What really makes a cigar strong? Explaining a cigar’s strength

Strong cigars / Two friends are sitting together one summer evening, smoking the same cigar. After a few minutes, one of them says, «That’s quite strong.» The other looks up in surprise and replies, «Really? I’d say it’s medium-strength at most, perhaps even a bit mild.»

This article is part of the „Understanding Cigars“ series – a series covering the basics of cigars by Zigarren.Zone. You can find the whole series here

Which of the two is right? Both.

The strength of a cigar cannot be determined as clearly as a number on a scale might suggest. A rating such as 2/5 (2 out of 5) or 4/5 (4 out of 5) provides a rough guide. However, how strong the cigar actually feels depends not only on the tobacco. The smoker and the situation in question also play a decisive role.

What ‘strength’ actually describes

In the world of cigars, strength, intensity and flavour are often used interchangeably. Yet they refer to different characteristics.

‘Strength’ primarily refers to the perceived physical effects of nicotine. These may manifest as a sensation of warmth, mild restlessness, dizziness or nausea. ‘Intensity’, on the other hand, describes how pronounced the flavour impressions are. ‘Flavour’ refers to their character and development.

A cigar may have a strong aroma yet be mild in terms of body. Conversely, it may seem subtle in flavour but still deliver a noticeable nicotine kick. Complexity is also a separate matter: a mild cigar can be multi-layered, whilst a strong cigar may remain straightforward in flavour.

Rather than simply asking, «How strong is this cigar?», it is therefore worth taking a closer look: does it feel full-bodied? Are its flavours particularly intense? Or is it mainly the spiciness that increases? It is only by making this distinction that a description becomes truly meaningful.

Beware of nicotine bottles / nicotine shock!

A nicotine rush can occur when smoking a cigar. There are many reasons for this, and it isn’t always down solely to the strength of the cigar. Find out here how to avoid it and what to do if it does happen.

→ Read the article on the nicotine rush

The same cigar may be perceived as having a different strength by two different people. Strength is not an objective characteristic, but always a matter of individual perception.

If a cigar is too strong

Dizziness, nausea, cold sweats or a sudden feeling of unease are signs that you should take seriously. Put the cigar down and do not smoke any more that day. Sit down, get some fresh air and wait until you feel stable again. If you experience severe, unusual or persistent symptoms, you should seek medical advice. If you lose consciousness, have a seizure or experience breathing difficulties, you must seek immediate medical assistance.

Prevention is easier. Have a bite to eat before smoking, take your time and leave a pause between puffs. You don’t have to smoke a cigar right to the end. If it’s not doing you any good, stopping is the right decision.

Invitation from Zigarren.Zone

Why the effect varies from person to person

Nicotine does not affect everyone in the same way. People who smoke cigars regularly are often less sensitive to its effects than those who only smoke occasionally. Over time, the body develops a certain tolerance. This does not mean the effects disappear, but they may be perceived as less intense.

Your physical condition also influences the experience. On an empty stomach, the same cigar can feel considerably more taxing than after a meal. Fatigue, how you’re feeling on the day and your personal sensitivity also alter the experience.

Then there’s the pace at which you smoke. If you take quick puffs at short intervals, you keep the embers hotter and inhale more smoke in a shorter time. This can make the cigar seem more intense, sharper and physically demanding. Slow puffs and longer pauses allow it time to cool down slightly and spread the strain over a longer period.

A strength rating is therefore always just an approximation. It describes how a cigar is generally assessed, but does not predict how it will affect a particular person on a particular evening.

If you want to assess the strength of a cigar, you should therefore also take the circumstances into account. Have you eaten beforehand? Are you smoking faster than usual? Has the cigar become very warm by now? Does the physical effect build up gradually or does it kick in suddenly? Observations like these are more helpful than a number on its own.

Where a cigar’s strength comes from

The potential strength begins with the tobacco leaf. The variety of tobacco, growing conditions and the leaf’s position on the plant all influence its characteristics. Leaves from the upper parts of the plant remain on the plant for longer and are usually exposed to more sun and the elements than those from the lower parts. As a result, they often develop a more robust structure and can give a blend its distinctive character.

However, a single leaf does not determine the strength of the finished cigar. Fermentation and ageing alter the tobacco and influence how mellow, sharp or balanced it will ultimately taste. A full-bodied tobacco does not, therefore, have to taste harsh. When carefully processed, it can provide depth and structure without overpowering the other flavours.

