Part 5: Cigar Etiquette

The Fifth: Cigar Etiquette

text by HIROMI Mamoru

In 1968, Louis Vaudable, owner of Maxim's, established the "Maxim's Business Club" to teach social etiquette to the young elite of the era.
Roger Viard, manager of Maxim's, imparting the art of enjoying cigars to the younger generation.

Cigars have long been considered a gentleman's pursuit. Just as there is table etiquette, there is also etiquette for cigars. True cigar aficionados must adhere to these rules.

Cigars possess a unique aroma and produce abundant smoke, making them more impactful on those around you than cigarettes. What is a beloved, rich scent to one person can be merely an unpleasant odor to another. Furthermore, one should be aware that the act of smoking a cigar itself can be intimidating to others. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully assess your surroundings before lighting up.

For instance, in a restaurant or bar, observe the progress of meals at nearby tables. Are there any young people who might be overwhelmed by the cigar? Your decision to light up should be based on such considerations, and you should be prepared to forgo lighting your cigar if the circumstances feel inappropriate. True cigar lovers are those who impose strict rules upon themselves and strive to smoke in a way that is appreciated by all.

A meeting of British Prime Minister, German Finance Minister, and Foreign Ministers held in Berlin, Germany, in 1931.
Physicist Einstein (right) and British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald (left) converse while enjoying cigars after a meal.
A fine cigar was an indispensable necessity when contemplating significant issues.

The Luxury of Turning Precious Cigars to Ash

Cigars are not to be smoked casually like cigarettes. They are meant to be savored slowly, taking time to appreciate each puff. By handling your cigar with care and listening to the harmony woven by the smoke, the density of each moment intensifies, and its depth increases.

The moment of turning the finest cigars, carefully cultivated from tobacco leaves and meticulously rolled by artisans, into ash—a precious cigar crafted over many years—is a moment of unparalleled, luxurious bliss. A cigar can become the ultimate partner for savoring your own special time. A cigar is not merely for inhaling smoke; it is for fully appreciating its rich, profound aroma.

People seek a spiritual anchor in cigars. The finest dinner is made even more fulfilling by the finest cigar. Wrapped in fragrant, purplish smoke, we experience an indescribable sense of peace.

The French novelist George Sand said, "A cigar dulls sorrow and fills a million graceful images into lonely hours." She suggested that with a cigar, even solitary moments are never lonely. This is perhaps because a cigar seems to speak to us, enveloping us like gentle music. Just as we feel contentment when we encounter beautiful music, the encounter with a true cigar leads us to moments of happiness.