Why do you smoke?

[DoubleDD]

I was having a cigar today and was asked the question "why do you smoke cigars?" I began to explain that I love smoking cigars because they take you on a journey, an evolution of flavors. I explained the flavors I experience with different cigars. Flavors such as toasted tobacco, roasted nuts, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel, berries, stone fruit, citrus, espresso, milk coffee, etc. After I explained these flavors the person I was talking to then asked "instead of smoking cigars for these flavors, why not just eat some chocolate or have some espresso or eat some fruit to get the real experience?" After all, isn't smoking bad for us? I then went on to explain that not only is it about flavors for me but, it is a stress reliever, it is that 60-90 minutes that I can detach from the world, take some time to myself, immerse myself in serenity (even if I'm in the middle of a busy city) and just enjoy life. My meditation. I cannot tell you how many times I take a time out just to sit and enjoy a cigar when things get overwhelming. I also love having a cigar as a morning routine and of course as a celebration. So with that, why do you smoke?

[Scroats]

"why not?" is my usual reply. If they prod, "because it tastes so good."

I like to keep it simple.

[Drguano]

I smoke cigars because weed makes me paranoid.

[leftimatic]

I tend ask them why they can't mind their own business. If they laugh then I elaborate more. If they get all pissy and walk away I just smile and know my work for the day is done.

But truly I do it because it is a great way of getting away for and hour or so. When I find a stump or bench and marry my time to a nice cigar it allows for reflection and deep thought. I have yet to refine my palate to the degree most have but with an hour or so at a time I seem to be coming along nicely.

[purpleloki]

To be cool.

[Habana Mike]

Because if I ate chocolate, fruits, nuts, caramel, cotton candy, popcorn and all else for 1-3 hours straight a couple times a day it would be much less healthy than enjoying all that in my cigar.

Plus I enjoy the experience, culture, comraderie and relaxation that comes from enjoying a great cigar alone or with friends.

[saintsmokealot]

There is no right answer for someone like that so why waste time.

[bradbrennan]

That's a good question...I'm with the rest on the flavors and I'll toss it if I can't taste it! But I don't think you can ignore the fact that the nicotine may add to your relaxation, at least for me!

[Shikar]

Cos I enjoy it.

Regards.

[reffy]

Much like you, I not only smoke to get the flavors of a nice cigar, but also for the relaxation I get from it. The process of cutting, lighting, smoking, and even obsessively checking my humidor is relaxing for me. It's a break from stress where all I have to think about is my next puff.

As for the people who cite health concerns, I value my relaxation more than the negative impacts that could affect me (I'm not a heavy smoker, maybe 1 or 2 a week). Other than that I don't try to force people to smoke, so why try to force me to quit smoking? I know and acknowledge the effects smoking can have, but I choose to smoke.

[earthson]

Whyyyyy do ya drink? To get drunk!

Whyyyyy do y'all smoke? To get stoned!

It's a fambly tradition.

[NJP]

The time by ones self is personal, a reflective zone or a think tank. When shared its a collective zone with people/'s that's should not be underestimated in relationships. Its a builder of friendships like having a drink and sharing a meal. I've only ever asked one person to leave the cigar in the ashtray to go out on is own while I help them out to leave. Don't mess with the Zone wankers and tosses smoke on their own.

[free85]

I'll side with the OP on this: for the flavors, the ritual, and the relaxation. But I have a small personal twist. There's a gentleman that introduced me to it, and the passion which he described it (after opening a leather bound cedar lined travel case and exclaiming "Doesn't that smell like a BARN ROOM FLOOR?! Ahhhhhh...") I couldn't not take him up on his offer to try an aged HU Connie #1. After that the odd question to him about cigars landed me here.

[cigcars]

It's one of the rare fun things to do that's not immoral or fattening

[moryc]

I smoke because I enjoy the taste of cigars. A great cigar gives an "eye opening sensation", something like having a glass of cold lemonade on a hot day. I just can't get it enough of it.

I use to smoke cigarets for about 15 years and one day I quit cold turkey. I did not replace the cigarets with cigars, this came about 2 year after quitting. I use to love smoking cigarets when drinking. I could go through a pack in an evening of drinking. Now I smoke cigars quite heavy when drinking. I can have 3 or 4 or 5 in an evening (pretty much from the first sip to the moment I pass out), I just enjoy it so much. I could never go back to cigarets now.

[LeafLover]

They taste good to me

[headstand]

I suppose my answer to the OP would depend on who is asking. An honest inquiry would get an honest answer: the flavours and aroma, the downtime, the culture, and yes, the nicotine buzz. Someone leading up to a lecture on the hazards/morality of smoking etc would get nothing.

[Bclass1]

Because if I ate chocolate, fruits, nuts, caramel, cotton candy, popcorn and all else for 1-3 hours straight a couple times a day it would be much less healthy than enjoying all that in my cigar.

Plus I enjoy the experience, culture, comraderie and relaxation that comes from enjoying a great cigar alone or with friends.

This..

And because I just like to friggin' smoke cigars

[smokinjaycutler]

For me mostly it's a form of relaxation and a feeling that the world is slowing down for an hour or so. Plus I love the taste, aroma and the preparation.

[StingMeadery]

I like the aesthetic ...like green tea or anything refined, they journey is one of self expression.

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[Hash]

Relaxation, and I like the aroma of cigar smoke.

[JohnS]

Sometimes, my answers depends on who asks. When my 8 year-old niece asked me a few months ago, "Why do you smoke (cigars with my daddy - that is, my brother-in-law)?" I replied, "because it's very relaxing and we like to talk and laugh while we smoke!" If an adult asked me I'd give a different reply akin to what has been posted by most of you...especially the camaraderie that comes from smoking with fellow cigar enthusiasts.

[LordAnubis]

Because I enjoy the company of the band of misfis I meet who share the common interest.

As for the health question, breathing is bad for you, eating is bad for you. I deal with chemicals such as Cyanide, various acids and bases and other chemicals with long names on a dialy basis. I'm pretty sure the once cigar I have a week is going to do less damage to me than the chemicals I am exposed to at work.

At the end of the day it all comes down to moderation. Yes smoking a lot is bad for you. So is drinking too much water, or eating too many hamburgers. They will kill you just as effectively as tobacco will.

[Colt45]

I guess cigars are relatively personal for me, but at the core, I smoke for flavor. The relaxing / meditative aspects are wonderful, but I don't think I expect to be taken away every time I light up. I sometimes wonder if it's the cigar which relaxes me, or if it's simply that I'm taking the time which does so. Maybe a combination....

[Tino]

"I need the tar to fill the potholes in my soul" Bill Hicks