Act Like You Know
Going to your first cigar shop is like a right of passage for many StickMen. Cigar shops are unique because they combine your traditional store setting with a cool, fun place to chop it up with like-minded people. Like any social setting, the room will often be a mix of new guys, regulars, and cigar aficionados who seem to know everything there is to know about cigars. While it may seem intimidating, your first visit can be both fun and informative, offering you the chance to make new friends and learn about new products in the cigar game. This barbershop conversations but much longer. I realize that not all barbershops are created equally but if you enjoy the banter on sports, current events (like work, stay from politics) the Cigar Shop is a diverse, beautiful place where people from a variety of professions and backgrounds come together for the purpose of Puff, Sip, Chat, Repeat.
Before you take your first step into the world of hand-rolled perfection, there are a few social norms to observe when visiting a cigar shop. Here, we’ve gathered a few unspoken rules of etiquette upstanding StickMen follow whenever they frequent their local cigar bar. Some may be new to you, while others may be common sense. All of them, however, will ensure you are respectful to the shop, its employees, and customers so that you are welcome to come back in the future.
1. Know Your Cigar Bar
Here at StickMen, we categorize our Cigar Bars into the following:
- The Man Cave – This is your “Home away from home”… If you don’t have one, here’s one where you can relax, puff, read, catch a sports game etc. I’m pretty low key, so probably my favorite type of Cigar Bar. Many of these allow you to BYOB… Which is fabulous!
- The Sports Bar – The whole vibe is a sports bar but you actually get to light up! These are fewer and farther in between as some of them are more focused on being a restaurant than smoking cigars but they are out there… I love watching a big game with a rowdy crowd and a good chunk of us are puffing, sipping and yelling! 🙂
- The Mingler – A place where StickMen AND StickWomen come together. It’s kind of a cross between a sports bar and nightclub depending on the time of day… If you’re there during the day it usually functions like the man caves. If you’re there at Happy Hour, it looks a whole lot like the traditional happy hour haunt but with Cigars. If you’re there late at night (especially on a Friday or Saturday), the place fully transforms into a nightclub. It you want to puff, sip, chat, dance, mingle.
- The Bond – Get your “James Bond” on! These are usually your more elegant, upscale establishments. Often have dress codes and often have small hint of the “Mingler” in them but in a much more subtle, classy way. I wouldn’t necessarily break our the white tuxedo jacket like old school JB, but a nice pair of slacks or jeans and sports coats are encouraged. Usually these are awesome places to network and talk a little business over a good single malt and your favorite cigar.
Knowing your cigar bar is a good start because you want to pick a place that you’re most comfortable in OR simply the place that you’re in the mood for that particular day. I mentioned earlier that my favorite place is “The Man Cave” but I work my way around them al because some days you just want a different kind of vibe.
2. Support Your Cigar Bar
While this first one may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how many newcomers attempt to bring their own cigars from home. This is OK if you’re a regular and likely purchased your cigars from that establishment in the first place. Otherwise, it can be a big no in the cigar community for several reasons. First, purchasing cigars from that establishment shows shows patronage and appreciation for the shop owners. After all, they’ve provided you with a safe, comfortable location to enjoy your cigars in a world where smoking indoors is all but outright banned. Consider your cigar purchase the price of admission and a show of respect. Cigar retailers don’t usually have the greatest profit margins. If you enjoy visiting the establishment, support them by purchasing your cigars there.
One exception to our thoughts on Cigars would be the Cigar Bars that are truly “bars” and have all of the beer, wine and liquor you can responsibly consume. If so, then all bets are off when it comes to buying cigars. You’ll buy a drink …or five (Please don’t drive) and you’re more than good in my opinion but at the end of the day it goes back to point #1… Know Your Cigar Bar!
3. Smoke What You Smoke
It goes without saying, in any social setting, no one likes a braggart, jerk, know-it-all … Etc. etc.. This is especially true for stickmen. Cigars are definitely an acquired taste and every cigar aficionado has his own preference. It’s considered extremely rude to brag and compare your cigar to someone else’s choice.
It’s also unnecessary since not every stick man will have the same tastes, budget or knowledge as you. If you’d like to offer a recommendation, do so in a way that is inviting as opposed to coming off as a cigar snob. As the old saying goes, “You’ll catch more flies with honey!”. This lifestyle is about relaxation and enjoyment…. Cigar Bars should be a drama free zone.
4. Respect the Cigar
As I’m sure you know, there is a right and a wrong way to cut, light, and store your cigars. If you find that your cigars are unraveling or burning unevenly, it’s probably because you didn’t cut or light it properly. Whenever you are unsure of proper cigar procedure, feel free to ask the shop employees or even other patrons. Most are always willing to educate you on how to properly handle your cigars.
