As cigar smokers, it’s good to know the right way to hold your cigars to get the most out of your smoking experience.
Of course, there are no hard and fast rules whatsoever, but to some people abiding by the standard rules is pretty important.
That’s why we are here to give you four excellent ways approved by expert smokers in the industry and some ways you should avoid!
How to Hold a Cigar: The Fundamentals
Just like a proper way of cutting and lighting is crucial, holding a cigar in your hand is a key part of the experience as well.
However, the art behind it is a subject that is heavily debated among enthusiasts.
The most important thing to remember before we move on to the holding techniques is to keep your cigar hand relaxed and avoid gripping it tightly.
Because you can possibly damage the wrapper leaf and crack it open.
Also, always position your fingers around the cigar band for a firm grip.
This serves the purpose of keeping the gentleman’s white gloves from staining while smoking tobacco as well.
Nevertheless, some old-school ways created by influential gentlemen throughout history are still considered practical ways to fully relish the cigar smoking experience of your premium handmade stogie.
4 Proper Ways to Hold a Cigar Like a True Aficionado
When you sit down and smoke with a bunch of like-minded cigar lovers, a discussion about the proper cigar etiquette will likely be opened.
So, to have a proper talk with those people, you should clearly understand the most common ways to hold a cigar.
Ultimately, you should experiment and find what works best for you.
The “Ring” Method
For many people, the “ring” or “pool cue” method is the way to properly hold a cigar, and for a reason.
It’s incredibly convenient when smoking thicker, such as 50 or above ring gauge size premium cigars.
Hence, you’ll see a lot of gents holding in this manner.
It’s like your index finger gently hugs your cigar over the top.
At the same time, the tip of your thumb softly touches the side for a little more support as it rests comfortably on your middle finger.
Other fingers are softly squeezed against your palm.
It’s believed that you are highly friendly and willing to meet new friends just by holding your cigar this way.
So remember, if you see these people in public holding their stogie like this, don’t be afraid to approach them and start a conversation!
The “Respectful Grip” Way
Gently squeeze the cigar between your thumb and the first three or four fingers.
This method of compressing your cigar in a tense manner suggests you’re on a strict deadline or going to miss a flight.
This way of wrapping your fingers around the cigar is considerably the most respectful way to express appreciation for the complexity of creating cigars.
Hand on heart, it’s a painstaking process that totally deserves all the courtesy in the world.
The “Pinch” Method
The “Pinch” method is a simple way to hold a cigar with style.
It involves pinching the cigar between your thumb and index finger.
Holding it in this way could be a sign of your rationality and fairness.
One of the pioneers of the popularization of this method is no other than Mr. Zino Davidoff himself, the founder of the Swiss luxury cigar brand.
Few people were capable and experienced enough back in the day, like Zino Davidoff, to publish an essay in 1967 called “Zino Davidoff’s Guide to Cigar Etiquette.”
Many years forward, the majority of the rules written by Mr. Zino still ring true.
He clearly states that one of the techniques that you should absolutely avoid is holding your cigar with your thumb and middle finger.
Instead, he advocates that a proper way should be to do so with your thumb and index finger (pinch method).
The “Winston Churchill” Way
Winson Churchill was a famous cigar smoker and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
He used to smoke and chew on dozens of cigars daily and usually pair them with a glass of scotch.
It was a rarity to spot him without his lips wrapped around his cigar, which left a mark on the entire smoking community.
Promoting the cigar-smoking industry earned him a cigar named after him in hopes of continuing his legacy.
However, many cigar enthusiasts would disagree with Winston Churchill’s method and consider it poor manners to hold your cigar between your teeth.
Nevertheless, if you decide to hold it as this legend did, make sure you do it with class and nor bite or drool too much.
Also, remember that you might be clouding your eyesight, so be careful not to accidentally drop ash while wearing your suit.
And finally, if you want to do this method, the best way to execute it is with one of his favorite brands, Cuban Romeo Y Julieta or La Aroma de Cuba.
Besides holding his cigars in a very unique, he used to do a thing where he would purge an already lit cigar from the foot side and not the cap.
He claimed that this made the overall taste better.
To this day, cigar aficionados would replicate this method in his honor.
How NOT to Hold Your Cigars
While there is no such thing as a right or wrong way to hold a cigar, cigar etiquette should be followed.
This is to get the most enjoyment out of your cigar-smoking experience.
As well as to not look like a beginner in front of your colleagues or whoever you want to spend time savoring cigars with.
Just like inhaling a cigar would present a “novice” image and cause you a bad aftertaste, as well as a buzz and nuisance too.
Don’t Hold Your Cigar like a Cigarette
If you’re a cigar smoker, you know that holding a cigar the right way is crucial to getting the most out of your experience.
We highly advise you not to hold the cigar like a cigarette. Many people argue that this particular method is a way for women to hold a cigarette.
But, this is not a way for a man to hold a cigar and says something about your persona.
Also, another reason for that is it’s not secure in the hand, and it could fall out of the fingers and to the floor and crack the cigar damaging it.
Don’t Hold Your Cigar Upright
Lately, this is a trend where some people may be trying to experiment but end up looking ridiculous holding a cigar upright.
It’s like they are almost trying to balance off the ash on top of their cigar.
Maybe if you’re in a crowded nightclub or a formal event and don’t want to burn anyone’s attire.
Otherwise, avoid holding your cigars like this if you are in a country club or your local purveyor. As you will look very awkward.
