Cigar smoking, for many, is a way to relax and unwind. A lot of it is mental peace while also enjoying the physical act of smoking itself. If you have ever smoked a cigar on the beach, you probably can (and have) related to others that it tasted better. You might not know why, it just did. Well, believe it or not there’s a little bit of science behind why that stick might taste better to you on the beach, close to the shore, or anywhere there is some salty air.
First, let us examine the obvious and easier answer. If you’re smoking a cigar on a beach, you’re probably on vacation. When you’re on vacation, EVERYTHING tastes better! Food, booze, and yes, even the same cigars you probably smoke at home. Something about being able to do as you like, and be free from your normal responsibilities makes a stogie just taste plain better. Don’t believe me? Next time you’re on vacation, go to a fast food place and get a burger. When you get home go to the same place (think a large national chain) and get the same item. Chances are the vacation burger will taste better. The same concept applies to your sticks!
Now, we’re going to get into a little bit of the science aspect of why cigars taste better in the salt air, and it is a concept that you as a cigar smoker should already be familiar with: Humidity. Generally when you’re at the beach, you might be in and out of the water, wearing little clothing, and there tends to be a lot of wind – so you might not notice the humidity. But, there’s a lot of it next to such large bodies of water. The humidity will change slightly the way the stick smokes, very likely making it taste better to you.
Another reason that cigars taste better around salty air is that the salt that is actually in the air will react with your mouth and change your taste ever so slightly – mostly for the positive. If you think about it, a lot of restaurants on the shoreline have a lot of outdoor seating. Why? Dining outside in the salt air makes their food taste a little bit better! With this, as well, your cigars aren’t much different.
There is something that you should be aware of though, future beach smoker! The Wind! The beach is usually pretty windy, and all that wind can mess up the burn and ash on your favorite beach smoke. Some cigars are more resistant than others, so do yourself a favor and ask around when buying beach sticks. Whatever you do, though, you’ll find that smoking a cigar on the beach is a wonderful way to enjoy a smoke.