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Commentary: It’s Hard to Break the Rules When There Aren’t Any

11 Oct 2017

One of the great things about smoking cigars is that there are virtually no rules.

Consider for a moment one of the most-asked, most-discussed questions on cigar forums: Cello on or off?

The simple answer: Who cares?

Sure, there are some axioms. Like: Dispose of ashes and butts when you’re finished smoking unless you like the early morning aroma of a 1950s barroom. Or: Don’t bring your own cigars to smoke at a B&M unless you want to display a lack of class and reflect poorly on your upbringing.

But these tend to be more common sense than dictum.

Generally, cigar smoking is an individual activity with each of us free to pursue it as we see fit. Some build vast collections with rare and aged releases, while others simply appreciate an occasional Macanudo. Some are passionate devotees who take trips to fields and factories in their quest for cigar knowledge. Others, though, have little interest beyond lighting up and relaxing.

This lack of rules is, I think, one of the major reasons cigar smoking is a generally egalitarian pastime, attracting participants from nearly every social strata.

This was all sorely stressed during the cigar boom of the mid-1990s when poseurs and affected smokers overran the marketplace. Fortunately, that bubble deflated, taking the air out of those who tried to inject snobbery into the cigar world.

Yes, I know there are still cigar snobs and cigar shops where you’re made to feel a lesser species if you pick up a stick for under $20. Fortunately, though, that’s much the minority among cigar smokers.

And at least part of that seems to be because it’s not nearly as easy to belittle someone or pump up yourself when there are no rules that can be held against those who don’t follow them or are simply unaware they exist.

For me, there’s really only one cigar rule: Enjoy yourself.

–George E

photo credit: Creative Commons

4 Responses to “Commentary: It’s Hard to Break the Rules When There Aren’t Any”

  1. Jim Pospichal Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 12:38 pm #

    Spot on, George!!!

    • George e Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 4:19 pm #

      Thanks, Jim.

  2. Stan Walker Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 12:16 pm #

    Too true, George. Cigars are a true luxury that doesn’t need to be luxurious to be enjoyed. The $2 stick can be just a enjoyable as the $20 stick, depending on circumstance and company.
    Keep up the great articles.
    Thanks.

    • George e Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 3:29 pm #

      Stan -Thanks for the kind words.