Mastering Cigar Lounge Etiquette
Smoking cigars has been a rite of passage for generations, and cigar lounges are the ultimate place to relax, enjoy a good stogie, and fellowship with like-minded aficionados. But just as there is an etiquette for enjoying cigars in general, so too is there an etiquette for enjoying them in the cigar lounge. Whether you’re a novice or an expert in the world of cigars, it is important to understand the etiquette that comes with visiting a cigar lounge.
Stogie, noun: A slang term for any type of cigar
Respect Other People's Space
The most important rule of any cigar lounge is respect other people's space and privacy. Even if you are sharing the area with friends, it’s still important to be mindful of other smokers nearby. Don't talk too loud or be intrusive when someone else is smoking their own cigar. It's also polite to avoid walking behind someone who is smoking. Not only will this help ensure that your smoke isn’t getting into their face, but it also helps preserve their peace and privacy while they savor their favorite stogie.
Think About What You’re Bringing
Most cigar lounges will provide basic supplies such as cutters and lighters (and we do much more), but in a new spot it’s common practice to bring your own if possible. Not only will you know that your supplies are only used by yourself, but you can also take them home with you when you leave! If you’re not sure what supplies you need for smoking cigars, your local cigar lounge should have all the answers. With that said, in certain lounges bringing your own cigars can be just as bad as bringing your own food to your favorite local restaurant! You can support the cigar scene by purchasing a never-before-tried variety.
Be Respectful of Others' Choice of Cigar
Cigars can vary widely in size, shape, flavor profile and origin; some smokers may prefer milder smokes while others may prefer more full-bodied ones. It’s important not to judge or criticize another person’s choice of cigar—regardless of what you might think about it personally—as everyone has different preferences and tastes when it comes to tobacco products. That said, if another smoker asks for your opinion about which type of cigar they should try next time around, feel free to offer up your advice.
Start Learning the Lingo
If you don’t know anything about cigars, don’t worry – most cigar lounges will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. However, understanding some basic terminology can help make conversations flow more smoothly and help ensure that everyone is on the same page when discussing tobacco blends or regional differences in flavor profiles. Check out this blog post on cigar lingo to start learning about it.
We’ve 4000 varieties behind our doors, there’s quite a variety to be enjoyed!
Become one with the cut-and-light
If you're new to cigars, the process of cutting and lighting one can seem a bit daunting. But don't worry - once you get the hang of it, it's really quite simple:
- Start by cutting off the cigar's cap. You can do this with a sharp knife or a cigar cutter. Be sure to cut straight across, leaving enough of the cap intact so that it doesn't unravel.
- Next, it's time to light the cigar. You'll want to use a butane lighter or a wooden match - never use a regular lighter, as the chemicals will affect the flavor of the cigar. Hold the flame about an inch away from the end of the cigar, and rotate it as you puff gently on the cigar until it is evenly lit.
- Once your cigar is lit, take a few short puffs to get it going, then settle in and enjoy! Remember to ash regularly to keep the tip of the cigar from getting too hot.
Clean Up After Yourself
Ash on the floor gets on everyone’s nerves. Another highly important rule in any lounge—cigar or otherwise—is that you clean up after yourself when you leave. This means disposing of your ashtray contents into the designated receptacle (if there isn't one provided by the establishment, bring along your own), disposing of any used matches or lighters that you may have brought with you, and generally making sure that your seating area looks presentable before leaving. Cleanliness not only makes things look nice but also helps contribute towards a healthy environment for all patrons at the lounge!
Enjoy your Cigar Lounge Experience!
Cigar lounges are places meant for relaxation and enjoyment; however, without proper etiquette, these spaces can become unpleasant for everyone involved. By following these tips on how to be a good person in the cigar lounge environment—or even just by showing basic courtesy towards those around you—you can help create a pleasant atmosphere that everyone can enjoy! Whether you're new to smoking cigars or an experienced aficionado looking for some company while enjoying your favorite tobacco product, following these simple rules will help ensure that everyone at the cigar lounge has an enjoyable time!