The composition of the blend is crucial. The wrapper, binder and filler are combined in such a way that their strength, aroma, smoke profile and burn rate complement one another. It is not just a question of which tobaccos are used, but also of the proportions in which they are used and where they are placed in the blend.

The blender also determines how the strength develops. Should it be clearly noticeable right from the start, build up gradually, or remain consistent throughout the entire smoke? Even a slight change in the position of a leaf within the filler, a different ratio of ingredients, or a new wrapper can alter the effect.

The size (viola) also plays a role. The ratio of wrapper, binder and filler changes with length and ring gauge. The same blend can therefore have a different effect in different sizes. A successful blend incorporates the strength into the character of the cigar. It may be distinct, but should not unintentionally overshadow everything else.

‘Heavy’ does not mean ‘high-quality’

Strength is a characteristic, not a quality rating. A strong cigar is not automatically more sophisticated than a mild one. Nor is particular mildness, in itself, a sign of elegance.

Quality is evident in other characteristics: in the selection and processing of the tobaccos, in the construction, in the draw and burn, and in the blend’s ability to convincingly deliver on its concept throughout the entire smoking experience. A mild cigar and a full-bodied cigar can both succeed or fail in this respect.

Personal preference should also be kept separate from this. Perhaps you like strong cigars and find mild ones too subdued. Or the exact opposite. That says something about your taste, but nothing yet about the craftsmanship.

A cigar may be superbly crafted and still not be to your taste. Conversely, it may be exactly to your taste, even though it has technical flaws. Enjoyment and an assessment of quality are linked, but they are not the same thing.

Conclusion

The strength of a cigar primarily describes its physically perceived effect. How pronounced this effect is depends on the blend, the smoker and the situation in question. A number can serve as a guide, but it cannot replace your own observations. Strength is neither flavour nor quality. It is part of the composition – and a personal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

The comprehensive guide to cigars

Every cigar tells its own story. If you really want to understand them, you should also know how tobacco is grown and processed, and why a cigar behaves the way it does. This educational series takes you step by step through the most important basics – explained in an accessible way and backed by scientific evidence.

How aroma descriptions are created – and where their limitations lie

Many cigars are described in terms of their flavour. But does that really capture the essence of the cigar? Find out why the tobacco itself is the most important benchmark.

→ How aroma descriptions are created – and where their limitations lie

What really makes a cigar strong? Explaining a cigar’s strength

Strength and flavour are two completely different characteristics. Find out why the same cigar can be perceived differently by different people.

→ What really makes a cigar strong? Explaining a cigar’s strength

What fermentation actually does

Fermentation is one of the most important stages in tobacco processing. Find out what happens to the tobacco during this process and why it is so crucial for the final cigar.

→ What fermentation actually does

Cigar Wrapper – Why wrappers are underrated

The wrapper is much more than just an attractive covering. Find out how it influences the character of a cigar and why its colour is often misinterpreted.

→ Cigar Wrapper – Why wrappers are underrated

Cigar Blend – What really makes a great blend

A great blend doesn’t happen by chance. Learn how different tobaccos come together to form a harmonious whole, and why balance is more important than dramatic changes.

→ Cigar blends: What really makes a great blend

How tobacco changes physically when smoked

As you smoke, the tobacco changes with every puff. Discover how heat, moisture and the moving ember affect the smoking experience.

→ How tobacco changes physically when smoked

Why consistency is a greater achievement than constant change

Many people believe that a cigar must constantly change. Find out why consistency, in particular, can be a sign of great craftsmanship.

→ Why consistency is a greater achievement than constant change

Terroir Cigars – Soil, climate and tobacco cultivation explained simply

Climate, soil and origin shape the tobacco long before it is harvested. Discover how the terroir influences the character of a cigar.

→ Terroir Cigars – Soil, climate and tobacco cultivation explained simply

Observe cigars rather than judge them – How to understand cigars better

You don’t need to rate a cigar to understand it better. Learn what to look out for and how your perspective on cigars will change.

→ Observe cigars rather than judge them – How to understand cigars better

Why Cigars Are Part of Our Cultural Heritage – An Explanation of Craftsmanship, History and Tradition

Cigars are much more than just a luxury item. Find out why they have been part of craftsmanship, history and culture for centuries.

→ Why Cigars Are Part of Our Cultural Heritage – An Explanation of Craftsmanship, History and Tradition

Scientific sources

• A broad-ranging metabolomic analysis reveals that volatile metabolites are affected by fermentation in cigar tobacco leaves / Shows changes in volatile and non-volatile metabolites during fermentation.

Photos

• Pixabay
• Vasilij Ratej