On top of butane lighters being expensive, the jet flame type of butane lighters are extremely finicky and volatile. Its tantamount to a two year old child. I would adhere to Manton's advice and simply use wooden match sticks.manton wrote:Certain lighters that use an odorless fuel are OK, but these are expensive.
Rules
I think I understand the question now that others have weighed in, so let me say the following. Zippo-type or gasoline lighters should not be used as they do impart an odor (although it does subside fairly quickly). Candles should be avoided for the same reason - I am told they are even worse. Butane lighters are fine. In fact, I prefer them as lighting a cigar takes a while, and unless you have extra-long wooden matches, you will go through matches fairly quickly. The best thing, which I am without, is a butane table lighter. It is more comfortable to have the flame stationary and stable so you can use the heat to toast and ultimately ignite the end. Bic or other cheap disposable lighters can get very hot in your hands. Look for a lighter with an adjustable flame and that stays lit with your finger kept at a safe distance (there is a reason the classic S.T.Dupont stays on as long as the lid is up).
I was at the Mayflower (a pub located on the waterfront, South of the Thames) where I noticed a vending machine selling Cuban coronations. Upon sussing the pub, there were indeed a few people puffing away on cigars. Naturally, I assumed that this was a cigar friendly pub, but still made sure to check with the bartender. He assured me it was fine and even handed me a cigar cutter from behind the bar. With my mind at ease and after enjoying my dinner, I ordered a pint and lit up a Cuban. Later on, when I asked for the cutter again for a friend's cigar (this time from a different bartender), she informed me that the bar does not have any cigar cutters and gave my party nasty looks throughout the evening. I also started growing uncomfortable because the majority of the pub was not smoking, so I quickly put out my stogie. The question I wish to ask is, what are the proper etiquettes of smoking a cigar, in what one can only assume to be cigar friendly, speakeasy? Also, how do the people of London feel towards cigar smokers in pubs that offer cigars?
Many London pubs will post a "No cigar smoking" sign on the premises. Such is the case for the Guinea Grill, where many londonloungers meet regularly. Of course, cigarette smoking is perfectly ok.
Now to many this seems perfectly ridiculous as cigarette smoke, a combustion of deadly chemicals combined with nicotine for taste, has a lung singeing, acid like quality that is particularly uncomfortable for non-cigarette smokers. Cigar smoke, on the other hand, while more pronounced, has a rounded, mellow aroma (no chemicals.) Pipe smoke is even more mellow and aromatic which means the pubs might not need to invest in incense, candles or sprays to create a pleasant atmosphere.
Clearly, the reaction against pipes and cigars has more to do with prejudices other than a generous concern for public health. At 15 pounds a stick, everyman cannot enjoy the delights of Havana's finest. And pipe's recall either a splendid or squalid past, depending on one's point of view.
Pubs are not the best place to enjoy a good cigar or pipe, but just outside the door of the Guinea Grill you may find some well dressed gents enjoying a smoke one day. If you do, come and have a chat.
Now to many this seems perfectly ridiculous as cigarette smoke, a combustion of deadly chemicals combined with nicotine for taste, has a lung singeing, acid like quality that is particularly uncomfortable for non-cigarette smokers. Cigar smoke, on the other hand, while more pronounced, has a rounded, mellow aroma (no chemicals.) Pipe smoke is even more mellow and aromatic which means the pubs might not need to invest in incense, candles or sprays to create a pleasant atmosphere.
Clearly, the reaction against pipes and cigars has more to do with prejudices other than a generous concern for public health. At 15 pounds a stick, everyman cannot enjoy the delights of Havana's finest. And pipe's recall either a splendid or squalid past, depending on one's point of view.
Pubs are not the best place to enjoy a good cigar or pipe, but just outside the door of the Guinea Grill you may find some well dressed gents enjoying a smoke one day. If you do, come and have a chat.
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tattersall007
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My local tabacconist, EA Morris & Co. ( http://collections.ic.gc.ca/building/ar ... ar009.html), has an ornate gas jet in the centre of the shop - no odour watsoever.dopey wrote:I think I understand the question now that others have weighed in, so let me say the following. Zippo-type or gasoline lighters should not be used as they do impart an odor (although it does subside fairly quickly). Candles should be avoided for the same reason - I am told they are even worse. Butane lighters are fine. In fact, I prefer them as lighting a cigar takes a while, and unless you have extra-long wooden matches, you will go through matches fairly quickly. The best thing, which I am without, is a butane table lighter. It is more comfortable to have the flame stationary and stable so you can use the heat to toast and ultimately ignite the end. Bic or other cheap disposable lighters can get very hot in your hands. Look for a lighter with an adjustable flame and that stays lit with your finger kept at a safe distance (there is a reason the classic S.T.Dupont stays on as long as the lid is up).
