The Basics of Cigar Etiquette

Where to Smoke
It is important for one to know where to smoke and where not to smoke. Common sense tells us we have the right to smoke on our own property. That really is not the issue, though. The real issue is where in PUBLIC can we appropriately smoke and where should we avoid smoking?

It is reasonable to conclude that any restaurant, café, or bar you visit in this society is more than likely not going to welcome your cigar smoke. Cigar smoking has become unpopular along with cigarette smoking in this culture. None of us like to face this, but the reality is that smoking of ANY kind is on the strong disapproval list of the politically correct movement and faux bovine health and wellness extremism.

It serves none of us to lose our cool over such prejudices. We all have choices to make here in a dignified manner. We can either cooperate with the pressure not to smoke, or we can leave and go to a cigar lounge or some private place where we are still allowed to enjoy our own freedom.

Resentment and protest are bad form unbecoming of true cigar etiquette. Be the better person and speak with action rather than axe grinding words (like they do.)

Cigar etiquette tells us to always ask our friends—even close friends—if it is ok to smoke at their place. This is the wise and decent thing to do even at a party where things are getting a bit wild. Most people will not mind if you are smoking a cigar outside. Most people WILL mind if you light up inside their home.

When to Ash
Knowing when to ash is another important aspect of cigar etiquette. It is actually considered acceptable to let the ash build up at the foot of the cigar. This cools the smoke and helps increase the flavor. Letting the ash get too long, however, can result in a mess. The rule of thumb to follow here is simple:

The more expensive the item UNDER your ash, the more often you should keep the foot of your cigar near a cigar ashtray.

Keep the Band On the Cigar
There are those that say that it is bad cigar etiquette to leave a band on a cigar. Where do they get that idea? Showing people what you are smoking is a great way to invite them (silently) to start a conversation on brands.

This is much better, in fact, than impolitely offering what might be an unwelcome comment about a particular brand, or asking someone else what they think of your choices. That could sound needy and uninformed.

Let people see, let people comment, respond graciously and congenially. THAT is cigar etiquette at its most refined form.

However, if you prefer to remove the cigar band, do so after the cigar has heated up. This loosens the glue that holds the band to the wrapper. Otherwise, you may actually damage the wrapper. Some Cuban and Montecristo cigars, in fact, have bands that simply do not want to come off.

This is another good reason why it is actually good—not bad—cigar etiquette to keep the band on.