Ever get blindsided by a cigar?

[zacca]

Had something happen today I’ve never experienced before and curious if it’s happened to anyone else.

With the holiday weekend here, I decided to have a relaxing lunchtime break. Perfect smoking conditions outside. I had breakfast earlier, so not on an empty stomach. Decided to have a treat and lit up a 2014 PLPC and took it slow. About 45-50 mins in I was only just starting the final third so definitely wasn’t puffing fast.

Out of nowhere, the strength hit like a truck. I’m talking dizzy, sweaty, had to actually fight the urge to throw up. I’ve had plenty of cigars over the years and believe me, I’ve had my share of strong nic hits, but never got totally pummeled like this — and especially not by something that’s usually medium at best.    

The first 2/3 was very pleasant but I did notice a bit of an unusual mineral note present the entire time. Then the flavor totally changed and got very astringent and clove-like. So my best guess is the roller’s bunch included a heavier-than-usual leaf or section. And I understand ligero burns slower, so maybe it sat relatively quiet until the ember finally reached the heart of it — then the nicotine flooded out.

Has anyone else been blindsided like that? Doesn’t have to be PLPC specifically — just any cigar that suddenly ramped up and left you reeling when everything seemed normal until then.

[MagicalBikeRide]

I’ve find PLPC ready to rock when young - but sort of Forrest Gump kinda thing - I’m never sure what’s coming for me. 

Regarding other stuff, the Montecristo Dantes (EL from 2016) is the only smoke that sent me sideways in the way you describe. That was probably 2018. I bought a 10ct box and - I still own nine. 

[rcarlson]

I learned that when you get the sweats (never happened with a CC for me) a can of Coke or something else sugary helps you bounce back pretty quickly.  

[tbelle7]

Never with a CC but happened with a Padron 1926.

[zacca]

3 hours ago, MagicalBikeRide said:

I’ve find PLPC ready to rock when young - but sort of Forrest Gump kinda thing - I’m never sure what’s coming for me. 

Regarding other stuff, the Montecristo Dantes (EL from 2016) is the only smoke that sent me sideways in the way you describe. That was probably 2018. I bought a 10ct box and - I still own nine. 

Dantes is a strong smoke in my experience. Really tasty though. If I got this feeling from one of those, I’d be gun shy myself. Thankfully I’ve had enough PLPC to know this is a total freak thing so I’ll be able to stomach going back to it.

[Havanaaddict]

I have had it happen, it is a strange phenomenon. I have smoked 6 to 8 cigars in like a 10 hour Cigar gathering and have been perfectly fine. Then I’ve smoked two cigars and had it hit me like a freight train. As said above, the trick is a packet of sugar and you’ll be golden within five minutes. For some people, I think it is not so much how fast they smoking if it’s a light medium or strong cigar. Sometimes it’s the richness of the cigar that hits them by surprise and keeps building.

[JohnS]

It happens. A nicotine buzz can be completed disconnected from the strength of the cigar. It's happened to me smoking a mild (at first) Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2!

[teamrandr]

Only once really and it was a Plasencia.

[Çnote]

In my experience, sudden nicotine sensitivity can often be traced back to dehydration. Sugar helps, as noted by others.

[Montezüma]

PLPC young can be savage. Odd coming from a vintage. But you're welcome.