By gas, I think you mean either natural gas or butane, but not the gasoline that would be used for a Zippo. The former are odorless, the latter is not.
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tattersall007
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quite right - natural gas.dopey wrote:By gas, I think you mean either natural gas or butane, but not the gasoline that would be used for a Zippo. The former are odorless, the latter is not.
Pardon the very late entry into this topic, but for the gentleman who was interested in "rules" for cigars: You might be inclined to find a copy of Dunhill's The Gentle Art of Smoking or Davidoff's The Connoisseur's Book of the Cigar. There is a wealth of information in both. I can tell you that finding a copy can take some time and you will be searching used book dealers for them as both are out of print. I wish you much success in your search, should you endeavour to undertake it.
On the topic itself: I find there are no rules, merely very good suggestions, the foremost being to like what you smoke and smoke what you like.
On the topic itself: I find there are no rules, merely very good suggestions, the foremost being to like what you smoke and smoke what you like.
Forgive the late entry on this matter, however, I have a book on etiquette that deals expressly with cigars and women (Amy Vanderbuilt, circa 1952) in one section.
It is considered impolite to light a cigar in front of a woman, and to engage in the smoking of one in mixed company. If smoking is to be done, cigarettes are preferred only if all companions smoke, or permission has been asked of those who do not smoke. If cigars are to be smoked, it is by men only, and they step outside or to a room (preferred) used for that purpose (and also note, it is a room women are not to enter).
Also, according to a finishing school I attended, modern society has made things once not acceptable currently allowed. Cigar smoking is one of those. Modernly, cigars are to be smoked either in areas where no posting is made restricting the manner in which one can smoke, or by an open window as to not offend any females that may be present.
Above and beyond all this, a man must know the proper way to smoke, choose, light and dispose of the ashes and ends.
E. Flessas
It is considered impolite to light a cigar in front of a woman, and to engage in the smoking of one in mixed company. If smoking is to be done, cigarettes are preferred only if all companions smoke, or permission has been asked of those who do not smoke. If cigars are to be smoked, it is by men only, and they step outside or to a room (preferred) used for that purpose (and also note, it is a room women are not to enter).
Also, according to a finishing school I attended, modern society has made things once not acceptable currently allowed. Cigar smoking is one of those. Modernly, cigars are to be smoked either in areas where no posting is made restricting the manner in which one can smoke, or by an open window as to not offend any females that may be present.
Above and beyond all this, a man must know the proper way to smoke, choose, light and dispose of the ashes and ends.
E. Flessas
Excellent advice.Above and beyond all this, a man must know the proper way to smoke, choose, light and dispose of the ashes and ends.
In my experience many women will comment favorably on the smell of a good cigar within the first five or ten minutes of lighting. It's the hour and a half left on a Double Corona that tends to tire them out a bit.
And beware of the novice (whether male or female) who wants to "try out" a cigar for the first time as you are puffing on said double corona. As an experienced smoker one can hardly imagine the effects, but nicotine is a poison (it was used as an insecticide before WWII and the advent of DDT) and a few puffs on a large cigar will turn a novice into a legless heap of misery.
Otto von Bismarck was said to have been travelling by train once in Germany and happened to share the first class compartment with a distinguished old lady. At a certain point of the trip, the chancellor produces a cigar out of a pocket and prepares to light it. Just before igniting the match, he notices the lady's inquisitive look and asks rather rhethorically: "I hope the smoke doesn't bother you, madam, does it?"
The lady raises her eyebrows and answers candidly: "My dear sir, I really have not the faintest idea! In seventy-five years no gentleman has ever thought of lighting a cigar in the same room with me yet!".
This is my first and last contribution to "The Smoking Parlour" and I suppose the anecdote above says it all why. I quit smoking three years ago (thank God, I used to smoke little short of three packs a day) and have become a convinced anti-smoking militant ever since (tobbaco smoke really does bother me now, I cannot explain how) - to the desperation of all my smoker friends who call me a hypocrite for it
However, the one form of tobbaco smoke that I still enjoy (passively) is good pipe tobbaco - in a large or well-ventilated room, please...
The lady raises her eyebrows and answers candidly: "My dear sir, I really have not the faintest idea! In seventy-five years no gentleman has ever thought of lighting a cigar in the same room with me yet!".
This is my first and last contribution to "The Smoking Parlour" and I suppose the anecdote above says it all why. I quit smoking three years ago (thank God, I used to smoke little short of three packs a day) and have become a convinced anti-smoking militant ever since (tobbaco smoke really does bother me now, I cannot explain how) - to the desperation of all my smoker friends who call me a hypocrite for it
However, the one form of tobbaco smoke that I still enjoy (passively) is good pipe tobbaco - in a large or well-ventilated room, please...I know I'm over two years late to the latest posts on this thread, but I just wanted to add some of my knowledge.
