Presenting cigars professionally is an essential skill for catering and accommodation operations personnel working in bars and lounges, particularly in Kenya’s upscale hospitality venues. Cigars are luxury items that require careful handling, knowledgeable presentation, and attentive customer service to enhance the guest experience. This chapter focuses on the terminology related to cigars and the methods used to take orders effectively, ensuring that bar staff meet the high expectations of discerning clientele.

4.1 Definition of terms

Knowing the specific terms used in cigar service lets bar staff communicate confidently with customers, suppliers and colleagues, which supports a professional standard of service.

Cigar

A cigar is a tightly rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco leaves made for smoking. Cigars vary widely in shape, size and flavour, with these differences influencing both price and customer preference, so bar staff handle and present each cigar with care to preserve its quality.

Cigar list

A cigar list is the printed or presented selection of cigars an establishment offers, usually organised by size, strength or origin, with pricing shown against each. It lets a guest choose a cigar that matches their preference and allows staff to describe each option accurately when asked.

Cigar band

The cigar band is a small paper ring wrapped around the cigar near its head, showing the brand's name or logo. It serves both a decorative and an identification purpose, and is conventionally removed carefully before the cigar is smoked to avoid damaging the wrapper.

Humidor

A humidor is a cabinet or container built to hold cigars at a controlled humidity, typically between 65 and 72 percent, which keeps them from drying out or developing mould. A humidor is essential equipment wherever cigars are stored and served, since cigars kept outside this humidity range lose their quality quickly.

Ring gauge

The ring gauge measures a cigar's diameter, expressed in sixty-fourths of an inch: a cigar with a ring gauge of 48, for example, is 48/64 of an inch thick. A thicker cigar generally burns cooler and for longer, so knowing a cigar's ring gauge helps staff recommend one suited to a guest's preference.

Chapter Summary

This chapter provided a comprehensive overview of presenting cigars in bar keeping operations, beginning with clear definitions of key terms related to cigar service. It explored various methods of taking orders, emphasizing effective communication between staff and customers. The chapter detailed essential cigar service tools and described different types of cigars commonly encountered in hospitality settings. It then examined the proper techniques for presenting and serving cigars to enhance the customer experience. Billing and handling payments were discussed, including different billing methods and payment options available to patrons. The final clearance process was outlined to ensure efficient service completion, and the chapter concluded by addressing proper waste disposal practices to maintain hygiene and professionalism in the service environment.