Cigars are designed to be enjoyed—and there are many ways that enthusiasts can do so. While smoking a cigar is the traditional use for them, some people prefer to chew on the tobacco without lighting it, and others gnaw on their stogies while they’re lit.
So why do people chew cigars? There are some positives associated with chewing their cigar, but it’s considered poor etiquette amongst most connoisseurs. If you’re sharing an ashtray with others, placing a half-chewed cigar in it may be off-putting, and the mess you create could also affect them.
We’ve explored the reasoning and tangible benefits behind cigar chewing and compiled a list of reasons why this habit should be avoided.
Releasing the flavour
Chewing on a cigar releases its natural oils and flavors without needing to light it. The individual enjoying the stogie can savor each complex note offered—earthy, sweet, nutty—without heat altering the taste. By not lighting the cigar and burning the tobacco, the flavors develop naturally, allowing the user to truly enjoy the cigar’s intricacy.
Some enthusiasts find that the flavor of raw tobacco offers deep, rich notes when chewed. The reaction of saliva with the cigar may release certain flavors that aren’t noticeable when it is smoked, allowing enthusiasts to savor a nuance in the cigar.
A more intense experience
Chewing on a cigar lets you absorb the tobacco’s components directly through your mouth. These elements are released slowly, without burning the cigar, providing a steady experience of the cigar’s strength. This gradual release sets chewing apart from smoking, where the effects occur quickly.
The slow process allows you to enjoy a longer-lasting impact, helping you fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the tobacco. This happens because the compounds in the tobacco interact with receptors in your mouth.
Variations in strength can enhance the experience, allowing you to tailor your choice to your personal preference. Each cigar can provide a unique intensity.
What happens when you chew a cigar?
It isn’t our place to tell you how to enjoy your cigar, but we can advise why chewing your stogie might not be the best idea. The correct way to hold a cigar in your mouth can help prolong the life of your purchase and enhance your smoking experience.
The wrapper will crack
Unfortunately, repeated chewing on a cigar will cause the wrapper to crack—leaving the stogie you’ve been looking forward to unusable.
Cracked wrappers tend to unravel, leaving you covered in loose tobacco and the remnants of your cigar.
The cigar may just fall apart
The cigar’s integrity will be compromised, and the binder, filler, and wrapper will be shredded from chewing, so the habit will likely end in a mess.
Chewed cigars commonly fall apart, and if this isn’t the case, stray tobacco will likely cause a mess, and any ashes from smoking will also cause problems.
Tobacco will end up in your mouth
The remnants of the cigar you’ve just shredded will end up in your mouth, which is not a pleasant experience.
It may not just be the tobacco that ends up in your mouth, either. You may also find that you’ve shredded the wrapper or binder.
The cigar will burn unevenly
When a cigar is gnawed on, its shape will often warp, and the cigar will compress. Cigars are designed to be smoked effortlessly and crafted in precise sizes to ensure a high-quality smoking experience.
Chewing a cigar can damage the integrity of the stogie, causing an uneven burn and a poor experience. Nobody wants to deal with wet tobacco scraps everywhere.
The cigar may just fall apart
The cigar’s integrity will be compromised, and the binder, filler, and wrapper will be shredded from chewing, so the habit will likely end in a mess.
Chewed cigars commonly fall apart, and if this isn’t the case, stray tobacco will likely cause a mess, and any ashes from smoking will also cause problems.
How to properly savor a cigar
If you prefer to chew on a cigar, consider trying chewing tobacco instead—it offers a similar flavor and experience. Alternatively, it’s wise to leave your cigar unlit or purchase specific cigars for chewing to avoid the mess and ruining your overall smoking experience.
There are a few golden rules to savoring cigars when smoking them for the optimal experience, which could provide exactly what you’re looking for. For full-flavor stogie smoking, leave time between each draw and allow the smoke to linger on your palate to explore key notes that faster draws might miss.
Enjoying a cigar with a glass of water can also enhance the flavor profile. If you enjoy your cigar with coffee or alcoholic beverages, you introduce a range of different tastes into the mix that can overshadow the cigar’s natural profile.
If you want a cigar that packs a punch, pick a full-bodied cigar known for its strength. These cigars are often ideal for seasoned smokers, but if you want the same intensity you’d get from chewing, a full-bodied cigar might be the better choice.