The condition of a cigar at the time it is smoked is of crucial importance. A cigar should, for example, not be too dry. Long fillers, in particular, must be stored in an environment with a humidity of 70 to 75%. A humidity of between 55 to 60% is recommended for short fillers. Cigars should preferably be stored in a special humidor, where they will remain in perfect condition.

Light the cigar with a cedar-wood spill, gas lighter, or match. If you use a match you should wait until the sulphur has been completely combusted. Never use a candle or a petrol lighter, since these both emanate a secondary odour that is not beneficial to the cigar's aroma. Hold the cigar above the flame, never in the flame, and rotate it slowly between your fingers until the cigar is completely lit. Finally, blow onto the glowing end to ensure that it is burning evenly; this will avoid "crooked burning".

You will be unable to obtain the full potential of a cigar's aroma if you smoke it too rapidly. Draw shortly on the cigar, and allow the smoke to linger in your mouth. Drawing too hard on a cigar will cause it to become too hot; as a result it will lose its subtle flavour, and become bitter. Leave the cone of ash attached to the cigar for as long as possible. It has a cooling effect, which is beneficial to the flavour.

You can continue to smoke the cigar as long as the flavour is agreeable. Every cigar has a turning point, after which the cigar loses its mild nature, and becomes somewhat obstinate. Then it is time to say farewell. Put it in an ashtray and allow it to extinguish of its own accord. Stubbing a cigar out is an ungrateful response to the pleasure you obtained from smoking it.