Cigars have been associated historically with the rich and powerful. But since the discovery of tobacco, cigar smoking has become more widespread. Cigars have become a staple item for many different people, including college students.
Cigar enthusiasts have created a culture around the smoking and collecting of cigars. In the past, cigar smoking was seen as a hobby for the head honchos of a society. Now, people from many different backgrounds and social classes smoke them.
Mike Abbot, an employee of Tinderbox Cigar, said the social significance of cigars has changed over time.
“It’s changed since cigars were first available,” Abbot said. “It used to be a status thing, the larger cigar, the more status you had and the more money you had available to spend. Now, it’s a lot more of a social thing for people to be around other people smoking cigars and to enjoy the camaraderie of smoking together.”
For Kyle Jones, a junior in food science, the aura of the cigar draws him to smoke on occasion.
“Sometimes they’re good, but usually I smoke them for the prestige,” Jones said. “It has an aura of supremacy associated with it. I feel like the most interesting man in the world when I smoke one. But, I don’t smoke often, only every other month or so, when the occasion calls for it.”
Dave Mellin , owner of Amra’s Lounge and Cigar Bar in downtown Raleigh, said he sometimes has students come in and smoke cigars for fun.
“I see students come in here and there, and I see a lot of post graduates come in to smoke,” Mellin said.
There are many different flavors and variations of cigars. The two main types are handmade and machine-rolled. The higher quality cigars are usually wrapped by hand, according to Abbot. Cigars undergo a process of aging and fermentation, which affects the flavor and texture of the cigars.
The origin of the cigar also affects its flavor and composition. Cigars are abundantly made in countries like Nicaragua, Honduras, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Brazil. The location and type of production affects the quality and taste of the cigar. However, the definition a good cigar is dependent on the preference of the person smoking it.
