Cigar Etiquette – What You May Do and What You Should Avoid

Cigar Etiquette – What You May Do and What You Should Avoid

The term etiquette is widely used in the German-speaking world. Many people believe it to be a synonym for "good manners." In reality, it originates from the name of its author, Baron von Knigge, who wrote a book about social interactions. A cigar etiquette guide, however, focuses on the proper handling of cigars. The internet is full of tips, often quoting prominent figures in the cigar world whose practices are considered exemplary for all aficionados. But let's clarify one thing: as with social etiquette, cigar etiquette distinguishes between manners and protocol. Protocol dictates strict rules, while manners describe behaviors that facilitate harmonious interactions. This cigar etiquette guide aims to emphasize respect and discretion toward others—both smokers and non-smokers—while sharing tips and tricks for maximizing enjoyment from your cigar without issuing commands.

The Basics of Smoking Pleasure

Smoking a cigar is about style. Just as one wouldn't down a glass of whiskey at breakfast, one doesn't casually light cigar after cigar as if they were cigarettes. A cigar is comparable to champagne or fine cognac: the time, place, and occasion must align for a perfectly refined smoking experience. The basics of smoking pleasure can be summarized with the formula AAA+: Select, Cut, Light. The "+" refers to the enjoyable smoke that follows optimal preparation.

Select

As a beginner, choose your cigars carefully. Opting for a format that's too large or tobacco that's too strong can turn smoking into a struggle. Consult your trusted tobacconist and try various cigars in a cigar lounge before committing to a favorite. If you're an experienced smoker, you may already be able to identify your preferred cigar blindfolded in your humidor.

Cut

Once you've chosen your cigar, how do you prepare it for smoking? If you're a beginner, simply putting it in your mouth and lighting it won't work—you'll find yourself puzzled. First, you need to remove the cap, the end you place in your mouth. Ideally, you'll use a guillotine cutter, a small tool that cleanly slices off the cigar's cap—just a few millimeters will suffice. There are also specialized knives or cutters; feel free to experiment with different tools to find what works best for you.

Light

Think you can grab your Zippo or a match and light up your cigar? Think again. Just as a fine Bordeaux doesn't taste its best from a coffee mug, a premium cigar's nuanced flavors won't shine if marred by the taste of lighter fluid or sulfur from a match. The best option is to use cedarwood matches, which are neutral in scent and will ignite your cigar without introducing unwanted aromas.

By following these steps, your cigar will be perfectly prepared for an enjoyable smoking session.

Do’s and Don’ts

Even seasoned aficionados make mistakes, either out of ignorance or by imitating someone else's style, assuming they know better. Here's a quick overview of what you should and shouldn't do when handling your cigar.

Do’s

• Warm the mouthpiece of your cigar by gently rolling it between your fingers.
• Wait a few minutes before removing the band; the heat from smoking will loosen it.
• Take your time smoking your cigar—one puff per minute is ideal.
• Hold the cigar between your thumb and forefinger, rather than like a cigarette between your index and middle finger.
• Let the cigar extinguish itself at the end.
• Dispose of your smoked cigar in an appropriate ashtray.
• If your cigar goes out, you can relight it within the next 10 minutes.

Don’ts

• Don't cut your cigar with a Swiss Army knife. There are better tools for the job.
• Don't set the cigar ablaze when lighting it. Gently toast the foot evenly.
• Don't expect others to light your cigar for you. Always have your own tools ready.
• Don't show off by smoking a Cohiba. Be discreet and modest.
• Don't clench the cigar between your teeth. While it might look cool in a Hollywood film, it comes off as barbaric in real life.
• Don't skewer the cigar to smoke it down to the last inch. It's acceptable to leave the final third or quarter in the ashtray.
• Don't stub out the cigar; simply lay it down in the ashtray.