Cigar demographic

[LordAnubis]

A local cigar friend shared an article recently in the local rags https://www.perthnow.com.au/lifestyle/kara-kennedy-like-many-people-my-age-i-like-smoking-because-were-sick-of-being-told-what-not-to-do--c-15370338

in particular there’s a few lines says 

Data collated by University Col lege London shows that 772,800 adults (of all ages) were exclusively smoking cigars or pipes, or shisha, in England in September 2023, a huge increase from 151,200 in September 2013.

Pipe and cigar smoking is highest in the 18 to 24-year-old group, with 3 per cent of 18-year-olds exclusively smoking cigars or pipes in 2023, compared with just 1 per cent of 65-year-olds.

My question: What type of teen is into cigars? I always thought cigar rules were crazy cos what teen is buying 40 buck cigars here when you can get 20 darts for the same price and share with your mates? Do you think it’s true in your area that new cigar smokers are young smokers?

[BoliDan]

I don't think they have much knowledge and probably aren't dropping $40 on a cigar. This kid at my work likes cigars and hes only 25. His favorite is Rocky Patel. I told him about Hamlet's nudies and he said he didn't know who Hamlet was 🙄. So, I guess he's smoking the lower tier Patels. I'm surprised its higher that 65+ might be a UK thing, most teens vape. 

[chris12381]

If you expand the definition of what most of us think of a cigar to include machine-made cigars, I would be willing to be bet most 18 - 24 year olds are purchasing these and they likely become blunts. 

[BigGuns]

This teen was into cigars…jock, good student, social guy (to answer your “type” question). Started off with swishers and the like in high school before graduating to Don Tomas and Española, with the occasional HdM Rothschild in my later teen years. Why? How? Couldn’t tell you, but I was into them, and didn’t really care for cigarettes or weed until later (post-jock years, perhaps?). Less sports, more party.

[raggie]

I’m in the 25-29 demographic. I only smoke cigars and weed, no vapes or cigarettes. Why? I find cigars relaxing, the community is lovely, and the conversations and people I’ve met in the lounges are interesting. It may be a poor motivator but I also find older people respect me slightly more for being into “classy” hobbies, which has gained me perks in various social scenarios.

I also just like them. Getting a break from the day to day, away from screens, is nice. I’ll read or draw or just converse at the lounge.

[El Presidente]

1 hour ago, LordAnubis said:

My question. what type of teen is into cigars? 

Generalising. 

• Male. 
• Andrew Tate zealot. 

[teamrandr]

I was 13 when I started smoking premium cigars. I always found them to be alluring. 

[chasy]

First thing I ever smoked was a cigar. Was at a party for my parents friends. There was a box of unremarkable cigars, so my buddies and I each grabbed one a secretly smoked them. We all hated them, a couple guys puked, but we thought it was so cool. We were all ~16.

This began a period of time where we would occasionally get cigars and smoke at a friends house. Our parents all knew and weren’t crazy about it, but also realized we were having fun together and it was probably better than the alternative (drinking, drugs, etc.)

At some point we all must have actually developed a taste / liking for cigars, because it was something we enjoyed and sought out. No longer because we thought it was cool.

I can’t speak for other young men, but that’s how it happened for me and my pals back in the early 2000s.

Anecdotally, I feel like cigars are making a strong comeback. More and more guys I know are either 1/ open to having a cigar or 2/ actively buying and smoking on their own. Not sure why, buts it’s cool to see. Doesn’t feel ‘taboo’ anymore. 

[BrightonCorgi]

Plenty of convenient stores have solid humidors in my locale. Same with the premium liquor stores like Total Wine, etc. Someone must be buying cigars without going to a dedicated cigar shop.

 

[Cigarsmoker81]

I would say regular cigar smokers are in their 25-45 age ( judging by the people I see at our local b&m as well as the lounges)  younger tend to be more “social” smokers older tend to be “ this is the reason why I live” smokers.

[Chitmo]

I think if my teenager had $40 to burn she’d buy jeans and not cigars. 😂 

[BrightonCorgi]

16 minutes ago, Chitmo said:

I think if my teenager had $40 to burn she’d buy jeans and not cigars. 😂 

She'd go to Sephora instead of a cigar shop.

[CaptainQuintero]

 I'd hazard a guess it's the shisha inclusion there that's bumped it up significantly; there's a growing amount of bars with them for the last few years now.

[Bri Fi]

Smoked my first cigar in college. We were playing against university of Hawaii (baseball) and it was our last night on the island. I was blacked out on captain Morgan and had a chew in while smoking a cigar from the nearby ABC store. Needless to say, I stayed away from cigars for years until my wedding. 

[Cigar Surgeon]

On 11/17/2024 at 3:55 PM, LordAnubis said:

with 3 per cent of 18-year-olds exclusively smoking cigars or pipes in 2023

98% or 99% of those that are smoking will be smoking cigars.  The number of pipe smokers has been consistently flat for something like 50 years now.

I don't believe 3% of 18 year-olds are smoking premium handmade cigars.  Too expensive. 

[Lamboinee]

Percentage of teenage cigar smokers that light a cigar by slicing through the wrapper length wise: 90% . 

[SCgarman]

On 11/18/2024 at 11:21 AM, BrightonCorgi said:

Plenty of convenient stores have solid humidors in my locale. Same with the premium liquor stores like Total Wine, etc. Someone must be buying cigars without going to a dedicated cigar shop.

 

The total wine here in Myrtle Beach is awesome. One side is liquor, other side is beer, wine, and a walk in humidor that puts some stand alone cigar stores to shame. They even stock boxes upon boxes of high end Padron 64/26. The single malt Scotch sections will make you foam at the mouth. Incredible!

[smokeyjoe01]

1st time I smoked a cigar I was a teenager. Does seem like there’s a younger crowd in to cigars, it’s all about budget NW for them. My exposure is via WhatsApp groups I’ve found via Reddit.

[rabidraccoon]

I returned to college for another degree and what I see the most of amongst young people is vapes although it's rare. Cigarettes seem to be more common amongst international students but very rare amongst the college-aged cohort of Americans. Alcohol is the drug of choice (this is Texas so medieval weed prohibition is in effect), but this generation also drinks less than older generations. Overall, this cohort is quite health-conscious and more obsessed with protein intake and weight training.