The Cigar Ritual: Tradition, Etiquette and the Art of Discretion
Between Tradition, Prestige, Modesty and Consideration for Others
By Tami Lancut Leibovitz
Some social rituals originated centuries ago, evolved over time, and yet retained a distinctive language of their own.
The ritual of cigar smoking is one of them.
Historically, cigars played a significant role in social and business gatherings, formal dinners, and exclusive gentlemen's clubs. An entire culture developed around them, complete with specialized accessories, preparation techniques, traditions, and codes of conduct.
Over the years, cigars became associated with status, prestige, success, and sometimes even displays of power.
Yet, in a world where status symbols carried considerable importance, certain rules emerged to remind us that elegance is not measured merely by what a person holds in their hand, but by how that person behaves.
After all, even the most expensive cigar cannot give someone good manners.
The Cigar Ritual – A Tradition with Its Own Language
In traditional cigar culture, considerable attention is given to the way a cigar is presented, examined, prepared, and set aside at the end.
Over time, these practices became part of a social ritual reflecting knowledge, experience, and familiarity with the customs of the cigar world.
However, it is important to distinguish between cigar traditions and cigar etiquette.
The former concerns techniques and customs associated with cigars.
The latter concerns how individuals behave toward the people around them.
And that distinction is essential.
Understanding the Cigar
A traditional cigar consists of three principal components: the filler, the binder, and the outer wrapper.
The wrapper is the visible layer and therefore has particular aesthetic significance.
In traditional cigar culture, enthusiasts often examine the cigar's appearance, the consistency of its leaves, and the quality of its finish.
Some also smell the cigar before preparing it.
Cutting the Cigar
Before smoking, the closed end of a cigar is generally opened using a specialized cutting tool.
Several methods are commonly used:
Straight Cut – Guillotine
A straight cut across the closed end of the cigar.
V-Cut
A V-shaped cut that creates a groove in the cigar's head.
Punch Cut
A small circular opening made with a specialized punch.
The choice depends on the cigar's shape and personal preference.
From an etiquette perspective, when accepting a cigar as a guest, there is no need to demonstrate expertise or criticize the host's selection.
Professional knowledge is an advantage. Displaying superiority is not good etiquette.
Lighting the Cigar
Lighting a cigar has also developed its own traditions.
In professional cigar culture, an even light is generally preferred to avoid uneven burning.
Beyond the technique itself, however, it is important to remember that lighting a cigar is not appropriate in every setting or at every event.
Good manners begin before the cigar is lit: by ensuring that smoking is permitted and that it will not disturb others.
The Accessories of the Cigar Ritual
Several accessories have become closely associated with traditional cigar culture.
The Humidor
A specially designed storage container intended to maintain suitable humidity conditions for cigars.
The Cigar Ashtray
An ashtray with wide, elongated rests that allow a cigar to be placed securely.
The Cigar Cutter
A specialized tool used to open the closed end of a cigar.
The Cigar Band
The decorative paper ring wrapped around a cigar, usually displaying the manufacturer's or brand's name.
Of all these accessories, the small cigar band tells a particularly fascinating cultural story.
The Cigar Band – Between Prestige and Modesty
Should the band remain on the cigar, or should it be removed?
A seemingly minor question, yet one that reveals an intriguing chapter in the history of etiquette.
The cigar band, usually bearing the manufacturer's name and sometimes elaborate decorations or symbols of prestige, gradually became both a means of identification and a status symbol.
The Legend of the Empress and the White Gloves
One of the best-known legends in cigar culture concerns Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia.
According to the story, the Empress wanted to protect her elegant white gloves from tobacco stains.
A paper band was supposedly introduced around the cigar for that purpose.
It is a charming story, perfectly suited to aristocratic culture and the importance once attached to immaculate appearance.
However, there is no reliable historical evidence that Catherine the Great invented the cigar band.
The development of commercial cigar bands is more convincingly associated with brand identification, distinguishing manufacturers, and preventing counterfeiting.
Nevertheless, the legend illustrates the relationship between appearance, prestige, and social etiquette.
The British Tradition – Prestige Needs No Announcement
In nineteenth-century England, certain upper-class social circles developed the view that a refined gentleman should remove the cigar band before smoking.
Leaving the band visible, particularly when it displayed an expensive brand, could be interpreted as boasting.
The underlying idea was simple:
A person of genuine standing should not need to display the price or prestige of a cigar to earn admiration.
This attitude reflected a broader British social ideal of restraint and avoiding excessive displays of wealth.
The American Approach – The Brand as Part of the Experience
In the United States, a more flexible approach developed.
Leaving the cigar band in place was not necessarily considered a breach of good manners.
For some smokers, the band served as a means of identifying the cigar, an attractive decorative element, or an expression of personal preference and brand appreciation.
However, these differences should not be understood as absolute national rules.
Both approaches existed in Britain and the United States, and individual preferences varied.
What Is Considered Appropriate Today?
Today, both options are generally acceptable.
Some people prefer to remove the band, while others leave it in place.
Some wait until the cigar has warmed slightly before removing the band, reducing the risk of damaging the delicate wrapper.
From the perspective of contemporary etiquette, there is no obligation either to display the brand or to conceal it.
The more important question is how an individual relates to symbols of prestige.
Is the person simply enjoying a personal choice, or attempting to impress others through a display of superiority?
True elegance needs no announcement.
This principle extends far beyond cigars.
It applies equally to luxury watches, designer labels, expensive cars, and other status symbols in the business world.
The cigar band may be nothing more than a small ring of paper.
Yet the social meaning we attach to it can be considerably greater.
