Cigar smoking has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. While cigars have long been associated with celebratory occasions, more and more people are enjoying them on a regular basis.
Whether you’re new to cigar smoking or a seasoned aficionado, a few etiquette rules should be followed to make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved. Here are a few dos and don’ts to help you get started on the right foot.
1. Spend some time relaxing and taking everything in
When it comes to cigar smoking, the most important thing is to take your time and enjoy the experience. There’s no need to rush through a cigar – savor the flavor and relish the moment. Cigar smoking is also a social activity, so take the opportunity to relax and chat with your friends or fellow cigar aficionados.
2. Choose a cigar of high quality and the appropriate size and strength for you
When choosing a cigar, selecting one of good quality is essential. Not all cigars are created equal, and you’ll likely notice a difference in taste and texture between a high-quality cigar and a cheaper one. It’s worth spending a little extra to get a good cigar, as you’ll be much more likely to enjoy the experience.
Choosing one with the proper size and strength is also crucial. There are many sizes and shapes of cigars, each with a distinct flavor profile. It’s critical to find a cigar that you enjoy the taste of and that is comfortable to smoke.
3. Prepare your cigar for smoking by cutting the cap off the head
Once you’ve selected your cigar, it’s time to prepare it for smoking. Start by cutting the cap off the head of the cigar. You can use a cutter or a sharp knife for this, but be sure to keep the top manageable. Next, light the cigar using a match or a butane lighter. Rotate the cigar with the flame until the entire circumference is lit.
4. Do ash the cigar properly
Ashing a cigar simply means tapping off the excess ash that has accumulated on the cigar’s tip. To avoid breaking the cigar, you should handle this delicately. If the ash is not tapped off, it can begin to flake off and ruin the smoking experience.
Ashing a cigar may be done in several different ways. One is to use an ashtray designed explicitly for cigars. These ashtrays typically have a depression in the center that is ideal for ashing a cigar. Another way to ash a cigar is to tap it off on the edge of a regular ashtray.
Whichever method you choose, do it gently so as not to damage the cigar. You’ll quickly master the art of ashing your cigars with practice.
5. Be considerate of those around you when smoking a cigar
The smoke from a cigar can be pretty intense and overwhelming, so it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and ensure that everyone is comfortable. If you’re smoking indoors, make sure the room is well-ventilated. If you’re smoking outdoors, try to keep the cigar smoke away from others.
6. Store your cigars in a humidor
There are many things to consider when smoking cigars, one of which is how to store your cigars. One of the best ways to keep a cigar fresh and full of flavor is to hold it in a humidor. A humidor is a specially-made box that keeps cigars at the right level of humidity.
There are a few considerations to address while selecting a humidor:
- Check to see whether it is the right size for the cigars you want to store.
- You must choose a good seal humidifier to keep the humidity and air out.
- It would be best if you made sure that the humidor is lined with cedar, which will help to absorb excess moisture and keep the cigars fresh.
Once you have a humidor, you must season it before using it. This means you must add humidity to the humidor to be at the correct level for storing cigars. You can do this by placing a damp sponge or cloth inside the humidor or using a humidifier. Once the humidor is seasoned, you can add your cigars.
Make sure to check the humidity level in your humidor regularly, and add water or humidifier solution as needed. Keeping your cigars in a humidor is the best way to ensure they are fresh and ready to smoke.
The Don’ts of Cigar Smoking
1. Never light a cigar with a regular lighter
One of the don’ts of cigar smoking is never to light a cigar with a regular lighter, and there are a few reasons for this. First of all, regular lighters are designed for cigarettes, not cigars. The flame is too small and hot to light a cigar properly. Secondly, the chemicals in a regular lighter can affect the cigar’s taste.
So what should you use to light a cigar? The best thing to use is a butane lighter. The flame is bigger and hotter, which makes for better light. Plus, there are no chemicals in butane that will affect the taste of your cigar.
You can also use a match if you don’t have a butane lighter. Just strike the match on a hard surface, like a concrete wall. This will create a bigger and hotter flame that will work well for lighting a cigar.
Whatever you do, just don’t use a regular lighter. It’s not worth ruining a good cigar.
2. Never smoke a cigar all the way down to the nub
One thing you should keep in mind when smoking a cigar is never to smoke it all the way down to the nub. Doing so can result in an unpleasant and harsh smoking experience.
There are a few reasons why smoking a cigar all the way down to the nub is not advisable. First, as the cigar burns down, the concentration of tobacco smoke increases. This can make the smoke taste bitter and acrid.
Additionally, the wrapper of the cigar may start to burn, which can make the cigar unpleasant to smoke. Finally, smoking a cigar all the way down to the nub can be a wasted opportunity to enjoy the different flavor profiles that a cigar can offer.
3. Never smoke a cigar in an enclosed space
Cigars contain high levels of nicotine, which can be harmful to both smokers and nonsmokers alike. When smoked in an enclosed space, the nicotine can quickly build up to dangerous levels, leading to serious health problems. Additionally, the smoke from cigars can be irritating to the lungs and cause problems for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
In addition to the health concerns, smoking cigars in an enclosed space can also be a nuisance to those around you. The smoke can be unpleasant and cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Additionally, the smell of cigar smoke can be challenging to remove from clothing and furniture.
4. Never chew on a cigar.
For a long time, cigar smoking has been linked to elegance and refinement. However, one crucial etiquette rule that all cigar smokers should remember is never to chew on a cigar.
Cigar smoking is not like smoking a cigarette. Cigarettes are meant to be inhaled, while cigars are meant to be enjoyed slowly and savored. Chewing on a cigar will ruin the flavor and make it unpleasant for both the smoker and those around them.
In addition, chewing on a cigar can actually be dangerous. The tobacco in a cigar is much stronger than the tobacco in a cigarette, and chewing on a cigar can release harmful chemicals into the body.
5. Don’t inhale the smoke.
Now it’s time to smoke! Inhale slowly as you bring the smoke to your lips, and then exhale. Don’t inhale the smoke, as this can be harsh on your lungs. Instead, just let the smoke linger in your mouth to enjoy the flavor. You can gently blow on the cigar between draws to keep it lit.
6. Don’t smoke your cigar too quickly.
Smoking a cigar is an experience that should be savored. If you smoke your cigar too quickly, you’ll miss out on the complex flavor profiles that make cigars so enjoyable. Also, smoking your cigar too quickly can cause the cigar to become too hot and produce a harsh flavor.
Smoking your cigar too slowly, on the other hand, can cause it to go out. Thus, it would be best if you smoked your cigar at a moderate pace to enjoy the flavor and avoid excessive heat.