Why do we smoke cigars?

On my way home (a 4 hour ride) from meeting with Dan & Sid Saturday past, I stopped at a rest stop for a coffee, and decided to stay a while and have a cigar. Obviously I was alone, mind was wandering and I started thinking how good life is.

I was thinking back to the discussions we had had at dinner & at the Tinderbox, along with other smokers who were there, and the trades we had made, the smokes we shared, and the satisfaction I felt regarding how the day had gone. I was thinking as well about how nice it is to relax alone sometimes, smoking a nice cigar, having a nice coffee, contemplating life where nobody knows you and you can't be bothered. It was a beautiful evening, and I was laying back against a tree on a grassy bank watching a beautiful sunset. Times like this, my friends, are one of the reasons why we smoke cigars. Yes, it's wonderful and special to sit with pals and smoke as I had done earlier in the day, but it's also nice to sit alone, as I was doing at the time, and let your mind wander and enjoy the peace and solitude while basking in the waning light and the clouds of smoke from a tasty Ashton VSG Illusion.

Now, back to the present. I was looking at something on CigarPass a few minutes ago and saw THIS thread started by Eshaw99, which includes posts by other members of this board such as Kayakinboy, Coventry Cat, Da Sarge and members of the other board as well. Eshaws comments and those of others put the feelings into words much better than I.

Read the thread, my friends. THIS, is why we smoke cigars.

Peace. I'm off to the golf course.

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Originally Posted by Newfie

On my way home (a 4 hour ride) from meeting with Dan & Sid Saturday past, I stopped at a rest stop for a coffee, and decided to stay a while and have a cigar. Obviously I was alone, mind was wandering and I started thinking how good life is.

I was thinking back to the discussions we had had at dinner & at the Tinderbox, along with other smokers who were there, and the trades we had made, the smokes we shared, and the satisfaction I felt regarding how the day had gone. I was thinking as well about how nice it is to relax alone sometimes, smoking a nice cigar, having a nice coffee, contemplating life where nobody knows you and you can't be bothered. It was a beautiful evening, and I was laying back against a tree on a grassy bank watching a beautiful sunset. Times like this, my friends, are one of the reasons why we smoke cigars. Yes, it's wonderful and special to sit with pals and smoke as I had done earlier in the day, but it's also nice to sit alone, as I was doing at the time, and let your mind wander and enjoy the peace and solitude while basking in the waning light and the clouds of smoke from a tasty Ashton VSG Illusion.

Now, back to the present. I was looking at something on CigarPass a few minutes ago and saw THIS thread started by Eshaw99, which includes posts by other members of this board such as Kayakinboy, Coventry Cat, Da Sarge and members of the other board as well. Eshaws comments and those of others put the feelings into words much better than I.

Read the thread, my friends. THIS, is why we smoke cigars.

Peace. I'm off to the golf course.

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Had some of the same thought on my long ride back to NYC :smiley20:

To cover the smell of weed.


:smiley36: Oh lighten up, I'm kidding. I have few friends who will smoke a cigar with me, and only one who really appreciates it like I do. He was out in VA with me too and a couple times a week after a long day we'd dit back and smoke. Our lives were quite hectic out there, so it was one of the few ways during the work week we could actually relax and talk and unwind.

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Originally Posted by Newfie

On my way home (a 4 hour ride) from meeting with Dan & Sid Saturday past, I stopped at a rest stop for a coffee, and decided to stay a while and have a cigar. Obviously I was alone, mind was wandering and I started thinking how good life is.

I was thinking back to the discussions we had had at dinner & at the Tinderbox, along with other smokers who were there, and the trades we had made, the smokes we shared, and the satisfaction I felt regarding how the day had gone. I was thinking as well about how nice it is to relax alone sometimes, smoking a nice cigar, having a nice coffee, contemplating life where nobody knows you and you can't be bothered. It was a beautiful evening, and I was laying back against a tree on a grassy bank watching a beautiful sunset. Times like this, my friends, are one of the reasons why we smoke cigars. Yes, it's wonderful and special to sit with pals and smoke as I had done earlier in the day, but it's also nice to sit alone, as I was doing at the time, and let your mind wander and enjoy the peace and solitude while basking in the waning light and the clouds of smoke from a tasty Ashton VSG Illusion.

Now, back to the present. I was looking at something on CigarPass a few minutes ago and saw THIS thread started by Eshaw99, which includes posts by other members of this board such as Kayakinboy, Coventry Cat, Da Sarge and members of the other board as well. Eshaws comments and those of others put the feelings into words much better than I.

Read the thread, my friends. THIS, is why we smoke cigars.

Peace. I'm off to the golf course.

