Smoking a cigar is a different affair than smoking a cigarette
. There are etiquette concerns regarding when and where it's appropriate to light up as much as there are etiquette concerns regarding how one lights up. Following both is certain to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Regarding the place and time: Make certain to ask any host whether it's okay to smoke cigars. Asking whether or not it's okay to smoke is usually not enough. Most people will assume that this question regards cigarettes which are an entirely different thing than a cigar. Most often, those who enjoy smoking cigars will do so in a specific room. Cigars have a wonderful aroma but it is a strong aroma. Make certain a host or establishment doesn't object before puffing on a cigar.
If one happens to be offered a cigar, there are definite rules of etiquette where lighting up is concerned. This not only shows refinement on the part of the smoker; it makes certain that the host's gift is truly enjoyed.
Most cigar smokers prefer either wooden matches or butane lighters. This has to do with the lighter fluid taste that can be impaired to the tobacco by other lighters. Ask for a match or a torch lighter if offered a cigar. Usually, a trimmer will be on hand. One will need to trim off the end of the cigar to expose the tobacco before lighting.
Cigars light much differently than cigarettes. Start by warming the cigar by holding the lighter below it and turning it in the mouth. The cigar will feel warm to the touch when it's ready to be lit. Simply lighting a cigar outright is definitely bad manners and will likely amuse aficionados at best, offend them at worst.
When lighting, repeat the process but puff hard enough to draw the flame to the cigar. Don't plunge the end of the cigar into the flame. This is not only poor etiquette; it ruins the flavor of the cigar by heating it too quickly. If the cigar doesn't light all the way through, which is often the case, pull it out of the mouth and blow on it to get the tobacco burning evenly. After that, the only etiquette involved is puffing away and enjoying the flavor. Remember that cigar smoke is not inhaled; it is simply puffed into the mouth where the flavor is more enjoyable.