If you are new to cigar smoking you may not be aware of the best practice for getting the experience.

Don’t worry as GQ Tobaccos have put together this handy guide of dos and don'ts for smoking cigars.

The do’s of cigar smoking

Warm the foot of the cigar slightly before starting to puff on it - This does not mean toasting it under a flame, but involves simply rolling gently in your fingers which allows your hand’s natural body heat to slowly warm the foot.

Remove the band carefully after lighting the cigar - It should only take a minute for the gum on the cigar band to be warm enough to remove the band easily. While this is a historic rule, it is no longer steadfast and can be considered optional.

Take your time smoking a cigar - A puff a minute is about right, remember smoking is an experience, not a chore. There is no need to wildly puff your cigar as allowing it to cool for a moment will not be long enough for it to self extinguish.

Hold the cigar between your index finger and your thumb - This sort of rule differentiates cigar aficionado's from novices. While there is no reason for this rule, it is one that cigar enthusiasts tend to stick to.

Allow the cigar to die a dignified death - After the cigar has been smoked to halfway it will go out on its own. A cigar is not meant to be smoked down to the foot and the shorter you allow it to go the harsher the smoke becomes.

Dispose of dead cigars discreetly and quickly - A cigarette butt is one of the most distasteful sights and the same can be true of extinguished cigars which need to be discreetly disposed of.

Wait at least 15 minutes between cigars - Cigar smoking is a passion and with such a diverse flavour profile available, you cannot pair it with every meal - try saving for dessert or even with an after dinner drink.

The don’ts of cigar smoking

Use a cigar cutter to cut or pierce the end of the cigar - If you are going to enjoy a cigar, enjoy it properly and don't mutilate it.

Touch the flame directly to the foot of the cigar - Simply rotate it around the edge instead, until it begins to burn, then puff on it lightly. The aim is not to light the cigar on fire, instead, toast it just enough to show its beauty in a breath of silver smoke.

Lighting a cigar should be a personal experience - Never ask someone else to light your cigar, though this does not mean you can't lend a friends lighter or matches. This means that you should undertake the responsibility of lighting your own cigar.

Light your cigar too slowly or too quickly - Take your time to enjoy the lighting process and don't stall or pause. This should be a continual toast with your full attention.

Indulge in exhibitionism - Whether you are lighting or smoking your cigar, this is one of the most personal and gratifying experiences you can have. This is where you can relish the tranquillity of the cigar.

Relight your cigar if less than a quarter is leaf - This ultimately comes down to the quality of the smoke. If the cigar keeps going out then chances are you should leave it out as continually relighting it only makes it harsher.

Put the cigar in your mouth to relight it - This is just poor manners. Alternatively, hold the cigar in your fingertips and gently rotate it as you lightly toast the end with your heat source.

Clench your cigar between your teeth - Smoking a cigar should be elegant, not brash or unsophisticated. Also, never talk with the cigar in your mouth. Remove it first and then speak.

Wet the end of your cigar - There is no need to wet the cigar unless it is burning unevenly. If that is the case, you can moisten your fingertip and then dab the area to slow the burn.

Smoke too quickly - Enjoy your smoke, there is no rush and if there is, maybe cigar smoking is not for you.

Use a cigar holder - Smoking a cigar is about relying on all of your senses, including touch. You want to feel the cigar in your hand. Often you will feel it beginning to burn too hot or if the leaves are fragmenting the cigar is improperly filled.

Stick a toothpick or matchstick in the end of the cigar to help hold it in your mouth - Hold the cigar between your fingers at all times, even when you are taking a draw.

Smoke whilst walking in public - While you may enjoy the fragrant aroma of cigars, others probably will not. This is about having respect and courtesy for people with allergies or medical conditions who could react adversely to your cigar.

Get in touch with any questions

If you have any questions about cigar smoking etiquette, please do not hesitate to contact GQ Tobaccos today. We stock a wide range of cigars, including Cuban, New World and Machine-Made cigars.