Quote Originally Posted by ndv21 View Post

1. Should you take the band off a cigar before lighting it? Why or why not? (Personal preference does not count) This should be an easy one.
No. The band should be left on upon lighting and until the cigar becomes warm; this loosens the glue on the band from the wrapper. It should be easier to take off at that point as well.

2. What is the history of the "cigar band"? Why was it originally introduced?
The cigar band was introduced by a man named Gustave Bock, who wanted to label the cigars he exported. The paper ring bearing his signature was intended to be a status symbol for the people who smoked his cigars.