Body vs. Nicotine Content

[CarpeDNA]

I was wondering if there is a direct relationship between high nicotine content and fuller-bodied cigars? If there is then that tells me that nicotine is the main player in taste. However, if not, then an ideal cigar for me would be a full-flavored and complex cigar with lower nicotine content. I do receive a buzz (a little bit dizzy) after smoking a 7" Macanudo quite a way down. However, the taste is not what I would call pleasant.

To be fair, I am new to dissecting the finer points of cigars other than just picking something off the shelf for purely aesthetic reasons.

CarpeDNA

[mr.c]

Originally Posted by CarpeDNA

I was wondering if there is a direct relationship between high nicotine content and fuller-bodied cigars? YES -sometimesIf there is then that tells me that nicotine is the main player in taste.NO However, if not, then an ideal cigar for me would be a full-flavored and complex cigar with lower nicotine content. I do receive a buzz (a little bit dizzy) after smoking a 7" Macanudo quite a way down. However, the taste is not what I would call pleasant.

To be fair, I am new to dissecting the finer points of cigars other than just picking something off the shelf for purely aesthetic reasons.

CarpeDNA

Youth is a factor in nicotine content, cigars will lose nicotine over time. There are "full Bodied" and "full flavored" cigars. There are cigars that actually have flavor, and are not strong.

Try eating before smoking a cigar, a full stomach will counter the affects of nicotine. Will also aid digestion

[Jeff]

From what I understand, those tobacco leaves that are nearest the top of the plant and exposed to the most sun, contain higher amounts of nicotine.

That dosn't mean that they will be more full bodied. To me, full bodied = richer taste, not necessarily more strength.

Things that contribute to fuller bodied tastes are: soil, type of leaf, curing method, aging, and of course the torcedors blend.

[TheSmokingHiker]

I believe it was Mo who mentioned this trick to me, but sugar will do wonders to counteract a strong buzz. When I get a big buzz, I will sometimes go inside and just take a spoonful of sugar. Also, when I am goin to do some serious cigar smoking, I will drink a sweet drink with it like a creme soda. That does the same thing. Good question though about full bodied cigars, and the relationship between that and a buzz.

It has also already been said, but there is a direct relationship between how young a cigar is and how much nicotine is in it. Younger cigars tend to be a bit harsher/less refined, so they may taste a little "stronger." That definently could be a factor in your buzz problem. If you PM me your Addie, I will send you a few of the same stick. Some aged, and some not so you can see the difference.

[cloud of...]

There have been many conversations about this in my place of employment,and the general concensus is this; Full bodied is indicating a high nicotine content, such as a Joya de Nic. Antano, which gives you a buzz and a heavy feeling in your chest, whereas full flavored is just that, bursting with flavor. My favorite type of stick is medium bodied but full flavored, such as a CAO Italia or Brazilia, or a Monte #2 from the homeland. A stick that is full bodied and full flavored is the Camacho Diploma Maduro or the LFD Chisel Maduro. Those two sticks taste great, but have so much body that they will put you on your ash. That's right, on your ash. Also, this is a highly subjective thing. The RP Edge that has the cute little warning label is not, in more than several seasoned opinions, a full bodied cigar. However some people would say it is the most full bodied stick available. It's subjective.
Neither nicotine, in and of itself, nor its affects can be responsible for a cigar having great flavor or being full flavored because nicotine has no taste. That's like saying the carbs in my enchilada make it taste so good. Now, even though nicotine is in the leaf, nicotine does not contribute to the flavor the leaf imparts, it only contributes to the body of the cigar. For example, lets say that AF man and cabo are the flavor, and Joe is the nicotine...
well then the world is a fooked up place (this last sentence was purely for AFman and cabos enjoyment, but you still get the drift I think. If not, ask Joe. )

[Danimal]

Good summary Cloudof.... I tend to wonder about this topic myself.

[CarpeDNA]

Hey guys, thanks for all of the good information here. My gut feeling was that nictone has little to do with the flavor. However, every time you see a review from anyone or any kind of description in magazines or on the web, all they mention is "body" along with description of flavors. What about flavor's complexity and description aside from the buzz you get. I am all for subtle tastes and such, but I don't want to buy a cigar that tastes great but makes me sick a third of the way through. Do you think that there needs to be a revolution in description of cigars where flavors and "perceived" nicotine content are treated separately and not lumped together like they are now? I realize that this is probably nitpicking and would make description that much more subjective, but this is a topic that interested me.

On another note, by trade I am a biochemist and am wondering how aging reduces nicotine content (presumeably by degradation into who knows what). If this is true, then it makes sense for me to buy "full-bodied" cigars and age them until they don't make me sick!

In the meantime, I will take sage advice from the BOTL by complementing my cigar with food and/or a sugary drink!

You guys all rock! Thank you for your input in this matter!

CarpeDNA

[Txdawg]

I was thinking about some of the responses here....you guys are great! Anyway, with regards to drinking a sweet drink before or during a cigar; I;m wondering if that is the same reason why a cigar works so well with a glass of wine?

[TheSmokingHiker]

Originally Posted by Txdawg

I was thinking about some of the responses here....you guys are great! Anyway, with regards to drinking a sweet drink before or during a cigar; I;m wondering if that is the same reason why a cigar works so well with a glass of wine?

One thing I will say, in regards to a sweet drink, if you drink something like a creme soda afterwords, it can really do a lot to a cigars aftertaste. It is a weird phenominom, but it is quite a pleasant taste.

[kenstogie]

Originally Posted by Jeff

From what I understand, those tobacco leaves that are nearest the top of the plant and exposed to the most sun, contain higher amounts of nicotine.

That dosn't mean that they will be more full bodied. To me, full bodied = richer taste, not necessarily more strength.

Things that contribute to fuller bodied tastes are: soil, type of leaf, curing method, aging, and of course the torcedors blend.

These leafs (full sun, ligero) as I have read, produce more sugar due to the increased photosynthisis and more oil as a natural defense to the increased sun exposure. It was also my understanding that these higher leaves are more "flavorful." That's opinion I would say. I am unsure if they produce a "fuller bodied" cigar. Also does this mean more nicotine? I don't know. My suspicions are yes but that is just a guess.