01 March 2013

Cigar Etiquette

Etiquette is polite behaviour when smoking a cigar. In 19th century Havana, famous for its Cuban cigars, it was considered an insult to give another smoker a light from your cigar without first knocking off the ash from the cigar. Zino Davidoff outlined a protocol for smokers in his noted essay for connoisseurs. The charter and code remain valid today as when he first wrote it, where you will gain a better idea of cigar etiquette – or the “do’s and don’ts” of cigar smoking.

DON’T

Use a penknife to cut or a lance to pierce the end of the cigar.
X - Use a penknife to cut your cigar
X - Touch the flame directly to the foot of the cigar; simply rotate it around the edge until it stars to burn, then puff gently
X - Ask someone for a light – the lighting of a cigar is a personal affair and should be done with personal equipment
X - Rush to light your cigar – at the same time don’t do it too slowly
X - Indulge in exhibitionism in lighting or any other aspect of smoking
X - Relight your cigar is less than one quarter of it is leaf
X - Put the cigar in our mouth should you relight it
X - Scrape off the ash and turn it in the flame for several seconds until it relights
X - Never clench a cigar between your teeth
X - Get the cigar wet in your mouth and don’t chew it
X - Smoke too quickly
X - Use a cigar holder
X - Stick a toothpick or matchstick in your cigar to help hold it in your mouth
X - Dunk your cigar in port or brandy!
X - Smoke whilst working
X - Hold a cigar between your index and middle finger
X - Smoke whilst walking
X - Smoke more than half of the cigar
X - Chain smoke cigars

DO’S

✓- Warm the foot of the cigar before starting to puff on it
✓- Remove the band carefully after lighting the cigar
✓- Take your time smoking it; have about one puff per minute
✓- Hold the cigar between your index finger and thumb
✓- Let the cigar die a dignified death; after it’s smoked halfway, it will go out on its own.
✓- Dispose of the dead cigar discreetly and quickly
✓- Wait at least fifteen minutes between cigars; anything less indicates obsessive behaviour

It should be understood the cigar etiquette is merely a matter of good practice and pleasant manners. Cigar connoisseurs should present themselves as considerate and understanding individuals, so ensuring you try to stick to the etiquette will be beneficial!