10 Stubborn Cigar Myths – Busted with a Smile!
Hey cigar friends! We love when new smokers walk into the shop (or browse our site) full of questions and excitement. But wow, do some wild myths travel around the cigar world! From old Hollywood tales to well-meaning “hacks” that go horribly wrong, these misconceptions are everywhere.Today we’re having some fun debunking the 10 most common cigar myths we hear all the time. Grab your favorite stick, sit back, and let’s set the record straight — no judgment, just good vibes and better smokes ahead!
1. Cigars are rolled on the naked thighs of virgin women
Ah, the legendary one. This spicy old story refuses to die (especially about Cubans). Sorry to burst the bubble, but cigars are hand-rolled by skilled torcedores on wooden tables in factories. No thighs involved — just years of expertise and a whole lot of talent!
Ah, the legendary one. This spicy old story refuses to die (especially about Cubans). Sorry to burst the bubble, but cigars are hand-rolled by skilled torcedores on wooden tables in factories. No thighs involved — just years of expertise and a whole lot of talent!
2. Darker wrappers (like Maduro) always mean a stronger cigar
It’s easy to think “darker = bolder,” but wrapper color is mostly about flavor, not strength. Strength comes from the filler blend and nicotine. You can find super-mild dark cigars and surprisingly powerful light ones. Judge by the blend, not the shade!
It’s easy to think “darker = bolder,” but wrapper color is mostly about flavor, not strength. Strength comes from the filler blend and nicotine. You can find super-mild dark cigars and surprisingly powerful light ones. Judge by the blend, not the shade!
3. Cuban cigars are always the best in the world
Cubans have that undeniable mystique (thanks, movies and embargo stories), but “best” is 100% personal taste. Amazing cigars come from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, and beyond. Some of our customers’ all-time favorites aren’t Cuban at all — try a few and decide for yourself!
Cubans have that undeniable mystique (thanks, movies and embargo stories), but “best” is 100% personal taste. Amazing cigars come from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, and beyond. Some of our customers’ all-time favorites aren’t Cuban at all — try a few and decide for yourself!
4. You should inhale a cigar like a cigarette
Nope! Cigars are for puffing and savoring the flavors in your mouth (maybe a gentle retrohale through the nose). Inhaling turns your relaxing smoke into a harsh nicotine rocket. Trust us — your taste buds and throat will thank you.
Nope! Cigars are for puffing and savoring the flavors in your mouth (maybe a gentle retrohale through the nose). Inhaling turns your relaxing smoke into a harsh nicotine rocket. Trust us — your taste buds and throat will thank you.
5. More expensive cigars are always better
Price doesn’t equal enjoyment. Some budget-friendly gems smoke circles around hyped-up expensive sticks, and vice versa. Construction, freshness, and how the cigar matches your palate matter way more than the price tag. Great news for your wallet!
Price doesn’t equal enjoyment. Some budget-friendly gems smoke circles around hyped-up expensive sticks, and vice versa. Construction, freshness, and how the cigar matches your palate matter way more than the price tag. Great news for your wallet!
6. You should dip your cigar in liquor or cognac to “enhance” the flavor
We’ve seen people try this thinking it’s fancy… but it usually just makes a sticky mess and drowns out the beautiful natural tobacco notes. Pair your cigar with a great drink on the side instead — much more enjoyable!
We’ve seen people try this thinking it’s fancy… but it usually just makes a sticky mess and drowns out the beautiful natural tobacco notes. Pair your cigar with a great drink on the side instead — much more enjoyable!
7. Store your cigars in the refrigerator (or freezer!)
Please don’t! The fridge can dry them out or give them weird leftover-food flavors. Freezing? Even worse. A proper humidor at 65-72% humidity and around 65-70°F is the way to keep your cigars happy and fresh. You can also get inexpensive humidity control pouches that perfectly maintain your cigars, for example we ship all our cigars in them.
Please don’t! The fridge can dry them out or give them weird leftover-food flavors. Freezing? Even worse. A proper humidor at 65-72% humidity and around 65-70°F is the way to keep your cigars happy and fresh. You can also get inexpensive humidity control pouches that perfectly maintain your cigars, for example we ship all our cigars in them.
8. White ash means it’s a high-quality cigar
Ash color depends on the soil and tobacco types, not quality. A firm, solid ash that holds together is nice, but whether it’s snowy white, gray, or speckled doesn’t prove anything. Burn evenly and taste great? That’s the real win.
Ash color depends on the soil and tobacco types, not quality. A firm, solid ash that holds together is nice, but whether it’s snowy white, gray, or speckled doesn’t prove anything. Burn evenly and taste great? That’s the real win.
9. Bigger cigars are always stronger (or automatically better)
Size (vitola) doesn’t decide strength — the blend does. Bigger cigars often burn cooler and can feel milder at the start. Don’t assume a giant torpedo will knock you out or that a petite cigar will be boring. Experiment with different sizes!
Size (vitola) doesn’t decide strength — the blend does. Bigger cigars often burn cooler and can feel milder at the start. Don’t assume a giant torpedo will knock you out or that a petite cigar will be boring. Experiment with different sizes!
10. Cigars are harmless because you don’t inhale
While most people don’t inhale cigar smoke into their lungs, the smoke still delivers nicotine and other compounds through your mouth. Cigars aren’t a “safe” alternative to cigarettes. Enjoy them responsibly and in moderation — like any good thing in life.
While most people don’t inhale cigar smoke into their lungs, the smoke still delivers nicotine and other compounds through your mouth. Cigars aren’t a “safe” alternative to cigarettes. Enjoy them responsibly and in moderation — like any good thing in life.
Bonus Myth We Hear Often:
“All cigars need to be aged for years before smoking.”
Many premium cigars are ready to enjoy right when they hit the shelves. Some improve with age, but others are blended to shine young. Don’t be afraid to light one up soon!There you have it — 10 cigar myths officially busted! At Bourbon Blackpool, we’re all about helping you find the perfect cigar for you, whether it’s your very first stick or your 500th. Got a myth you’ve heard that didn’t make the list? Drop it in the comments below — we love chatting cigars!Now go treat yourself to something delicious from our humidor. Happy smoking, and may your ashes be firm and your flavors even better!
