There’s more to enjoying a good cigar than just the tobacco; it’s about the experience. In this guide, Let’s explore the often-overlooked world of cigar lighter etiquette. Let’s ensure that every flick of the lighter is a stylish step towards a more enjoyable smoking experience for everyone.
Choosing the Right Setting
First, you need to think about your surroundings. You want to be able to relax with your cigar and embrace the experience. This starts with the right setting.
Dos:
Selecting Appropriate Venues: Choose venues that welcome cigar smoking, such as cigar lounges or designated outdoor areas. If you’re in doubt about where you can smoke, you might choose to enjoy this activity at home instead.
Considering Others: Be mindful of non-smokers and those who may not share your passion. Find a balance between enjoying your cigar and respecting others’ preferences. This means keeping your distance from people you are perhaps enjoying a drink or meal. In particular, if there are children, move as far away as you can to be respectful.
Don’ts:
Ignoring Policies: Respect the rules of establishments and public spaces regarding cigar smoking. Nobody wants the embarrassment of being asked to leave.
Disrupting Atmosphere: Avoid lighting up in areas where others may find it intrusive or uncomfortable. For example, this could be a busy area or a small venue. Consider whether anybody else is smoking.
Lighting Your Cigar
Next, it’s going to be the process of lighting your cigar. This is the fun part and where you can start enjoying the experience.
Dos:
Quality Lighter: Invest in a lighter for an even and proper burn. There are several to choose from, including a soft flame, jet flame and torch lighter. For a classic experience, go for the soft flame. For a focused flame suitable for outdoors, opt for the torch. Alternatively, a jet flame lighter is often preferred for an even burn.
Offering Assistance: Extend a helping hand by offering your lighter to fellow enthusiasts in need. It can be a great way to socialize and chat with others who also want to enjoy the same experience.
Don’ts:
Cheap Lighters: Avoid using cheap or unreliable lighters that may affect the taste of your cigar. You might think you’re saving money. But, you can end up ruining your cigar, which leaves you feeling disappointed.
Forcing Your Lighter: Respect others’ preferences; don’t force them to use your lighter if they have their own. Also, avoid making unsolicited comments about someone else’s lighting technique.
Enjoying the Cigar
Now, here’s the best bit. You’ve lit your cigar and now you can sit back and enjoy every moment. This is your time to relax and unwind, enjoying the texture and flavors of the cigar.
Dos:
Proper Holding: Hold your cigar properly to avoid unnecessary smoke in others’ faces. You can enjoy gentle puffs to avoid creating a lot of smoke in crowded areas.
Mindful Ashing: Be conscious of your ash to prevent accidents and maintain cleanliness.
Rotate the Cigar: Rotating means that you’ll enjoy an even burn. Plus, it can help to reduce smoke.
Exhale Downward: This can ensure the atmosphere is pleasant for others. It should be done slowly too.
Don’ts:
Aggressive Wafting: Don’t waft smoke aggressively or carelessly, especially in crowded spaces. Instead, blow the smoke away from others and hold it at a distance when you’re not smoking it.
Haphazard Ashing: Avoid allowing ash to fall haphazardly, potentially causing a mess or burning others.
Navigating Conversations
If you’re around others who are enjoying a cigar, this is an opportunity for a conversation. Here are some tips.
Dos:
Polite Conversations: Engage in polite conversation with fellow enthusiasts, sharing insights without imposing personal preferences.
Sharing Recommendations: Share your cigar experiences and recommendations without dominating conversations.
Don’ts:
Dominating Conversations: Avoid dominating conversations with personal opinions or overpowering voices.
Criticizing Choices: Refrain from criticizing others’ cigar choices or preferences.
Respecting Non-Smokers
Remember that not everybody wants to smoke or be near this. This is particularly true with family groups and those trying to enjoy a meal. Here are some things to remember.
Dos:
Designated Areas: Move to designated smoking areas to avoid bothering non-smokers.
Wind Considerations: Be mindful of wind direction to minimize smoke exposure to others.
Don’ts:
Ignoring Comfort: Don’t smoke in crowded or enclosed spaces where non-smokers may be affected.
Dismissing Concerns: Take concerns or complaints from non-smokers seriously and adjust accordingly.
Properly Extinguishing Your Cigar
Once you’ve enjoyed your cigar, it’ll be about ending the experience the right way. This includes extinguishing the cigar.
Dos:
Natural Extinguishing: Allow your cigar to naturally extinguish when finished.
Disposal in Containers: Discard the cigar in designated containers or ashtrays.
Don’ts:
Forceful Extinguishing: Avoid stomping out or forcefully extinguishing your cigar.
Inappropriate Disposal: Don’t leave cigar butts in inappropriate places; dispose of them responsibly.
Conclusion
And there you have it – the ins and outs of cigar lighter etiquette. Let’s make every cigar-smoking experience not only enjoyable for ourselves but for those around us as well. Following these tips can ensure that happens.
