Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 11/19/2007

Question
I'm a beginner at smoking cigars and chose a vanilla "Independence" cigar as my first smoke.  I finished it in one sitting and felt fine.  However, for my second smoke I chose a pack of King's Swisher Sweets.  Feeling a little bold I once again finished one cigar in one sitting, however this time I felt a little bit of nausea.  I didn't inhale any of it but I think a bit of it might have gotten in.  Is it just because I'm a beginner?

Also please not that prior to smoking cigars, I've never smoked anything in my life.

Thanks for your time and I hope to hear from you soon.

-Bueno-

Answer
I generally suggest that a new smoker only smoke an inch or so of his first cigar, and slowly increase the amount he smokes with subsequent cigars. You may have just overwhelmed yourself with too much of something your body is not use to. Also, all cigars have different strengths and characteristics. A stronger cigar can very possibly cause nausea to an inexperienced smoker. I'm not familiar with either brand you mentioned - I'd suggest you visit you local tobacconist and ask him to recommend a very mild cigar. Start with his recommendations and try different cigars until you find the taste you like.