Ten Rules of Cigar Etiquette – Updated for 2026–2027
The following principles are based on the traditional rules presented in my book, IBLCode – The International Business Language, adapted to reflect contemporary expectations of etiquette, personal responsibility, and consideration for others.
1. An Ashtray Is Not Permission to Smoke
In the past, the presence of an ashtray on a table was sometimes interpreted as an indication that smoking was permitted.
Today, that is no longer sufficient.
Always ensure that smoking is allowed under local laws and the venue's regulations.
Even on an open terrace or in a designated smoking area, consideration for the people nearby remains essential.
2. Even When Smoking Is Permitted, Consider Others
Before lighting a cigar in company, make sure that the smoke will not disturb those around you.
Cigars produce a distinctive and often strong smell, and not everyone wishes to be exposed to it.
If someone expresses discomfort, the courteous response is to refrain from smoking nearby or move away.
The freedom to enjoy a personal habit does not override another person's right to clean air.
3. When Offered a Cigar, Do Not Immediately Choose the Most Expensive One
If a host offers a selection of cigars, it is not particularly gracious to reach immediately for the most expensive one.
You may ask for a recommendation or allow your host to make the selection.
If the host suggests a particular cigar, you may thank them and accept their recommendation.
Of course, there is no obligation to accept a cigar.
A polite refusal is entirely appropriate.
4. Treat an Offered Cigar with Respect
When selecting a cigar from a shared box, avoid unnecessary handling of the other cigars.
Do not repeatedly squeeze or examine every cigar, and never return a cigar to the box after placing it in your mouth.
Careful handling demonstrates respect for the host and other guests.
5. There Is No Need to Demonstrate Expertise
In the past, some people would roll a cigar close to their ear, supposedly to assess its quality.
This gesture has also appeared in films, but it is not considered a reliable professional method of evaluating a cigar.
From a social perspective, there is no need for theatrical gestures or exaggerated displays of expertise.
Genuine knowledge does not require a performance.
6. Do Not Speak with a Cigar in Your Mouth
This traditional etiquette rule remains relevant today.
When speaking, remove the cigar from your mouth.
Never point at people with a cigar or wave it around while talking.
If you tend to accompany your words with expressive hand gestures, it is better to place the cigar in an ashtray during the conversation.
7. Offering Assistance Is Not a Matter of Gender
In the original edition of my book, I described a traditional rule according to which a gentleman would not light another gentleman's cigar, but could light a lady's cigar or assist her in cutting it.
That rule reflected the social conventions of an earlier period.
Today, there is no reason to distinguish between men and women in this respect.
Assistance with lighting or cutting a cigar may be offered to anyone, regardless of gender.
What matters is that help is offered rather than imposed.
8. A Cigar After Dinner – A Tradition, Not an Obligation
In traditional hospitality, cigars were sometimes offered following a formal dinner.
The gesture was regarded as an expression of hospitality and part of the evening's closing ritual.
Today, however, offering cigars should not be considered an obligation for the host or an expectation placed upon guests.
If such a tradition is observed, it must take place only where smoking is permitted, with full consideration for nonsmokers.
9. Do Not Smoke During a Meal
Traditionally, cigars were generally reserved for the conclusion of a meal.
Even today, smoking a cigar at a table where food is being served, or between courses, is inappropriate when it may disturb other diners.
The smell and smoke can affect other people's dining experience.
10. End the Smoking Ritual Responsibly
Traditional cigar etiquette generally favors placing a cigar in a suitable ashtray rather than crushing it in the manner sometimes associated with cigarettes.
However, the most important principle today is to ensure that the cigar is completely extinguished before leaving.
Never leave a burning cigar unattended, and never discard cigar remains into the surrounding environment.
Cigars in the Business World – When Ritual Meets Culture
Historically, cigar gatherings were sometimes part of business culture.
Smoking rooms and private clubs served as informal meeting places where businesspeople exchanged ideas, developed relationships, and continued conversations beyond the formal setting.
Familiarity with cigar traditions could provide a shared social language.
In today's business environment, however, understanding a tradition does not mean that one must participate in it.
No one should be expected to smoke in order to join a conversation, establish professional relationships, or demonstrate a sense of belonging.
Nonsmokers can appreciate the history of cigar culture, understand its customs, and participate in informed discussions without smoking themselves.
Professionalism is not measured by one's willingness to participate in every social ritual, but by the ability to respect the different choices of others.
And What About Women and Cigars?
The history of cigar smoking also reflects changing attitudes toward women's social roles.
For many years, cigars were widely regarded as masculine symbols, and women who smoked them sometimes attracted surprise or criticism.
But should etiquette determine what is acceptable for a woman and what is acceptable for a man?
I was recently asked precisely such a question during a festive Chaîne des Rôtisseurs event in Jerusalem.
That unexpected encounter inspired me to explore the history of women, cigars, and changing social conventions.
Further Reading: Women and Cigars – Who Decided Cigars Were Only for Men?
In Conclusion – Etiquette Matters More Than the Cigar
Cigars are part of a rich cultural tradition.
We can explore their history, understand the customs surrounding them, and appreciate the social meanings attributed to them over the centuries.
But etiquette does not stand still.
In the past, social status, ritual, and familiarity with established codes of conduct often received considerable emphasis.
Today, contemporary etiquette places greater importance on responsibility, sensitivity, and consideration for others.
We can understand the rules of a ritual without participating in it.
And we can respect a tradition without adopting it.
A cigar may symbolize prestige. It is good manners that give a person true distinction.
Further Reading on TLL
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