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:smiley27: :smiley32: :smiley27:

I don't smoke indoors, but instead out on a patio. Usually I'm reading something, so there has to be a light at night. There's one of those 40W coiled florescents out there that works well. I'm usually by myself, but I'm not alone. I've not really noticed in years past, but this summer I can count as many as a dozen Turkish geckos on the wall around the light. They're still mostly; sometimes they threaten each other by waving their tails over their backs till one of them backs down. But when a moth flies into the illumination, they all go on high alert. The moth bouces in and out, on and off the wall. As soon as that sucker lights, a few of the geckos move into action, closing in. When one is within an inch or so, bam! it's all over but the cryin'. Sometimes the moth goes still fast, sometimes it flutters like hell, causing its captor's head to gyrate in time. Sometimes the gecko misses on first try, and sometimes two of them are at odds as to whom the prey belongs. And it's not always a moth. But they are in agreement as to which bugs aren't on the menu. Let a small black beetle fly in and the reptiles don't budge. Maybe it's the ectoskeleton (doubtful though - they eat the brown ones), or maybe they taste bad (like fuck that, we don't do licorice.) So, I'm there watching part of the food chain and smoking my cigar. Last week I got my daughter to come watch awhile with me. The geckos don't seem to mind the occassional cloud that wafts their way; indeed, this inspires no more interest in movement than does the unpalatable black beetle. Maybe they miss me when I'm a no-show. I miss them - they're why I smoke cigars. I don't miss moths though, which is good because those lizards eat every damn one of them.

Great post, Jim. Thank you! Interesting this came up as I had a similar experience last night. After a grueling day of negotiations and wining/dining with our largest client, I went back to my hotel beat and braindead. Considering an early bedtime (due to lack of sleep this week and an early wake up call this morning) I felt as if something was missing. I could not put my finger on the missing piece when alas I realized I needed a cigar. This need was unique however... ...it was not addictive (as I have experienced in life with cigarettes and alcohol etc.) Nor was it out of boredom. Instead, it was an inate desire to unwind, I guess. I walked outside and took sole possesion of a grassy hill under a tree and fired up my cigar. Nothing fancy (Ramon Allones Gustoso), but it tasted great and was probably THE right cigar for the moment. I gazed at an almost full moon circled by a beautiful hazy ring for a little over an hour as I contemplated over many things: past, present, and future- including your question today "why do we smoke cigars". This moment in time was suspended like a camera capturing an image. Although mental in nature, this was a time that cannot be lost, and was quite honestly exactly what I needed. I watched the nub of the cigar extinguish itself and wandered off to bed with a feeling of fulfillment unrivaled by most anything else I could have chosen to do with my time- at that time!

I smoke to get away from the little woman. :smiley17:












(just kidding! She's a sweetheart.)

Because the Sterile and we like the taste.

I like the escape and personal time, a chance to just relax and listen to music/collect thoughts/feel the breeze/enjoy the day. The burn in the nose is not bad at all either.

I smoke...Because I like it.:smiley41:

Because I can and want to.

Because smoking a great cigar is one of the greatest things there is:smiley20:

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Originally Posted by cigarsarge

I smoke...Because I like it.:smiley41:

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Now THAT, Sarge, is profound! :smiley20:

I rarely smoke anymore, but I still enjoy it. Just kinda gives me a medium to sudue me while I ponder.

I smoke to relax, I enjoy the taste and the conversations I've had with people whom I have smoked with have been great. Everything from architecture, to nature and the serenity of it, to football and life's hopes and dreams. I also smoke to piss off those 'Oh, he's smoking a cigar, lets move' types. For them, my parting comment is :smiley44:

I've been reading this over the last day or two I've been wondering and cannot figure out why its cigars and not alcohol, or chew or 'other substance' that helps me relax and the rest of the above. What is it about a cigar which provides the above in such a way that there is no other substitute? Any thoughts or comments on that:smiley25:

For me, it's usually about slowing down and taking a break from life's responsibilities. Ninety percent of the time that I'm smoking it's on my back patio while I'm watching my son play in the afternoon or sitting down with a book or the wifey after my son is in bed. The other ten percent of the time, I'm smoking with a friend or two and having a good beer or drink.

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Originally Posted by Cabaiguan Juan

I've been reading this over the last day or two I've been wondering and cannot figure out why its cigars and not alcohol, or chew or 'other substance' that helps me relax and the rest of the above. What is it about a cigar which provides the above in such a way that there is no other substitute? Any thoughts or comments on that:smiley25:

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It requires your attention to an extent. I like the fact that it's hand made and that a lot of time and effort went into making it a quality cigar. As with anything of fine quality, you want to savor it and the moment. :smiley41:

If I have a cigar it usually means I am enjoying myself greatly. Lately I have not had many cigars which means I have been way to busy and slightly stressed. As soon as september hits I should be hella relaxed and hopefully start tackling some of the GREAT smokes I have received lately through trades or gifts.

My cruise ship in september better F'n have a smoke deck! :smiley37:

Good a place as any to get my first post under my belt!

Why do we smoke cigars?? Because we CAN! :smiley20:

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Originally Posted by punch

Good a place as any to get my first post under my belt!

