You finally get some time away and settle into your local cigar lounge and light up one of your favorite “traditional” cigars.  As you light up, the rich of aroma immediately hits your senses.  You melt into the chair and your stress melts away.

Then, from out of nowhere a dominating smell takes over – a smell that’s like walking into Bath and Body Works or a potpourri shop.  Someone lit a flavored cigar, which cuts through the aroma of any “traditional” cigar.

Is this an assault on cigar lounge etiquette or just another person enjoying the hobby?

There are few things that can divide cigar enthusiasts faster than flavored cigars.  Most all cigar smokers can agree that cigarettes don’t belong in a cigar lounge – but what about flavored cigars?  It’s a topic that nearly all shop and lounge owners have heard and talked about.

Cigar purists appreciate a cigar blends natural flavors and aromas and many believe flavored cigars mask craftsmanship.  Flavored or infused cigars have come a long way.  There are many premium examples and no one can deny how big the flavored cigar segment is in the cigar industry, but does it cross the line when it comes to smoking the in a cigar lounge?

Flavored cigars can be like wearing strong cologne and overwhelm the atmosphere and everyone nearby.

Lounge Owners perspective

It all depends on the lounge.  When it comes down to it a shop/lounge owner wants to keep their customers happy.  Some lounges allow everything and others restrict what you can light up.  Most of the time – if you buy a cigar at a shop you are free to enjoy it there, no matter what it is.  That brings us to our next point.

Etiquette Matters

Really, etiquette matters more than flavor.  One’s preference in cigars never trumps another.  We all have different tastes.  Most of us are courteous and are aware of the situation around us when lighting up.  If we are in a place that is crowded and no one else is smoking cigars, if there are no smoking signs, etc.

If someone does prefer flavored cigars and given the fact that their smell can dominate the room, perhaps it would be best to ask if others mind.  Not everyone wants to incorporate that into the cigar they are enjoying.  At the same time, don’t shame someone for enjoying something different.  But where does that leave the main question?

The Middle Ground

There is room for traditional cigars and there is room for “infused” or flavored cigars.  Courtesy should always outweigh cigar snobbery.

People will smoke what they like.  Whether that cigar tastes like a vanilla candle, bowl of potpourri or beautifully aged tobacco, we all share the same goal when lighting up in a cigar lounge – we want to relax and enjoy the cigar in good company.

Just don’t be the person that everyone secretly wants to leave.

And always remember to follow these rules when hanging out in a shop or lounge:

1. Don’t lecture people on what they’re smoking.
2. Respect personal space
3. Don’t ash in the drink holder
4. If your cigar smells like a bakery or candy shop, remember that not everyone came for dessert.
5. Don’t go to a shop and hang out without buying something.
6. Finally – the best cigar is always the one in your hand – as long as you aren’t ruining someone else’s experience.