What's the difference between cigars and cigarettes?

Although both are made from tobacco, any cigar connoisseur will tell you that cigars and cigarettes are in no way comparable. Not only are cigars and cigarettes physically different from each other, but there are also substantial distinctions between the two, which can have an impact on how they are smoked and enjoyed. Let's take a look at some of the differences between these two smoking styles.

What are cigars made of?

There are, of course, certain physical distinctions between cigarettes and cigars. Cigars are considerably larger than cigarettes, in fact, they are bigger and thicker. Tobacco is used throughout the cigar-making process: the filler of a quality cigar is made up of tobacco leaves folded and bunched together by hand, and its wrapper is a huge tobacco leaf that is carefully used to hold the whole cigar in place. Conversely, cigarettes are often made from shredded tobacco leaves, leaf stems and other tobacco remnants that have been wrapped in paper. Unlike cigars, cigarettes have a filter, allowing the smoke to be absorbed more effectively by the lungs.

Is cigar smoke inhaled in the same way as a cigarette?

An average cigarette contains around 10 mg of nicotine, so it can be smoked and inhaled. Cigars, however, are not recommended for inhalation. They can contain between 100 and 200 mg of nicotine, which is far too much to be smoked and can have serious health consequences. Therefore, when you smoke a cigar, you keep the smoke in your mouth, without inhaling it, before exhaling it, to get the most tasty experience possible.

How long does it take to burn a cigar?

Cigarettes are popular because they're quick and easy to use. After buying a pack of cigarettes, simply take one out of the box and smoke it. It will probably take you 5 to 10 minutes, after which you can get on with your activities. Cigars, on the other hand, require a little more preparation, as you have to cut the cap before smoking, and can take between 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes to consume, depending on size.

How to light a cigar

To begin with, the cigar cap must be removed or opened with a cigar cutter to create a hole through which the smoke can be drawn. Lighting a cigar is also more difficult than lighting a cigarette, as the foot of the cigar must be lightly toasted with a lighter or match before the flame comes into direct contact with the tobacco. Read our article on how to smoke cigars and watch the video to find out.

Why are cigars more expensive?

The cost of cigars and cigarettes is another important distinction. Cigars are more expensive than cigarettes. The difference may seem large, but when you break it down, it's actually quite reasonable. A single cigar can contain as much tobacco as a whole pack of cigarettes, as well as 10 to 20 times the amount of nicotine contained in a pack of cigarettes. Then there's the question of quality to consider. Cigars aren't a quick fix for nicotine withdrawal, they're an experience. Like coffee or wine, each cigar has its own distinct flavor, and being able to discern the tiny nuances of flavor in a cigar can be immensely satisfying. Finally, cigar smoking is generally considered more sophisticated. People also use cigars to celebrate, so they are associated with important events such as weddings or the birth of a child. If you are a cigarette smoker and would like to discover the pleasures of cigars, why not take a look at our wide selection of Cuban cigars available on our site?