| Smoking a cigar is a different affair than smoking a | | | | or a box of matches. Lighting using either method is |
| cigarette. There are etiquette concerns regarding | | | | identical. There are three faux-pas of which one must |
| when and where it's appropriate to light up as much | | | | beware when lighting a cigar: lighting the cigar without |
| as there are etiquette concerns regarding how one | | | | first warming it; holding the cigar in the flame; and |
| lights up. Following both is certain to make the | | | | over-heating the tobacco. |
| experience more enjoyable for everyone involved. | | | | First, hold the flame under the cigar and warm it by |
| Regarding the place and time, make certain to ask | | | | rotating it in the mouth. One can gauge when the |
| any host whether it's okay to smoke cigars. Asking | | | | cigar is ready to be lit when the wrapper is warm to |
| whether or not it's okay to smoke is usually not | | | | the touch. Lighting the cigar is much different than |
| enough. Most people will assume that this question | | | | lighting a cigarette. Instead of holding the flame to |
| regards cigarettes which are an entirely different | | | | the cigar, one draws it toward the cigar by puffing |
| thing than a cigar. Most often, those who enjoy | | | | slightly and continuing to rotate the cigar. This |
| smoking cigars will do so in a specific room. Cigars | | | | ensures an even light. Blow on the cigar to get it |
| have a wonderful aroma but it is a strong aroma. | | | | burning evenly. |
| Make certain a host or establishment doesn't object | | | | Cigars are not inhaled as are cigarettes. Use short |
| before puffing on a cigar. | | | | puffs to draw the smoke into the mouth. If the cigar |
| The host will generally offer a cutter. This is used to | | | | wanes, a little bit of vigorous puffing is usually all |
| cut away the sealed end of the cigar so that it can | | | | that's required to get it going again. A cigar may be |
| be smoked. Make sure to hold the cigar over an | | | | extinguished and relit so don't be afraid to put it out |
| ashtray when doing this. The scent just after cutting | | | | if it's more cigar than is desired at one sitting. |
| can be quite enjoyable, as well, so enjoy the aroma! | | | | Properly-lit cigars can burn for a long time and making |
| Next comes the actual lighting which is something of | | | | sure it's done right from the start ensures an |
| an art. | | | | excellent smoking experience. |
| A true aficionado will offer either a torch cigar lighter | | | | |