What cigar strength actually means

By John Tuttle

Short answer: Strength usually refers to the cigar's nicotine impact and physical intensity. It is not the same thing as how much flavor a cigar has.

Mild

Mild cigars tend to have a gentler nicotine impact and are often easier for beginners to manage, especially if smoked slowly and after eating.

Medium

Medium-strength cigars sit in the middle. They can still deliver substantial flavor without the same physical intensity as many full-strength cigars.

Full

Full-strength cigars can deliver a stronger nicotine effect. That can feel unpleasant if you smoke too quickly, smoke on an empty stomach, or are simply not used to stronger tobacco.

Strength is not flavor

A mild cigar can be flavorful, and a strong cigar can be relatively simple. Terms like body, richness, and flavor intensity overlap in everyday conversation, but they are not identical to nicotine strength.

A practical beginner rule

If you are new to cigars, start milder than you think you need. It is easier to move up in strength than to recover from a cigar that is too strong.