Cigar Etiquette: Dos, Don’ts & Simple Tips

For many cigar lovers, enjoying a luxurious smoke is one of life’s biggest pleasures. This experience is elevated when enjoyed in a lounge, a special event, or among a group of friends. Sharing the enjoyment in good company only serves to enhance the effects of the cigar itself. 

Practicing proper cigar etiquette is an important part of the process. It’s the best way to pay homage to this time honored tradition. It’s also crucial if you plan on smoking in social settings. This allows you to avoid embarrassing yourself with some common blunders. 

Check out our top do’s and don’ts below.

What is Cigar Etiquette?

Cigar smoking etiquette consists of a set of unspoken rules. These govern how people smoke in social settings. There are a hoard of misconceptions out there in regard to cigar etiquette. One of the most common being rules are reserved only for lofty aristocrats. Instead, they’re a manner of common decency, and a way to pay respect to those around you.

It’s also a way of honoring and respecting the craft itself. Its integral smokers learn to appreciate the extensive cigar-making process. Finally, etiquette also ensures you’re getting the most out of the experience. By making sure to cut and light properly, you avoid wasting one of your treasured sticks.

Smoking Etiquette

Now that we’ve given you a general overview of cigar etiquette, it’s time to dive into practices:

When to Smoke a Cigar

So when is the best and most appropriate time to smoke your cigar? There’s no specific time of day when you should light up. Instead, a cigar is best enjoyed at already pleasurable life-moments. Celebrations, outdoor events, and during relaxation time are popular.

Because cigar smoking is considered a leisurely event, it’s best not to light up during rushed times. It’s also best to avoid busy indoor spaces where the smoke might bother others. A designated cigar lounge is always a firm favorite. This allows you to engage in this shared pastime with your fellow enthusiasts.

Pacing

As we mentioned above, a cigar is best enjoyed when you have time to smoke at a leisurely pace. If you smoke too quickly, you risk overheating the tobacco. This releases bitter compounds.

A rule of thumb is to take approximately one puff every 30 to 90 seconds. This will, of course, depend on the size of your cigar. To make sure it burns evenly, rotate it now and again using your hands. Knock excess ash off the cigar into an ashtray. Repeat this process until you finish the cigar.A rule of thumb is to take approximately one puff every 30 to 90 seconds. This will, of course, depend on the size of your cigar. To make sure it burns evenly, rotate it now and again using your hands. Knock excess ash off the cigar into an ashtray. Repeat this process until you finish the cigar.

Bear in mind, you do not have to smoke your cigar all at once. If you want to save some for later, simply cut the burnt end with a cutter. Then, store it in a sealed bag until you’re ready to finish it.

Not Inhaling

It’s not recommended that you inhale your cigars. Instead, let the flavor and the aromas develop slowly in your mouth. People often make the mistake of comparing cigar smoking to cigarettes. The latter are inhaled into the lungs. Instead, cigars are meant to be enjoyed on the palette.

Social Etiquette

Following the rules below will show respect to your fellow smokers. It also shows consideration for all the non-smokers in the room.

Respecting Non-Smokers

Always ask those around you if they mind you lighting up. This is an important rule of etiquette to follow around non-smokers. If they don’t mind, take care to practice good manners while smoking. Avoid waving the cigar while talking, or you might accidentally get ash or smoke in someone’s face. Instead, keep it by your side.

If someone in your party asks you not to smoke in their presence, politely accept their wishes. Relocate to a designated smoking area instead.

Cigar Smoking in Public

This brings us to our next point. Make sure you always follow the rules of the area you plan on smoking. These can vary widely from city to city, so it’s wise to check in advance.

Offering a Cigar

If you plan on hanging out with some fellow smokers, make sure to have extra cigars on hand. It’s also nice to have a variety of options, so they can choose one which best suits their preferences. If they decline, make sure not to pressure them.

Cigar Smoking Dos and Don’ts

Dos

• Cut your cigar properly: Make sure to use a designated cigar cutter instead of a knife or pair of scissors. A straight cutter or guillotine-style cutter are the most popular tools. 
• Light it properly: We’d recommend lighting your cigar with matches, a butane lighter, or cedar spills. Make sure to hold the flame around an inch away from the cigar.
• Ash it carefully: Ash your cigar gently inside the surface of the tray. Most designated ashtrays will also have a rest where you can lay your cigar in-between smokes.

Don’ts

• Avoid dipping: Don’t dip your cigar in your beverage. In spite of the misinformation, it does not enhance the flavor of your cigar, and it gets ash in your drink.
• Removing the band: Make sure not to remove the band of your cigar. Continue to smoke until it’s about an inch or two away from the band before removing it. This will prevent tearing.
• Cutting it in half:Cutting your cigar in half to get two smokes is extreme. Doing so risks ruining the construction.

The Right Cigars, The Right Way!

Now that you have a solid understanding of proper cigar etiquette, it’s time to buy some smokes. Here at Swiss Cuban Cigars, we sell a wide selection of premium, authentic Cuban cigars. Browse today to start your journey.