The sum and total of cigar knowledge, lore, etiquette and practical advice could fill dozens and dozens of books. True cigar aficionados aren’t born; they’re bred with a body of knowledge that is the product of their experience.
But if you had to extract the essentials, it would look something like this:
DO…
• Neatly trim the end of your cigar with an appropriate device.
• Hold your cigar between the thumb and index finger.
• Take time to warm the foot of the cigar slightly prior to lighting it
• Rotate the flame around the edge of the foot until it starts to burn, then puff lightly.
• Cigar smoking is a LEISURE activity, not a race — a puff a minute is about right.
• Let a cigar go out on its own, without excessive grinding in an ashtray
• Let it go out if there’s less than one quarter of its leaf remaining
• Re-light a viable cigar by scraping the ash and turning it in the flame for a moment or two until it catches again
Dispose of the dead cigar discreetly and quickly.
DON’T …
• Use a penknife to cut, a lance to pierce, or your teeth to chew off the end of the cigar
• Touch the flame directly to the foot of the cigar:
• Ask someone else for a light
• Be a show off – no one wants to see a narcissistic cigar-smoker calling attention to himself/herself with an elaborate display of cigar smoking technique or accoutrements like cigar holders.
• Put a dead cigar into your mouth and puff furiously while lighting to re-ignite it
• Don’t chew on your cigar, slobber on it, gesture with it or clench it between your teeth (unless you’re a 1930’s homicide detective)
Chain smoke. Cigars are to be savored.
OPTIONAL
• Remove the band carefully after lighting the cigar
• Share
I am just picking up cigar smoking. I am a Lance Corporal in the United States Marines. I picked up smoking for occasions when I wear a suit or my dress uniforms. Again I don’t know too much about the subject, but I personally take mine off. I take them off and write memos on the brand about the cigar. I read it was a good idea until you find a brand you enjoy the best. I have studied the etiquite a little and I have never seen where it says to take it off, but I could see how it could be boasting. If it wasn’t for the memos I wouldn’t take mine off. Just because I smoke them for me, and I don’t feel the need to take it off.
Question; I have been told that it is improper to leave the band of the cigar on when smoking. The reason is “old world” manners; no need to show-off the brand of cigar while enjoying it.
Great question. Although I have heard that before, from a practical point I don’t know anyone that actually does it. The reality is, if someone flaunts a cigar (in a manner that they are trying to show they are better than someone else) they will be pretty much smoking alone soon.
I wouldn’t worry about taking off the labels.