Will my tolerance ever increase????

[tuneman07]

Just wondering because I don't smoke a ton of cigars- maybe 3-5 a week depending on whats going on. I don't and never have smoked cigarettes but it seems like my tolerance to nicotine just won't develop. I love darker fuller cigars but the problem is I cannot usually finish them as my head starts to swim. Will smoking this many cigars increase my tolerance or do I need to start smoking cigarettes?

[WoppA]

Im no tobacco scientist but that sounds sufficient. Just give it a while I'd say. I'm in the same boat as you, still developing my tolerance, and my tastes for that matter. I want so bad to taste all these things other people say they are tasting, maybe im smoking the wrong cigars?

[bazookajoe]

A search through the threads here will probably produce more complete advice, but have you tried eating something with sugar in it or a sweet drink like Dr. Pepper or orange juice. That usually reduces the nic buzz.

[scoot]

just gotta work it up, start with something you know you can handle, then find something a bit stronger that you really enjoy and smoke that, if you find that the step up is really messing with your head, try a smaller size. It definately takes time to develop, but that doesn't me you can't enjoy the hell out of the smokes you can handle now.

[Ski1215]

I smoked cigarettes for about 3 years before I quit. I haven't had one in about a year. I'm a relative newbie to cigars and smoke about as often as you, if not a little more. The nicotine doesnt bother me at all, infact I enjoy it. I purposely sit down and have a few beers. Last night I had two beers with my buddy while I had a 5 vegas 'a' and got a nice little rush when I stood up.

Everyones different. I don't know if its the cigarettes that give me a higher tolerance or what. Last night I was loving it, so I took the band off and smoked it dam near my finger tips.

[Wang Lung]

I've been smoking 2-3 cigars per day for 15 years, and I can't tolerate much nicotine. Try smoking smaller vitola. Smoking slower is something I've developed. And I never smoke without something to drink. Smoking dehydrates you. Dehydration combined with nicotine....well, I don't even like to think about it.

You'll gravitate to cigars that have the flavor you want yet won't make you woozy.

[sonick]

It'll definetely increase.... at what rate, not sure. If you smoke infrequently it could take a month or two, but I would think that within 10-20 cigars you'd be close to being able to tackle the stout smokes without getting sick...... just a guesstimate based on my own experiences though, your mileage will surely vary....

The great thing is there are so many flavorful cigars in the mild-low medium range that you won't have to "suffer" through this ramp-up period...

[bhudson57]

It'll come with time. Don't bother with the cigarette route. Nasty sticks!

It will take a while, but some others gave some good advice. Sugar, smaller sticks, slow down when smoking! Don't rush it, enjoy the slope!

[Fumioso]

I've been smoking cigars for about twelve years now -- five or six a week -- and my tolerance is still fairly low. I try a super full-body cigar every once in a while just to check, but it's never worth it. Well, almost never... I had a Coronado by La Flor DC a couple weeks ago that was a split decision in the cigar's favor. Still didn't feel too good afterwards, but that's a hell of a great smoke.

Make sure to eat before you smoke. The sugar thing doesn't work for me, but give it shot. Smoke slowly... And if all else fails, there are great medium bodied cigars out there. You don't need to smoke double ligeros to enjoy a great cigar.

[JCK]

I would say stay away from cigarettes. They will numb you sense of taste and smell.

Start with milder cigars and work up to medium, then stronger. Everything in due time.

There is no point in trying to force enjoyment out of something that makes your head spin.

It's akin to my affinity for Scotch. I used to hate it, but over time I've grown a liking for it. I'm certain that if I quit smoking cigarettes, I'd get more enjoyment out of my cigars.

[TMoneYNYY]

Do yourself a favor, and give it a LOT of time. As with many things (including drinks of a certain proof!), it takes time for your body to learn how to digest the nicotene. Remember, a lot of it goes into your stomach, so it's very difficult for it to do so at first. Give it time, and then you'll be smokin' VSG's and Opuses by the handful (if you can find 'em!)!!!!!

[Ski1215]

Originally Posted by TMoneYNYY

Do yourself a favor, and give it a LOT of time. As with many things (including drinks of a certain proof!), it takes time for your body to learn how to digest the nicotene. Remember, a lot of it goes into your stomach, so it's very difficult for it to do so at first. Give it time, and then you'll be smokin' VSG's and Opuses by the handful (if you can find 'em!)!!!!!

Thats a very good point. I think we all remember the first time we choked down a beer at 16 or a shot of whisky turned your stomach.

[Addiction]

I wouldn't go the cigs route, thats not going ot help your abililty with taste. In fact I'd say don't worry about it, just smoke what you enjoy.

[Sancho]

It comes with time, and at least for me it was what I started with that helpped me along. I started toward the higher end of the nic. content and it takes a quite strong cigar to make me tap out. Its only happened twice, once after a six smoke herf'a'thon and once after a few beers and a JdN Antano Beli

[TMoneYNYY]

Originally Posted by Ski1215

Thats a very good point. I think we all remember the first time we choked down a beer at 16 or a shot of whisky turned your stomach.

Remember? No... but I do KNOW that it did happen!