Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or just starting out, knowing the proper etiquette can make your smoking experience more enjoyable and respectful for everyone involved.
Cigar etiquette is about more than just following rules—it’s about enhancing your enjoyment and creating a pleasant atmosphere for yourself and those around you. Let’s dive into the essentials of cigar etiquette so you can smoke like a pro.
Understanding Cigar Etiquette Basics
What is Cigar Etiquette?
Cigar etiquette encompasses the manners and practices that ensure a positive experience for everyone involved in smoking. It involves everything from choosing the right setting to interacting politely with others. Good etiquette helps maintain a relaxed and enjoyable environment, whether you’re at a lounge or enjoying a cigar at home.
Why Etiquette Matters?
Proper etiquette not only reflects well on you but also enhances the overall enjoyment of smoking. By being considerate of others and following a few simple guidelines, you contribute to a more pleasant and sophisticated smoking culture.
It helps avoid awkward situations and ensures everyone, including yourself, has a great time. Don’t forget to prime your cigars for the occasion. For example, read this guide to seasoning electric humidors if you want to have a great smoking experience.
The Dos of Cigar Etiquette
Do Choose the Right Setting
Selecting the right place for smoking a cigar is key. Opt for settings like cigar lounges, designated smoking areas, or outdoor spaces where smoking is welcomed. These environments are typically designed to accommodate cigar smokers and provide a comfortable atmosphere.
Do Ask for Permission
If you’re in a shared space or someone else’s home, always ask for permission before lighting up. Not everyone may appreciate cigar smoke, so it’s courteous to check in first. This small gesture shows respect and consideration for others’ preferences.
Do Use Proper Smoking Tools
Using the right tools enhances your smoking experience and maintains a polished appearance. Invest in a quality cutter and lighter, and keep them in good condition. Proper tools ensure a clean cut and an even light, which are essential for a smooth smoke.
Do Respect Others’ Space
When smoking, be mindful of your surroundings. Maintain a reasonable distance from others, and avoid blowing smoke directly toward people. This consideration helps ensure that everyone around you can enjoy their space without discomfort.
The Don’ts of Cigar Etiquette
Don’t Inhale the Smoke
Unlike cigarettes, cigars are meant to be enjoyed by drawing the smoke into your mouth, not your lungs. Inhaling cigar smoke can be harsh and unpleasant. Instead, savor the flavors by holding the smoke in your mouth and then exhaling.
Don’t Rush Through Your Smoke
Cigars are designed to be enjoyed slowly. Smoking too quickly can result in a harsh taste and a less enjoyable experience. Take your time with each puff and savor the flavors. This leisurely pace allows you to appreciate the complexity of the cigar.
Don’t Overdo It with Strong Smokes
If you’re in close quarters with others, avoid smoking cigars with very strong or overpowering flavors. The intensity of certain cigars can be overwhelming in confined spaces. Choose milder cigars when in shared environments to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Don’t Neglect Your Cigar
Proper care during smoking is essential. Don’t leave your cigar unattended or drop it carelessly. Treat your cigar with respect from lighting to extinguishing. This care ensures a smoother smoke and maintains the quality of your cigar.
Don’t Use Cigars as Conversation Starters
While cigars can be a great topic of conversation, don’t force discussions about them if others aren’t interested. Respect people’s personal space and preferences. If someone isn’t keen on discussing cigars, steer the conversation in a more neutral direction.
Cigar Accessories That Are Not Necessary
When you first start on your cigar journey, there are so many accessories out there for you to shop for. While you know things like humidors and cigar cutters are important, what accessories are just a novelty and unnecessary for a collection?
Well, you’ll be surprised to find out that many accessories aren’t required, and they’re just a way to waste your money. Let’s take a look at what some of them are so you can stay clear.
A Flavor Infuser
Have you ever heard of a flavor infuser before? This can sound like an enticing accessory that will make your cigar better. Indeed, its purpose is to make the taste of the cigar better.
However, most people agree that this accessory is overrated. In fact, in some cases, it’s completely pointless. It can alter the taste, and it steers you away from what the cigar should be. It’s best to purchase cigars from the beginning that you like.
Expensive Ashtrays
It’s recommended to have an ashtray when you’re smoking cigars. But, don’t let people tell you that you have to splash the cash on it. Remember what it’s designed for. Instead, you can buy an affordable ashtray and just make sure it’s non-flammable. This is all you need and you can use your budget on better things, such as quality cigars.
Extortionate Lighters
When you start to shop for cigar lighters, you can be overwhelmed by the choice you have. However, you need to know that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good lighter. It’s better to research the type of lighter, such as a torch lighter, and whether you’re going to like the flame it produces. It’s not all about what it looks like or how much it costs.
Cigar Memberships
There are companies that will send you different cigars each month for you to try. But, it’s best to avoid this type of scenario. At first, it can seem like a great way to try new things. Yet, you often find that you get cheap cigars and you can end up not liking some of the tastes.
Conclusion
Mastering cigar etiquette is all about respect—respect for others, the environment, and the cigar itself. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll ensure a refined and enjoyable smoking experience for yourself and those around you.
