If you’ve ever lit up a cigar and wondered, “Wait… am I supposed to inhale this thing?" you’re not alone. A lot of new cigar smokers ask this exact question. And with cigars producing thicker, richer smoke than cigarettes, it’s a fair thing to be unsure about.
The good news? You don’t have to guess. Cigar smoking has its own rhythm and technique, and once you learn it, everything clicks into place. This guide breaks down exactly how cigar smoke is meant to be enjoyed, and why inhaling isn’t part of that process.
Short answer: no. Cigars are not meant to be inhaled. Unlike cigarettes, which are designed for deep lung draws, cigars are smoked through gentle puffs. When cigar smokers “draw” smoke, they pull it into their mouth, take a moment to appreciate the flavor, and then exhale naturally. No lung involvement, no breath-holding, and no deep inhales.
This is why seasoned smokers take slow, easy puffs rather than sharp, cigarette-style drags. Cigars are handcrafted for flavor, aroma, and palate feel, not for inhalation. If you’re coming from cigarette smoking, the instinct to inhale may be strong at first, but once you settle into the slower rhythm of cigar smoking, it becomes second nature.
If you're still getting comfortable with the basics, our Cigar 101: The Beginner’s Guide lays the foundation for everything discussed here.
Cigar smoke behaves very differently from cigarette smoke because the products serve two completely different purposes. Cigarettes are engineered for inhaling. Their tobacco is chopped, blended with additives, and designed to burn quickly so the smoke can be pulled straight into the lungs through short, repetitive drags.
Cigars are the complete opposite. They’re rolled with whole premium tobacco leaves and crafted to be savored, not inhaled. The smoke they produce is much thicker, warmer, richer, and far more aromatic.
Flavor profiles shift and develop as the cigar burns, and the entire experience lives on your palate and olfactory senses rather than in your lungs. Inhaling cigar smoke overwhelms the flavor, dulls the nuances, and makes the smoke feel harsher instead of more enjoyable.
Curious how nicotine plays its part in cigars? Check out our guide “Is There Nicotine in Cigars?” which breaks it down clearly.
If you accidentally inhale cigar smoke, especially from stronger or full-bodied cigars, you’ll feel it right away. Most beginners describe an immediate coughing fit, a warm or burning sensation from the heat, and a lightheaded, overpowering feeling from the intensity.
Because cigar smoke is much thicker than cigarette smoke along with the fact that cigars don’t use the same additives or structure, the smoke hits you completely differently.
Accidently inhaling isn't the end of the world, but it does take away from the experience. To truly enjoy a cigar, you'll want to learn how to smoke without inhaling. It’s normal, and it’s part of the learning curve. Puffing instead of inhaling keeps the experience flavorful, smooth, and enjoyable.
Everything about cigar smoking revolves around flavor, aroma, and pacing. Cigars are blended to highlight a range of flavor profiles, sweetness, spice, cocoa, woods, nuts, earth, creaminess, leather, and more, depending on the blend. As the tobacco burns, the smoke moves across your taste buds and nose, revealing the cigar’s character.
You don’t need to inhale to enjoy any of this. In fact, inhaling can overpower your senses and mute the subtle nuances the blend was meant to express. Slow puffs, natural exhales, and a comfortable pace allow you to appreciate the cigar’s full experience.
If you’re used to cigarette smoking, this is where things feel different, but it’s also where cigars get fun. Here is a quick, easy-to-follow beginner-friendly guide on how to do it right.
Here’s the simple method:
Take a slow draw
Think of it like “sipping” the smoke, not pulling it deep.
Let the smoke rest in your mouth
Just a few seconds. Feel the warmth and flavor.
Savor the moment
Your palate picks up flavors; your nose picks up aroma.
Exhale naturally
No tight breath control. Just let the smoke fall out.
Puff, don’t inhale
That’s the golden rule. Gentle puffs keep the cigar cool and flavorful.
Slow your pace
One puff every 30–60 seconds keeps the burn even and the experience smooth.
This is why cigar smoking feels relaxing, the rhythm is slower, calmer, and more intentional.
If you’ve inhaled by mistake, you’re not alone. Many beginners take too strong of a draw, inhale out of habit from cigarette smoking, confuse a cigar “draw” with a deep breath, or choose a cigar that’s too strong for their comfort level. Premium and full-bodied cigars can feel intense if you're not prepared for the richness of the smoke.
The easiest solution? Slow down, puff lightly, and start with cigars aligned with your palate. As your experience grows, you’ll naturally learn how to control the draw and enjoy stronger cigars if you choose to.
New to cigars? Check out our guide on how to pick your first cigar. This helps take some of the guesswork so ensure you get it right the first time.
New cigar smokers tend to ask the same handful of questions, and rightfully so. This FAQ section covers the most common beginner concerns in in one spot to help you quickly understand the essentials.
Typically, no. Cigar smokers draw smoke into their mouth to taste the flavor, then exhale without inhaling into their lungs.
You can, but most beginners find it harsh, hot, and overwhelming. Cigars are not designed for inhalation; the smoke is meant to be tasted, not breathed in deeply.
Many first-timers experience coughing, lightheadedness, or a hot, intense sensation. These are common reactions and simply part of the learning curve.
Cigars are blended for flavor and aroma and therefore intended to be puffed, not inhaled. Puffing lets you taste the cigar’s profile without overpowering your senses.
Yes, nicotine is absorbed in the mouth through the lining of the palate and gums. You don’t need to inhale cigar smoke to absorb nicotine.
No. Cigarettes are designed for inhaling; cigars are crafted for slow puffing and savoring the taste.
Cigars are smoked differently from cigarettes, and beginners often have questions about how they compare when related to their health. For a clear, balanced overview, see our guide Are Cigars Bad for You?
Cigars aren’t about inhaling. They’re about slowing down, savoring flavor, appreciating craftsmanship, and enjoying the moment. If the smoke feels too intense or you’re unsure how deep to draw it, gentle puffs will always serve you well.
If you need help choosing your first or next cigar, be sure to explore our full lineup of premium cigars at After Action Cigars and find the right stick for your next smoke.
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