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.

Cigar Ashtrays

Where would you be without cigar ashtrays? What do you do when you cannot find one at the table?

That is a good question.

No doubt you have been in those establishments that appear to lack awareness of basic smoking needs. They make this little spot for you to smoke in the corner, but when you look for an ashtray, you cannot find one, because it is not there.

No doubt as well that you have felt quietly judged at some of these times because of this oversight that is probably more than an oversight when you consider the current media campaigns against some of the more simple and basic pleasures of life.

We are here to tell you that you are not wrong, and that because you are not wrong, you do not have to react to these little signals with bad form.

You can respond positively to this challenge of social conditioning by bringing your own cigar ashtray to the table. With a simple, matter-of-fact action of self-reliance, you can show your silent judges that your life is going quite beautifully well with a cigar in your hand, and your own personal cigar ashtray by your side.

It’s another way of saying you intend to live long and prosper by your own willpower alone.
Of course, since cigar smoking is a matter of style as much as it is a matter of personal pleasure, cigar ashtrays should be purchased that add an additional touch of sense and sensibility to your calm repose and pure enjoyment of the present moment.

Let’s take a look at some of more unique designs you can use to state the case for your own uniqueness and view of the world:

Classic Ceramic
The jet black Ashton, four cigar ashtray is iconic in the minds of us all. We have all seen the design that features the Ashton brand and crown in gold around the edges. Thousands are found throughout the country in cigar shops and in the private dens of quiet smokers late at night.

Ceramic Car-Shaped Cigar Ashtrays
Ashton car shaped cigar ashtrays are chic models of the classics to do along with your classic moment.

La Aroma de Cuba Car Ashtrays add ambience to all settings

Bram Warren
Every one of these cigar ashtrays is made by hand and is a unique and beautiful creation. makes these beautiful ashtrays by hand. Each one is a unique creation. Very functional and extremely decorative.Amber, onyx, tortoise shell, burnt clay, conference bronze.

Classic Silver Color
This car cigar ashtray fits into your cup holder.

Porcelain
Porcelain will look good anywhere you place it.

Stinky Cigar Ashtray
This ashtray is deep and designed like a bowl and capable of holding a mountain of debris, ash, cigar butts, matches, even cigar bands.

If you want to make a REAL statement of class and show the world just how conscientious smokers really are, this ashtray is the ticket for you.

Cigar Accessories

Cigars represent a certain lifestyle of class and enjoyment; and this is lifestyle is made even more enjoyable with cigar accessories. Cigar accessories remind you of your favorite pastime and help you either enjoy it more or dream of it often. Regardless of whether or not you are at home, work, or out on the golf course, you can always have a cigar or something cigar-related close at hand.

The Cigar Minder
Cigar Minders are cigar accessory perfect for any golfer. They are cigar clips that attach to any golf cart. The primary clip affixes to the golf cart itself, and the secondary clip actually holds the cigars. This keeps your cigars from getting lost, crushed, broken, or dropped in a hole.

Cigar Coffee Mugs
Fire codes will not let you smoke in your office, but no force in the world can keep you from drinking coffee at work! You can look forward to freedom from other people’s rules with cigar coffee mugs. Not only do they feature beautiful images of cigars, but they also hold a great deal of coffee and are dishwasher safe.

Don Salvatore Accessories
Nearly a hundred years ago, Don Salvatore started the tradition of hand-crafting humidors. This enterprise later grew into the production of all kinds of cigar accessories. For example, the Havana Draw Enhancer™ is designed like a pen. Thanks to the Enhancer’s stainless steel shaft designed with angular, diamond cut serrations. it has proven itself to be the best way to improve the draw and eliminating the plugs in cigars of all shapes and sizes.

You can insert the Enhancer in either end of a cigar. You can also make multiple channels on the same cigar. This breaks up the plugs in your cigar, and eliminates the tunnel burning caused by many other products. You can also draw Enhancer partway through the stub of a cigar and smoke it all the way down without burning your fingers.

Golf Ball Markers
You can show loyalty to your favorite cigar brands with these golf cigar accessories. They are magnetic and clip right to your cap or golf bag. Because each one is very small and lightweight, and has a strong magnet to hold it in place, it will not fall off. Every marker has the logo of one of the great cigar brands.

Tatuaje
Ashtrays are some of the most important cigar accessories. Now, to celebrate world-famous Tatuaje cigars, you can kick back beside an ashtray that compliments this Nicaraguan classic. These ashtrays are equally beautiful and practical.

Wooden Matches
Do not engage in bad form by lighting your cigar with a lighter. Use four-inch matches instead.