I guess we all have different tolerances to vitamin N. The first cigar I remember smoking was right after I graduated high school. It was a custom from a local shop and I had never been exposed to nicotine . The only thing I remember about it was that I practically turned green and was on the verge of hugging the toilet all night. uI smoke a lot of those and never felt them to be too strong.
If it had that much of an effect make sure to stay away from the Joya de Nicaragua Antanos. Now that's a stout stick.
Interesting comments on the "sugar" thing..I never knew that.