Regarding the cigar rings, I think there is a regional difference. Here in Spain, for example, we smoke two thirds of the cigar with the ring on, whatever the size, and once you've reached the last third, you must remove it. Or atleast that I was told from the men who have tought me.
Apart from this, I was told a few rules to follow when smoking. They are not as strict as some written above, but I consider them sufficiently considerate:
1. One must not smoke in closed places specially the smaller and the more crowded they are, i.e. lifts, cars, public transports...
2. If you smoke in a public place in which it is permitted to smoke, look around to see if it might affect anyone, specially women, children, the elderly, handicapped or ill. In the listed cases, it is prefered to not smoke. If you can move to another place, do so.
3. When ashes are about to fall (which is another point: you must never force the fall of ashes, as people do with cigarettes, for the smoke of a cigar, in order to be a full sensation, must be patient, and you have to leave the ashes fall naturally) don't let them go to the floor even when on the street, look for an ashtrey or an adequate place to deposit them, but never a rubish bin (it may burn). And if you are in a country setting, you may leave the ashes fall to the ground but make sure they fall on earth or stone and not on grass or green.
4. In public locations in which you will share your space with other people (i.e. sport stadiums, bullrings, malls... Make sure you don't 'share' your smoke with the people around you, and try to direct the smoke away.
5. A humidor is to a man what a diary to a young girl. You DO NOT open it and take a cigar from it without his permission, in fact, only the owner of the humidor should open it and select the cigars. You may be taking a cigar which the owner wants to keep, and has big value, either monetary or emotional.
6. If you are going to smoke a cigar and you are the host, you should offer a cigar to anyone near you. If you are a guest and you are going to smoke a cigar, you shouldn't offer one (as with cigarettes), as you are not supposed to leave your house with a cigar box.
7. If you are the host, especially in abundance of guests (parties, etc), you must remove the ashes from the ashtray with certain regularity during the party, as the smell of the ashes is strong and can easily overcome the smell of the cigars themselves and impregnate the whole room.
8. You should clean the clothes you wear everytime you smoke cigars as the smell easily stays on it (I don't follow this rule very much I must admit, because I like having some tabacco smell in my overall body scent).
9. Amongst cigar smokers one does not offer light. You may offer your lighter, but the lightening of a cigar is something very personal.
10. When eating, don't smoke until the end of the meal and ask the people with you and in the neighboor tables if they mind.
I hope this adds something to this thread.
Regarding the cigar rings, I think there is a regional difference. Here in Spain, for example, we smoke two thirds of the cigar with the ring on, whatever the size, and once you've reached the last third, you must remove it. Or atleast that I was told from the men who have tought me.
Apart from this, I was told a few rules to follow when smoking. They are not as strict as some written above, but I consider them sufficiently considerate:
1. One must not smoke in closed places specially the smaller and the more crowded they are, i.e. lifts, cars, public transports...
2. If you smoke in a public place in which it is permitted to smoke, look around to see if it might affect anyone, specially women, children, the elderly, handicapped or ill. In the listed cases, it is prefered to not smoke. If you can move to another place, do so.
3. When ashes are about to fall (which is another point: you must never force the fall of ashes, as people do with cigarettes, for the smoke of a cigar, in order to be a full sensation, must be patient, and you have to leave the ashes fall naturally) don't let them go to the floor even when on the street, look for an ashtrey or an adequate place to deposit them, but never a rubish bin (it may burn). And if you are in a country setting, you may leave the ashes fall to the ground but make sure they fall on earth or stone and not on grass or green.
4. In public locations in which you will share your space with other people (i.e. sport stadiums, bullrings, malls... Make sure you don't 'share' your smoke with the people around you, and try to direct the smoke away.
5. A humidor is to a man what a diary to a young girl. You DO NOT open it and take a cigar from it without his permission, in fact, only the owner of the humidor should open it and select the cigars. You may be taking a cigar which the owner wants to keep, and has big value, either monetary or emotional.
6. If you are going to smoke a cigar and you are the host, you should offer a cigar to anyone near you. If you are a guest and you are going to smoke a cigar, you shouldn't offer one (as with cigarettes), as you are not supposed to leave your house with a cigar box.
7. If you are the host, especially in abundance of guests (parties, etc), you must remove the ashes from the ashtray with certain regularity during the party, as the smell of the ashes is strong and can easily overcome the smell of the cigars themselves and impregnate the whole room.
8. You should clean the clothes you wear everytime you smoke cigars as the smell easily stays on it (I don't follow this rule very much I must admit, because I like having some tabacco smell in my overall body scent).
9. Amongst cigar smokers one does not offer light. You may offer your lighter, but the lightening of a cigar is something very personal.
10. When eating, don't smoke until the end of the meal and ask the people with you and in the neighboor tables if they mind.
I hope this adds something to this thread.
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