7 Rules Of Cigar Humidor Etiquette.
Everything You Need To Know But Are Too Dense To Realize.
Kai Beluso - 2024
Ever wonder why shop owners or managers have a terrible attitude? After reading the points below, the reason will be apparent. Whether you are a cigar aficionado or a person who appreciates the experience of smoking cigars, maintaining a quality cigar lounge is a must. Still, the key to success lies in the humidor. A humidor’s appearance is vital for customer enjoyment and interaction. It also takes considerable time and money to build, stock, and maintain. The care and upkeep of inventory are also time-consuming. A shop owner must balance maintenance, humidity, cigar displays, inventory, and cleanliness. In short, they have a great deal invested in its presence. The customer should be aware of a few etiquette points that will make their relationship with the local tobacconist a lasting one. By the way, please don’t hate on my opening title. It’s only in gest…
1) Do Not Over Squeeze Cigars - Cracking Sounds Are Not OK.
Cigars are quite delicate, especially their thin wrappers. They are handmade products with many variables in their construction and are kept in rigid boxes for a reason. Over squeezing cigars will damage the wrapper, creating cracks in the tobacco that will unravel the cigar when smoked. If you're someone who squeezes cigars, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE STOP! Some shops will require you to purchase that damaged cigar. Also, squishing a cigar and replacing it with another one is just ignorant. The next unsuspecting customer who purchases this cigar will get upset and most likely blame the shopkeeper for the bad product or their humidor condition (don’t get me started on that). This disrespects the shop owner’s investment and the next purchase from fellow cigar enthusiasts. If you must test the firmness of a cigar, lightly press on the cigar with the pad of your finder and NOT THE TIP. The tip of your finger will produce too much force and damage the cigar. A properly rolled and stored cigar should feel similar to a barely ripe orange when pressed.
2) Keep Your Nose Off The Product - The Nose Does NOT Play!
We all enjoy the smell of a well-kept cigar humidor. The rich aromas of cedar, wood, and tobacco are a soothing scent to many, and that is where they should stay - in the air. Customers who place an unpurchased cigar to their face to smell the tobacco must be aware that they are breathing both in and out on that cigar. No one wants nasal germs and tiny bits of saliva from another human being all over their cigar... YUCK! In the case of cello, how can you smell a cigar wrapped in plastic? Are you gifted with a drug dog sniffer? Additionally, it is unsanitary and inappropriate to sniff cigars from a box and then put them back. Instead, choose a cigar you intend to purchase before applying your nose to it. After all, would you like the guy at the register to put your cigar to their nose, take a big whiff, and exhale, “AHHH, man, you picked a great stick!” and then proceed to charge you for it? (Insert dry heaving sound here)
3) Do Not Pillage A Box For One Cigar - A Few OK, But The Entire Box!?!
While the excitement of choosing a cigar from a well-stocked humidor is understandable, it is crucial to exercise proper etiquette. In their eagerness, some enthusiasts rummage through boxes as if searching for unobtainium from the dentist’s treasure chest that the previous kid has not cherry-picked. This kind of behavior disorganizes the arrangement of cigars and potentially damages multiple cigars in the process. Think fingernails digging into soft tobacco, rolling, pulling to get to the next layer, beneath. Now, there are some humans who understand these points and take great patience and care, but there is a larger percentage of less-than-human beings that start fumbling around; Hannibal Lecter put it best… “like a freshman pulling at a panty girdle.” Disturbing the presentation and walking away is generally rude; this is part of the retail business, and shop owners understand this point and let it slide more. Perhaps ask for assistance to acquire a specific cigar in the box or return the display to its original condition.
4) Complaining - No One Likes A Nit Pick.
As modern-day consumers, we have the convenience of purchasing cigars from various outlets in different ways. However, suppose you're supporting a local brick-and-mortar shop or any store in general. In that case, it's essential to consider the different pricing that a shop owner may have to employ vs their online competition. Every shop in every state sets different prices for cigars based on tobacco tax, retail tax, and overhead. Cigar smoking can be an expensive passion, and storage of the great selection you are seeking requires space, which is costly as well. When purchasing a cigar, it's best to keep online prices to yourself or on your phone. Avoid going into the shop and demeaning the help with price comparisons. Instead, think of your contribution to supporting your local tobacco shop and understand that every light, wifi signal, and retail square foot comes with a cost for the shop owner.
5) Maintain Courtesy - If You Know It All, Keep It To Yourself.
When seeking assistance from a tobacconist or humidor expert, engaging with them and looking for their industry knowledge is essential to the overall health of the industry and society. Take the time to consider what questions you have and actively listen to the information they provide. If you're not interested in their response, it may be worth conducting your own research online to avoid getting into a debate with the shop management. We live in a society where information is readily accessible, some good, some bad, and some downright misinformed. Sometimes, forum comments can be taken out of context or come from a point unfamiliar with the industry. Being able to interact in society respectfully and learning new things daily are hallmarks of a great culture and should not be taken for granted, and sharing a cigar with like-minded individuals is a treasure.
6) Do Not Be Afraid To Ask For Assistance - It’s Why We Are Here.
When you're in the humidor, whether you need advice on selecting cigars, information about different types of tobacco, or guidance on maintaining your humidor, feel free to ask for assistance. You don't need to worry about inconveniencing the tobacconist or humidor attendant. Providing exceptional customer service is an integral part of their role, and they are generally friendly, approachable, and eager to share their expertise to ensure you have a satisfying experience. If not, you should find a store that respects your discretionary funds better.
7) Cuban Comments - Don’t Even Start With Me.
We understand that cigars have a rich history, and Cuban made cigars are the golden ticket for every cigar aficionado or a must-have for enthusiasts in their journey. That being said, authentic Cuban cigars come at a significant price when purchased and imported. There is also the risk of counterfeits or the possibility of your shipment being confiscated. Let's keep the “I Only Smoke Cuban Cigars!” comments out of the humidor and shop altogether. Remember, most brands have moved away from their Cuban origins and can flex their cigar blend creativity in other countries. Wait a minute… if you have money to spend on importing illegal cigars, then what are you doing wasting your time in a humidor in the first place? Wouldn’t your time be better spent calling “Your Guy?” It is also important to note that Cuban cigars are ILLEGAL to sell in any state as the embargo is still in place. This is a comment that no shop owner likes to tolerate. It shows great disrespect to the owner’s time curating their inventory selection and money spent on inventory. These comments only make you look uneducated and ignorant. Consider asking your shop owner, “I’ve enjoyed a few Cuban cigars and enjoy the taste. What cigar would you suggest that has a similar taste or experience?” They will enjoy both the conversation and the respect.
Wrap Up - Take A Deep Breath.
Some of these points may seem a bit drool and, at times, complaining myself. It is essential to take a stand and bring up the 800-pound gorilla in the room (Go - Not Ger). Without discussion, there will only be reprimanding, which leads to tension and an unfavorable retail experience in the humidor. As a store and lounge manager, I, like others, have to navigate these points daily that sometimes take away the fun from the job, and I really enjoy my time with you guys!
And as always, I look forward to seeing you in the lounge!
Kai-
Let us know if these points were helpful and brought some insight into an unspoken topic.