If you haven’t invested in a humidor yourself, ask the cigar shop if you may rent a locker in their establishment to store your cigars until your next visit. There’s something pretty cool about owning a locker in your favorite cigar bar. Kind of feels like you are insider, a made man, part of the crew etc… you get the point.
5. Respect the Prices
Every state has their own tobacco taxes, just as every cigar shop has their own prices. It is never okay to try and haggle for your cigar price or compare one shop’s prices to that of another’s. If you can’t afford a certain cigar, choose a cheaper one or find another cigar shop to frequent.
There are also times where you may hear one customer receive a different price or discount for the same cigar you’re interested in. Cigar shops are based on relationships and you never know the history behind a customer and a shopkeeper. If anything, get to know the shopkeeper and establish yourself as a regular so that you may receive the same favors.
6. Respect the Other Stick Men and Women
People go to cigar shops not only to purchase cigars, but for the camaraderie. When entering a cigar shop for the first time, always introduce yourself. Even if you’re just networking, you may find yourself meeting new, lifelong friends. If you walk in on an active conversation, be sure not to interrupt. Instead wait for a comfortable opening and ask if it’s okay to join.
Although it may seem obvious, other ways to ensure a comfortable environment for everyone include minding your smoke. We’re all here because we enjoy smoking cigars, but no one (and I mean no one) enjoys having smoke blown into their face. If you’re sitting close enough to other customers, just be mindful of where your smoke trails are going.
7. Respect Employees
The relationship you have with your cigar shopkeeper is just as important as any other. Over time, you may come to get to know your shopkeeper well and even become close friends. However, just like any business, the employees are ultimately there to work. When you see a cigar shop employee working, please let them work. If you see your shopkeeper tending to another customer, don’t interrupt the transaction. A simple nod in acknowledgement will do until you are able to greet them personally. If you are new to the shop, ask permission from an employee before lighting up.
8. Mind Your Advice
I think we can all agree that nothing is more annoying than a know-it-all. This is especially true in social club settings like cigar shops. Even if you are a seasoned stick man talking with a newbie, not everyone is looking for advice on what to smoke and how to enjoy it. By all means, if someone asks for it or if the conversation steers you in such a direction, share what you know. In these situations, it’s important to know the difference between offering useful advice or recommendations and showing off your wealth of knowledge in this area.
9. Respect the Shop
As far as the actual cigar shop goes, there are a few unwritten rules we StickMen follow to show respect for our favorite hangout. Dressing appropriately is definitely one of them. Now, you don’t have to come in dressed to the nines in your best suit and tie. Save that for when you want to get your James Bond on. Whatever you do, you just don’t want to come in looking as if you just rolled out of bed either. Every cigar shop has their own vibe and you won’t really know what it is until you make your first trip, unless you know someone who has given you the inside scoop of course. In general… unless you’re going to a JB establishment, just don’t be a bum and you’re going to fit right in.
There are other things to keep in mind that are, although simple, very important when it comes to respecting this sacred space like closing the door behind you when walking into a humidor. To maintain the quality, cigar shops are always kept at a certain temperature and humidity. This brings me to the almighty humidor and how to behave yourselves. I met with one of the employees of my favorite shop and he explained that there are a few pet peeves that should be exposed and I promised him that I would bring this up… I will call it:
Humidor Etiquette, Damn it! (He didn’t say damn it… I added that):
- Don’t Squeeze or Crush the Cigar – It’s ok to pick up and give a VERY gentle press. I’m talking very lightly. Some like to “squeeze the charmin” and I’m here to tell you… STOP it.. That’s a no-no! Some shops even have a “you break it, you buy it” policy to keep customers on their toes.
- Don’t Open Cigar and Remove – Just don’t do this. It’s like going to a liquor store and saying, “let me crack that bottle and smell it”… No, you’re not going to do that and your local shop will also appreciate you sparing them from your desire to open and smell. Exposing some of these hand-rolled beauties to the elements is the worst possible thing you can do.
- Don’t Smoke in the Humidor – Ok, technically there’s nothing wrong with this but as a courtesy, you should ask the staff. Many truly do not mind but there are some that mind very much. Just ask.
- Do Not Take the Shopkeeper’s Job – Even after you become knowledgeable, don’t hold court in the humidor as if you work there. Leave it to StickMen who get paid to offer cigar advice.
10. Enjoy Yourself
All in all, the cigar shop was meant to be a place of fun and relaxation. While these tips may seem like a lot, none of them should hinder you from enjoying yourself each and every time you go to have one of your favorite cigars. Be cool, make friends, and don’t forget to Puff, Sip, Chat and Repeat the process…… often, but not necessarily in that order.
