The Gentleman’s Guide: Cigar Etiquette
Cigar smoking is not just a hobby; it’s a ritual, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a social experience steeped in tradition. As with any tradition, there are certain rules and customs that govern cigar smoking etiquette. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the world of cigars, understanding and practicing cigar etiquette is essential for enjoying the experience to its fullest. Let’s explore some key guidelines for cigar etiquette that every enthusiast should know.
Choosing Your Cigar
The first step begins with selecting the right cigar for the occasion. Consider the setting, the time available for smoking, and your personal preferences when choosing a cigar. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from a knowledgeable tobacconist. When selecting a cigar at a brick-and-mortar cigar shop be mindful in your handling of the stick. You want to give it a gentle squeeze to test for firmness. It should give a little but shouldn’t crackle or feel dry, if so, then avoid it. It also shouldn’t feel too soft which is a sign of over humidification. Be gentle with the cigars in a shop, you’ll know after handling a few if it feels right and your tobacconist will appreciate your respectful approach to their product.
Cutting Your Cigar
Properly cutting your cigar is essential for a smooth and enjoyable smoke. Use a sharp cigar cutter to make a clean, straight cut just above the cap of the cigar, ensuring that the wrapper remains intact. Avoid biting or tearing the cigar, as this can damage the wrapper and affect the draw. Selecting the type of cigar cutter can be as personal of a choice to some cigar smokers as the type of cigar you smoke. The most widely used cutter is the guillotine which gives a clean cut of the head of the cigar, aim for about an 1/8 of an inch off the top of the cap, being sure to keep your cut above the lowest horizontal line of the cigars cap. Other popular cutters are V-style cutters which creates a notched cut in the cigars cap and punches which cut a small hole in the cigar and minimizes the amount of tobacco in your mouth. There are also cigar scissors, and piercers.
Lighting Your Cigar
When lighting your cigar, use a butane lighter, long wooden match or cedar spill to avoid imparting any unwanted flavors to the tobacco that you would get from lighter fluid. Hold the flame slightly below the foot of the cigar and rotate it slowly, allowing the heat to evenly toast the tobacco, this is called “toasting the foot”. Once the foot is evenly lit, gently puff on the cigar to ensure an even burn. Once lit you can blow slightly on the foot of the cigar, and you should see a nice even orange glow.
Smoking Your Cigar
Once your cigar is properly lit, take your time to savor the experience. Avoid smoking too quickly, as this can cause the cigar to overheat and become bitter. Instead, take slow, deliberate puffs, allowing the flavors to develop and evolve with each draw. Cigars are handcrafted, each one is unique and while the top brands typically receive their high ratings for both quality and consistency, each one still provides its own unique smoking experience. As you enjoy your cigar you will develop your smoking cadence ensuring not to puff too frequently to prevent overheating or waiting too long between puffs, so the cigar doesn’t go out, typically a puff or two per minute. Avoid holding the cigar in your mouth for extended periods and talking with your cigar in your mouth as this is a cigar smoking faux pas. A cigar should spend more time in either your hand or the ashtray than in your mouth. After each puff you hold the cigar in your hand in a comfortable rested position and continue your conversation in between puffs. In the words of Zino Davidoff, “A cigar ought not to be smoked solely with the mouth, but with the hand, the eyes, and with the spirit.” One final note on smoking your cigar, it should never be inhaled. Cigar smoke is meant to be savored in the mouth for a few seconds and then exhaled.
Handling Your Cigar
Properly handling of your cigar is an important aspect of cigar etiquette. You should avoid excessively tapping or flicking the ash unnecessarily, as this can disrupt the burn of the cigar and create a mess. Instead, allow the ash to naturally fall off as you smoke and gently tapping it off when necessary. If your cigar goes out, then gently knock off any excess ash before relighting. When you’re finished with your cigar don’t grind it out in an ashtray. Allow it to go out on its own naturally and gracefully. Unlike cigarette butts, cigars emit a harsh aroma when put out in an ashtray. Since cigars are humidified they will go out on their own within a couple of minutes of not being smoked.
Smoking in Public
Cigar smoking is often a social activity, and conversation and social interaction is a natural part of the experience. However, it’s important to be mindful of others around you. Avoid blowing smoke directly into someone’s face and be aware of your surroundings when smoking in public spaces. If you’re not at a place where smoking is expected such as a cigar lounge, then it’s always polite to ask if anyone minds if you smoke. Also, if you’re attending a social event and plan on bringing a cigar to smoke then consider bringing extras to share with others. Sharing in the enjoyment of a cigar with friends and family is part of what makes cigar smoking so enjoyable and keeping a few extra sticks on hand will allow you to share in the experience and savor the moment with others. After all that’s ultimately what cigar smoking is all about and what makes it such a time-honored tradition.
Bands and Wrappers
While some smokers choose to remove the band from their cigar before smoking, others prefer to leave it on. There is no strict rule regarding cigar bands, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, if you choose to remove the band, do so carefully to avoid damaging the wrapper and preferably after you’ve smoked the cigar for a while as the heat from the smoke will have loosened the cigar band’s glue a bit making it easier to remove. A good rule of thumb is to smoke the cigar near to the band before attempting to remove it.
Embracing the Art of Cigar Smoking
Cigar smoking is more than just lighting up; it’s a ritual that demands respect and appreciation for the craftsmanship and tradition behind each cigar. By understanding and practicing cigar etiquette, you can elevate the smoking experience and fully immerse yourself in the world of cigars. So, the next time you reach for a cigar, remember these guidelines, and enjoy the moment with style and sophistication. In the words of Orson Welles, “That’s why I write in so many cigar-smoking heroes and villains who chomp their cigars.” Go forth and be a cigar smoking hero!
Cheers from Stave & Slide!