Why do we smoke cigars?? Because we CAN! :smiley20:

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Hey Punch, Welcome. Start up another thread and tell us about yourself.

hey punch...welcome...where in queens??...my son and DIL live in astoria....

Kew Gdns area. Hope your family weren't affected too badly by the power loss recently.

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Originally Posted by punch

Kew Gdns area. Hope your family weren't affected too badly by the power loss recently.

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they're on 33rd near ditmars...power off from tuesday 'til late saturday...were you out at all??...

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Originally Posted by bigpoppapuff

they're on 33rd near ditmars...power off from tuesday 'til late saturday...were you out at all??...

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I didn't lose power during that time. My lights were kinda dim though. Had a few power surges. TV would go off and on by itself and lost cable a few times. other weird electrical pheonomena too!

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Originally Posted by basil

I don't smoke indoors, but instead out on a patio. Usually I'm reading something, so there has to be a light at night. There's one of those 40W coiled florescents out there that works well. I'm usually by myself, but I'm not alone. I've not really noticed in years past, but this summer I can count as many as a dozen Turkish geckos on the wall around the light. They're still mostly; sometimes they threaten each other by waving their tails over their backs till one of them backs down. But when a moth flies into the illumination, they all go on high alert. The moth bouces in and out, on and off the wall. As soon as that sucker lights, a few of the geckos move into action, closing in. When one is within an inch or so, bam! it's all over but the cryin'. Sometimes the moth goes still fast, sometimes it flutters like hell, causing its captor's head to gyrate in time. Sometimes the gecko misses on first try, and sometimes two of them are at odds as to whom the prey belongs. And it's not always a moth. But they are in agreement as to which bugs aren't on the menu. Let a small black beetle fly in and the reptiles don't budge. Maybe it's the ectoskeleton (doubtful though - they eat the brown ones), or maybe they taste bad (like fuck that, we don't do licorice.) So, I'm there watching part of the food chain and smoking my cigar. Last week I got my daughter to come watch awhile with me. The geckos don't seem to mind the occassional cloud that wafts their way; indeed, this inspires no more interest in movement than does the unpalatable black beetle. Maybe they miss me when I'm a no-show. I miss them - they're why I smoke cigars. I don't miss moths though, which is good because those lizards eat every damn one of them.

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Ted - man, you hit the nail on the head...

What is smoking cigars? It's not about smoking, as much as it's about the ritual of the smoking. I don't "need" to smoke cigars like I did smoking cigarettes. I guess I'm lucky in that regard. I know those that cannot go without having a cigar. But what I'm drawn to while smoking cigars are those moments of reflection, quiet time, great conversation - or just plain watching the geckos eat the bugs (we don't have geckos here, but I'd love to see it).

Last weekend I went to the Alstate 400 in Indy. I went with a good friend and his father-in-law. Both occasionally like to smoke cigars. I actually enjoy meeting with them because I like to bring new cigars for them to try. They're like a coupla kids when I open up the portable humi. I always try to bring something I know they'll enjoy, yet have never tried.

On this trip, I brought a Davidoff Diademas (100th Anny) for my buddy, and his father-in-law selected a ISOM Partagas 8-9-8 varnished with a tad bit of age on it. I smoked a ISOM '98 Trini Fundadore. All of us sat around enjoying each others company, but still took several "reflection" breaks (quiet time) to enjoy what we were smoking.

Towards the end of the Diademas, my friend said, "The reason I like to smoke cigars is about the flavor of the cigar, and the thinking I have to do to taste the flavors in it. I'm all about being being on the go, answering questions, servicing clients during the week (he's a lawyer). But - when I smoke cigars, it's that rare time when I just get to sit back, smoke the cigar and think about what's so good about it that brings me enjoyment. It's like the cigar is giving back to me what I've been giving away all week. I'm asking the questions, and the cigar is answering me. And I hate giving the cigar up at the end, because I know my time is up..."

For the health benefits.

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Originally Posted by ggiese

Towards the end of the Diademas, my friend said, "The reason I like to smoke cigars is about the flavor of the cigar, and the thinking I have to do to taste the flavors in it. I'm all about being being on the go, answering questions, servicing clients during the week (he's a lawyer). But - when I smoke cigars, it's that rare time when I just get to sit back, smoke the cigar and think about what's so good about it that brings me enjoyment. It's like the cigar is giving back to me what I've been giving away all week. I'm asking the questions, and the cigar is answering me. And I hate giving the cigar up at the end, because I know my time is up..."

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And the light bulb just clicked on. Giving back to me for what I've been giving out to others all week long. I was at a park this weekend and smoked a CAO Black in the amazing weather DC was blessed with and enjoyed some quite time and though about why we smoke some more. I didn't get too far, but ggiese summed it up for me. Its like sitting in a cloud of tranquility and hitting the reset button on you psychological/emotional meter.