Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the world of cigars is rich with tradition and etiquette. At Havana Lodge, we pride ourselves on creating an atmosphere where cigar lovers can indulge in their passion with style and sophistication. But even the most experienced smokers can sometimes commit unintentional faux pas. Let’s dive into some common mistakes and how to avoid them, ensuring your next visit to our Burbank lounge is nothing short of perfect.
1. The Stubbing Stumble
Picture this: you’re sitting in our comfortable lounge, enjoying a premium Davidoff Grand Cru No. 5, when nature calls. What do you do with your cigar? If your instinct is to stub it out like a cigarette, hold that thought!
Stubbing out a cigar is considered impolite and, frankly, a bit uncouth. It not only creates an unpleasant odor but also leaves behind a mess that’s less than appealing. Instead, simply place your lit cigar on the edge of one of our elegant ashtrays. This allows it to go out naturally, preserving the integrity of the tobacco and keeping our lounge smelling fresh.
2. The Ash Obsession
While watching the ash grow on your Montecristo Classic can be oddly satisfying, resist the urge to tap it off after every puff. Excessive ashing is a common mistake that can actually detract from your smoking experience.
Constantly ashing disrupts the cigar’s natural burn, often leading to over-puffing and a hotter, harsher smoke. Let your cigar rest between draws, and allow the ash to build a bit. A good rule of thumb? Wait until the ash is about an inch long before gently tapping it off. This practice not only looks more refined but also helps maintain an even burn and cooler smoke.
3. The Lick and Dip Dilemma
You might have seen it in old movies: the dapper gentleman licking his cigar or dipping it in his whiskey. While it might look cool on screen, in reality, it’s a big no-no.
Licking your cigar isn’t just unsightly; it can introduce bacteria into the tobacco, potentially ruining the flavor and the experience for yourself and those around you. As for dipping your cigar in your drink? Leave that to the silver screen. It’s considered impolite and can ruin both your cigar and your beverage.
At Havana Lodge, we offer a selection of non-alcoholic beverages that pair wonderfully with our cigars. Why not ask our knowledgeable staff for a recommendation to complement your chosen smoke?
4. The Premature Band Removal
The band on your Oliva V Series isn’t just there for show. Removing it too soon is a rookie mistake that can lead to disappointment.
The glue used on cigar bands can sometimes adhere to the wrapper leaf. If you try to remove the band before smoking down to it, you risk damaging the cigar. Instead, leave the band in place until the heat from smoking loosens the glue. This way, you can easily slip it off without risking any damage to your premium smoke.
5. The Mouth Holder
We’ve all seen the iconic image of a cigar aficionado with a stogie perpetually clenched between their teeth. While it might look impressive, constantly holding a lit cigar in your mouth is both wasteful and considered poor form.
Not only does this practice lead to uneven burning and a less enjoyable smoke, but it’s also unhygienic. Your cigar is meant to be savored, not treated like a pacifier. Take a puff, savor the flavors, and then let your cigar rest in the ashtray between draws. This method allows you to fully appreciate the complexity of premium cigars like the Rocky Patel Decade 10th Anniversary or the Winston Churchill The Late Hour.
6. The Floor Tapper
It might be tempting to give your cigar a quick tap on the floor to remove excess ash, especially if you’re caught up in the excitement of a sports game on one of our big screens. However, this is a definite faux pas.
Tapping ash on the floor not only creates a mess but can also damage our lounge’s beautiful furnishings. Always use the provided ashtrays. They’re not just there for decoration – they’re an essential tool for the considerate cigar smoker.
7. The Furniture Asher
Speaking of furnishings, be mindful of where your ash lands. Accidentally ashing on furniture can happen to the best of us, but it’s important to take responsibility if it does.
If you notice you’ve left some ash behind, don’t hesitate to ask our staff for assistance in cleaning it up. We’re all here to enjoy the cigar experience together, and maintaining a clean, comfortable environment is part of that shared responsibility.
Elevating Your Cigar Experience at Havana Lodge
At Havana Lodge, we believe that enjoying a cigar is about more than just the smoke – it’s about the entire experience. From our carefully curated selection of premium cigars like the Avo Heritage Robusto and Camacho Toro Box Pressed, to our comfortable lounge and big-screen TVs for sports events, we’ve created an environment where cigar enthusiasts can truly indulge their passion.
By avoiding these common faux pas, you’re not just improving your own cigar experience – you’re contributing to a more enjoyable atmosphere for everyone. Whether you’re joining us to try a new Nub cigar by Oliva, or settling in with your favorite Montecristo Platinum Series to watch the game, remember these etiquette tips.
And don’t worry – if you’re ever unsure about cigar etiquette, our knowledgeable staff is always here to help. We’re passionate about cigars and love sharing that passion with our guests.
So, the next time you visit Havana Lodge, light up your favorite smoke with confidence. Whether it’s an Aging Room Sonata or an Isla del Sol by Drew Estate, you’ll be able to enjoy it to the fullest, secure in the knowledge that you’re observing proper cigar etiquette. After all, at Havana Lodge, we’re not just selling cigars – we’re crafting experiences, one perfectly smoked cigar at a time.