Cuban Cigars - Naked or with the band on?

[Lou3]

I once read that leaving the band on was considered to be pretentious, but I think it's pretentious to dictate band etiquette either way. Do what you want. I agree that some bands are beautiful and shouldn't be hidden. A band can start a good conversation.

[Olls]

I had a look at the Zino Davidoff cigar etiquette guide which, I think, is where the idea of removing the band comes from. It's got a lot of good stuff in it, I particularly like:

"It is important to remember that cigar smokers should always present themselves as considerate, understanding people. Altering non-cigar smokers? preconceived opinions about cigar smokers, whilst improving the good name of enthusiasts, is well worth that little extra effort to be courteous."

But a lot of rubbish too, such as:

"Don't Smoke more than half the cigar"

Christ, the things are expensive enough to begin with without letting a good one die out at half way!

Personally I usually take the band off whenever it's loose enough to do so without damaging the wrapper - this could be before I start or not until right at the end.

I kind of feel that a massive cigar ain't exactly inconspicuous with or without the band on...

[Robusto]

Lou

Re conversations. I agree.

I've had so many good conversations with people about cigars in public places prompted initially by the aroma - and then by the knowledge of the bands.

[G-man]

I've always been kinda an outlaw so maybe thats why I leave the band on.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

I usually take the band off my cigars when I get about half way done. I don't like to take them off too soon because of possible damage. I like to take them off when about half way done because it's easy to remove at that point and the risk of damage has been minimized. I must admit I do like the way some of them look, so I guess I'm a bounder.

[TJCoro]

Puros always smoke better with the band on.

[nicwing]

Herfin with Robusto on Tuesday, illustrates exactly why not to take the band off.

I left the band on until the cigar was warmed through and well past half way. No movement on the band so I left it a little longer and then started to remove it.

I was very cautious and just as well, the band was well stuck to the wrapper and I left it until I got to the last possible minute and then removed it.

No question I would have made a real mess of the cigar if I had taken the band off at the start.

[DavidD]

I realise this is an elderly thread but looked it up as I was interested to view opinions on the subject. In my infancy as a cigar smoker I was told by several more experienced than I that the reason for cigar bands was to protect a gentleman's white gloves (historically worn when smoking) from the stain of a cigar wrapper. Is the band, therefore, simply a relic of times gone by ? I have always removed the band before lighting with an old smoker's knife incorporating a slender blade for the purpose. However, if a fellow smoker chose to keep the band on his cigar, I wouldn't see that as challenging any established protocol.

[Monty72]

I leave the band on till the last quarter and then remove it. I keep all the bands in an empty cigar box much to the amusement of my wife

[SmokeyDave]

I always try and keep my bands, if it is one I have never had before and looks good then I shall try and remove it as early as possible, to add to the collection.

If it's one of the 'regulars' then I remove it as and when it wants to budge.

This thread reminded me of the fact I keep finding bands all around the house where I have popped it down to 'file for later' and then forgot or they became hidden.

[Wid3y]

Having seen some cool frames in sautters with varying bands I have decided to collect them up. Find some give way easily but most I remove once lit..

Anyone have any recommendations on best way to unstick the band so i can flat on a frame??

[mrcigar]

Should the band be removed before lighting up or kept on until the very end? Well, I guess that all depends on where you are, in whose company you are, and the kind of person you are. They say that the manner in which a man holds his cigar is an indication of his personality. Is his attitude toward the band even more telling?

There is a rule of etiquette where removing the band before lighting up is the done thing, and I quite like that. It is a gesture of humility when in the company of other smokers who may not be able to afford the more expensive Cubans; it is a statement of single mindedness when in the company of others who wave their costly Cubans to demonstrate status and wealth, or those wishing to portray such an image.

However, such acts of dignity are not without risk. Venturing to remove the band too early increases the risk of tearing the wrapper, compromising, if not ruining, the ability to smoke the cigar at all. And doesn’t it all seem such a shame to remove the attractive decoration which gives each brand of cigar its own special identity. It’s a bit like buying a suit and cutting the pockets and buttons off it.

Perhaps, for some, removing the band is all part of the ritual, followed by the perfect cut using only the very best cutter and the perfect light, either a lighter or the three-match technique.

[tippexx]

I much prefer the look of the few boxes I do have of unbandeds. Cigars to me look more dignified and strangely more complete without a band.

That said, without the bands my singles humi's would be in total chaos!

[DavidD]

I hadn't realised, when I ressurected this thread, that such pearls of wisdom would flow so freely - and surely there are more to come ?

[RickMG]

The band comes off before I light up, actually before I cut the cigar. Once I'm enjoying my cigar I don't want to bother stopping to remove the band.

Being in the states and speaking English I don't know what the meaning of "Bounder" is. Google translate didn't work. I might have wanted to know before I stated what I do with the band.