Women and Cigars

You smoke cigars?

Women get asked this question a lot? And why would a man ask a woman this question? Well to some, it may seem unattractive and to others it may be very attractive.

There has been plenty of conversation about women smoking cigars in and outside of cigar lounges around the world. But why should it be that big of an issue? Why has there been so many negative stereotypes about women in the cigar industry?

In my experience, there are plenty of women that smoke cigars that are very knowledgeable and have more experience than most men. And just like some men, there are women that just smoke cigars because they want to be in the environment and hangout with friends.

Are “men” intimidated when they see a woman that smoking cigars? What is it that makes men so uncomfortable around women that are very educated and diverse in cigar industry? These are the continuous questions that are asked and now one seems to have the answer. Maybe it’s not the women smoking the cigar, but how they handle the stick that make men nervous.

No longer are the days of the male dominanted industry. Women are increasing becoming more influential in the cigar business. Whether it’s being a consumer or an executive of a cigar company; women have create a new market in the industry.

Stereotypes

A woman walks into a cigar shop and ask for a recommendation for a cigar. Usually the first question that is asked is if she is buying for a husband or her father. When she replies that she is looking for herself, this is when most people ask the dredged question; do you want a flavored cigar?

Women that are new to smoking cigars may not find this offensive, but in general, do not assume that just because a woman wants a cigar that it has to be flavored. Recommending a flavored cigar as a first introduction into cigars is probably not the right thing to do.

The best recommendation is to ask questions to understand what experience she wants from smoking her cigar. Find out what her taste palate is. A sweet cigar may deter a woman from ever wanting to try a cigar again. Consider all the possibilities of recommending just as one would when asking a man.

Size Matters to Her

It has been said that women may typical like a smaller ring gauge in cigars. Corona, Petite Corona, and Robusto are generally sizes that you will see women smoking. But as women become more interested in experiencing the variety of cigars, Toro and Gordo are becoming the preferred vitolas for a longer and more enjoyable smoking experience.