To the uninitiated, cigars are symbolize power and money, a way for rich people to relax and release stress through something flavorful. A lot of people consider themselves cigar aficionados, and because of this, cigar smoking is almost like a course you have to take in college, an art, a science, one with many theories and counter-theories always up for debate. Cigar smoking is more than just an activity, and it is often compared to wine tasting because of its popularity with the upper crust.
Even the origin of cigars is debatable, but most believe that they got their start in Spain, before spreading on to the rest of Europe. Cigars are often called Cubans, and with good reason – of all the countries that manufacture cigars, it is Cuba that produces many of the most rich in flavor. The secret of Cuba’s success does not just lie in their cigar manufacturers – regional microclimates also play a large part in the growth of high quality cigar tobacco. There are other countries well known for tobacco and the manufacturing of cigars, and these include the United States, Mexico, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and even Cameroon and Indonesia. So is there any logical explanation for the worldwide popularity of cigars? This is another major point of contention, but many cigar lovers are impressed with how cigars are manufactured. High quality cigars are always wrapped by hand. The reason behind the exquisite and quaint flavors of cigars would be the fact that cigar tobacco is fermented and aged for some time, unlike cigarettes which aren’t. Each cigar has a unique and individual taste, and best of all, they don’t come with any nasty aftertaste.
The taste of cigars is much more complex than cigarettes. Because you have not just one, but three different tobacco layers comprising a cigar once it has been produced. The best cigars also often contain long nicotine leaves for the filler, but there are times when the filler is mostly made out of scraps. This sets cigars apart from one another in terms of flavor and texture. Cigarettes do not benefit from such meticulous production, as they come from one type of tobacco alone, and are produced in bulk. They also have enough flavors for the likes of Baskin and Robbins to blush. Why, you could smoke a vanilla-flavored cigar, or opt for apple, coffee, and the all-time favorite – chocolate!
Let’s get serious for a moment – you may enjoy that stogie for all its flavor, but take note that this too can be dangerous to your health. No tobacco, no nicotine, vice versa. Perhaps you’re asking, what is it that makes nicotine such a vile substance that everyone’s warning me about it? Nicotine is a stimulant that produces a sense of euphoria. Take it from me – I happen to be an occasional smoker, but I agree with the next guy that nicotine is loaded with carcinogens and causes cigars and even cigarettes to be addictive. These health risks involved include throat, mouth and larynx cancer, and this holds true even if cigar smokers do not inhale the smoke and aren’t supposed to.
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