Facts About Cigars
A cigar is tightly rolled, dried and fermented tobacco created for smoking. Cigars are similar in design to filterless cigarettes but much bigger in length and diameter. Cigars are smoked by lighting one end and drawing smoke into the mouth from the other. However, unlike cigarettes, cigar smoke is not usually drawn into the lungs. Instead the smoker puffs on the cigar, allowing the smoke to exit through the mouth without inhaling. Some cigar smokers claim to taste various flavors in cigars, such as hints of chestnuts or coffee. Other cigar smokers report that they cannot distinguish such flavors.
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Health Concerns
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Cigars are considered a health hazard, although cigar smoke is not inhaled. People who smoke and inhale cigarettes are at an increased risk of lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute reported in 1998 that the smoke from cigars contains many of the same toxic agents as cigarettes. The institute reported that the daily use of cigars can cause cancers in the mouth, throat, larynx, lungs and esophagus, as well as lung and heart disease. Some cigar smokers try to reduce odds by not inhaling and smoking cigars occasionally.
Cigar Boom
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Cigars soared in popularity during a strong U.S. economy in the early 1990s. "Cigar Aficionado" magazine reports that a "cigar boom" started in late 1992 and peaked in 1997. Shipments of premium cigars increased from about 100 million in 1992 to 400 million in 1997, according to the magazine. "Cigar Aficionado" capitalized on the interest by launching in 1992 as it tied enjoying premium cigars to a slogan it called "living the good life."
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Cuban Cigars
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Cuban cigars are considered arguably the best in the world, with fierce demand in the United States during the cigar boom. During the boom, Cuban cigars were available in the U.S. on the black market, despite a U.S. trade embargo against Cuba that made shipping the cigars to the states illegal. The embargo remains in effect as of 2011, with retailers hopeful that an eventual lifting of the ban will lead to a new, mini cigar boom.
Cost
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Cigar smoking is an expensive hobby, with "The New York Times" reporting in March 2011 that some highly sought cigars sell for as much as $80 apiece. Typical prices are much lower, ranging from about $8 to $25 for the finest cigars. Many cigars are available for about $5, as of 2011.
Storage
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Cigars are kept in airtight containers called humidors to maintain their freshness and moisture. "Cigar Aficionado" reports that a cigar left on a kitchen table or on a patio can begin to lose its flavor after an hour. Humidors are usually made of wood and, in 2011, available starting at around $50. Some cigar enthusiasts pay several thousands of dollars for the finest humidors made of fine wood and other expensive materials.
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References
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