Cigar Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts of Smoking Like a Pro

There’s a certain elegance to smoking a cigar—it’s not just about taste, but about the entire ritual. Whether you're lighting up a San Giorgio Limitada on the deck of a yacht or enjoying a quiet evening with friends, there’s a timeless code that separates the casual smoker from the true aficionado.

Here’s your guide to the essential do’s and don’ts of cigar etiquette—so you can enjoy every San Giorgio cigar with grace, confidence, and style.

✅ DO: Choose the Right Time & Place

Cigars are meant to be savored—not rushed. Find the right setting: relaxed, unhurried, and respectful of those around you. Think rooftop lounges, private clubs, outdoor terraces, or a quiet corner with good company.

San Giorgio Tip: Pair your cigar with a fine spirit, a view you love, and a mindset ready to unwind.

❌ DON’T: Inhale the Smoke

Unlike cigarettes, cigars are not meant to be inhaled. The richness of a San Giorgio blend is experienced through the flavor on your palate, not in your lungs.

Let the taste linger. Savor, don’t swallow.

✅ DO: Cut and Light Your Cigar Properly

Use a sharp guillotine cutter or a precision punch to make a clean cut—just above the cap line. When lighting, avoid direct contact with flame. Use a butane lighter or a cedar spill, and rotate slowly to evenly toast the foot.

A good light is the start of a great experience.

❌ DON’T: Light with a Candle or Paper Match

Scented candles or sulfur matches can ruin the flavor. You’ve invested in a premium cigar—give it the clean flame it deserves.

✅ DO: Respect the Rhythm

A cigar should be smoked slowly. Take your time between puffs to keep the temperature cool and the flavor balanced. A puff every 30–60 seconds is a good rhythm.

This is not a race. It’s a ritual.

❌ DON’T: Stub It Out

Never crush a cigar when finished. Let it go out naturally in the ashtray—it’s part of the graceful end to the experience. Stubbing it out creates an unpleasant odor and is considered poor etiquette.

✅ DO: Share the Experience

Cigars are a social luxury. Offer cigars to others, share stories, and enjoy the conversation. A San Giorgio moment is always better when shared.

And if someone is new to cigars? Be their guide—not their critic.

❌ DON’T: Talk About Price or Prestige

True connoisseurs talk about taste, aroma, and craftsmanship—not price tags. Let the quality speak for itself. San Giorgio cigars are about passion, not pretension.

✅ DO: Celebrate the Culture

Whether you’re at a lounge or hosting friends, honor the heritage of cigar smoking. Respect the space, keep it refined, and carry the tradition forward with class.

A Gentleman’s Ritual. A Sinner’s Pleasure.

Cigar etiquette isn’t about rules—it’s about respect. Respect for the leaf, the craft, the culture, and the moment.

So next time you light up a San Giorgio, remember: you’re not just smoking a cigar. You’re embracing a lifestyle.

Smoke it. Smile. And stay bold, like an honest sinner.