as was pointed out)!!! i don't inhale cigar smoke, for me it's all about the flavours, just like chocloate, coffee, whiskey, brandy, rum etc! i also love the ritual of preparing myself for that hour's meditation and breathing exercise that comes with enjoying cuban cigars, as well as the ritual cutting and firing up!!! also, i'd like to point out, i don't think of it as smoking, more like perfuming the air........

this guy sums it up pretty well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht0F6y_q9-U&feature=fvsr

you also have to think about the associations made with cigars!!! i know it's stereotyping, but cigars are associated with success and class (what is the old saying, those who can afford to smoke cigars, those who can't smoke paper)! in movies etc, a cigar is usually a reward for a job well done!!! it also looks macho (eg, gangsters and villains usually smoke cigars, typically as a gross representation that they're financially secure and successful as a result of ill gotten gains)!! i would also like to suggest that, talking with most on here, we reward ourselves with the finer things in life for our hard work, success and persistence in life!! to echo poohbears sentiments from post 3 (yep, i'm pretty much in the same boat,), and to borrow churchill's quote (about champagne, but here it'll do to sum up my thoughts on cuban cigars):
'in victory i deserve it, in defeat i need it!'

anyway, to sum it up!! i hope i don't come across as a cigar snob!!! i like cigars for the flavour & aroma, for the time it affords me to relax and be with my thoughts.........all that as well as looking fancy and make one feel like a king!!! lol!!!

alex

Cor! 10/10 great post, I'll get one of my minions to print it orf

[Smallclub]

Is the Stonehaven still available 'en France' I can't get it here (unless somebody knows where?)..

Actually Stonehaven has never been available in France (nor any Esoterica product); I used to order it from US retailers, unfortunately it has disappeared from the shelves although it's not officially discontinued?

[Agricola]

I smoke about twice (two cigars) a week, I used to eat alot ... too much and was about 18 stone or more. I got rid of 4 stone (14 stone now) but wanted to eat in the evenings. I like to sit back and watch my favourite TV shows in the evening whilst munching on junk food.

Well I couldn't do that anymore so now what I do is sit down with a drink and smoke a cigar whilst watching the shows. I don't smoke cigarettes as I find the smell of them a bit fowl.

Yes I enjoy a mild hit from the nicotine as I do the alchohol, the cigar is a reward for my good behavior during the week as I have to watch what I eat and exercise 2 hours a day. It is one of lifes few pleasures and a way of enhancing my evening without turning back into jabba the hutt!

[Robusto]

I love some of these ideas.
There's a part of me that enjoys a good cigar because I want to stick two fingers up to the world.
Especially prats who wave their arms at you outside cafes, and the like.
Those people need to get a life!

[Simon-JG-hr]

Why do I smoke cigars... Hmmm...

Well, first and foremost, I rather enjoy the challenge of working out the differences and then boring people with my thoughts on my blog (just to give my odd obsession with flavour an outlet).

Then there's the general rituals that go with smoking a cigar, and indeed keeping the cigars.

Then, there is the situation in which I will smoke a cigar. It will always be in one of two situations: (1) On my own, contemplating life, nature, nothing, something etc. Just a wonderful period of time to myself, when anything goes. Or (2) At a herf, even if it's just one other person, it's a fantastic social tool, and I've loved every herf I've been to and the company I've kept and friends I've made.

[matt day]

i liketo follow the flavours in a fine ciagr and i also enjoy pairing them with drinks