I’m sure most of us have been raised to have some sort of public decorum. We know how to act so we don’t annoy or bother people, know how to be polite and respectful to others.

It’s what we expect in return.  Enjoying cigars is no different.  There are certain things or situations to do and to avoid.

Etiquette and Manners

My kids get annoyed with me when I keep correcting them at the dinner table or remind them when we’re in a public place to not act like they are running around in the woods.

“Why does it matter?” they always ask.  I just tell them it’s so people don’t annoy each other when they are trying to enjoy themselves in any public situation.

“The codes that help us navigate social situations smoothly.”

You and Your Cigar

I’m certainly not going to tell anyone how to enjoy their cigars.  There really is no right or wrong no matter how much you read that there are certain ways to cut, light or even enjoy a cigar.

If you want to light a cigar with a zippo – go for it (just don’t blame the cigar if it tastes like gas).  If you prefer to pinch or “bite” the cap open, do it.

Cigars are personal and you are the only one who can taste it and will be enjoying it.

Inside a Humidor

Now we’re getting into a situation where some etiquette is greatly appreciated.  I know it’s hard not to grab a bunch of different cigars and stick them to your nose and get a first impression.  But you’re not thumbing around your personal humidor.

Other people are going to buy those cigars and I’m sure you wouldn’t want one if you knew it was halfway up someone else’s nose.  Try to only grab the cigars you’re going to buy – especially if they have no cellophane.

The idea of having a bunch of fingers all over a cigar isn’t that much better than smelling them.  That leads to point two – there is no reason to take cigars out of the cellophane.  They add an extra layer of protection for the cigars.  Pushing cigars out of the cellophane and then trying to get them back in can damage the wrapper.

Don’t make your retailer look bad after someone buys a cigar with a busted wrapper that was perfectly good before someone messed with it.  Respect your retailer and their cigars.

It’s also bad form to bring your own cigars into a ship or lounge with a humidor.  Even if you do – buy something before you light up something you brought in.  It’s just the decent thing to do.

Cigars in Public

There is always a time and a place to “fight the man,” so to speak.  If you are in a space where smoking cigars is permitted and other people get bothered by it – well, then that’s their problem.  If there are clearly posted no smoking signs – just don’t light up.

If no one is around and you want to risk getting a ticket, go ahead.  But lighting up in no smoking spaces? We are better than that.  Common sense goes a long way.  Being respectful to others is always the decent thing to do – but that’s a two-way street.  There will always be people who are bothered by cigars even when smoking is permitted.

Just like we should be respectful – we should expect others to be as well.