Cigars are meant to be savored – puffed slowly and enjoyed over time. But sometimes, you may not finish your premium cigar in one sitting and want to save it for later. What’s the best way to put out your half-smoked cigar so you can relight and enjoy it again?
Putting out a cigar properly is an art form that every cigar smoker should know. With the right technique, you can save a half-smoked stogie and come back to it hours or even days later. Learn the secrets to preserving your premium smoke so you can enjoy every last puff.
Why Put Out a Cigar Instead of Smoking It All?
There are many reasons you may want to extinguish your lit cigar before it’s done:
- You don’t have time to finish – Perhaps you only have a short smoke break and want to save the rest for later.
- The setting changes – If you started smoking at an event or social gathering, the environment may change in a way that makes smoking no longer appropriate.
- You’ve had enough…for now – Smoking a cigar too fast can make you feel ill. Pacing yourself over multiple smoke sessions prevents overindulging.
- You want to switch cigars – Some smokers like to have a variety by putting out cigars halfway and lighting up something new.
No matter the reason, every cigar smoker inevitably ends up with a half-smoked stogie they want to save at some point. Putting it out properly preserves the tobacco for future enjoyment.
Don’t Just Stub It Out: Save a Half-Smoked Cigar
Many novice cigar smokers make the mistake of stubbing out the lit end of their cigar like a cigarette when they’re done. Don’t do this! Stubbing can damage the cigar’s wrapper and binder, making it harder to relight later. The proper way to extinguish your cigar is just as important as lighting it in the first place.
The Best Way to Put Out a Lit Cigar for Later
Cigar experts agree – the best way to put out a lit cigar you want to save is to simply let it go out on its own. Rather than taking a puff, purge the cigar by gently blowing through it to clear out excess smoke and tar. Set the cigar in an ashtray and let it self-extinguish, without touching or stubbing it at all. This preserves the cigar’s oils, flavors, and integrity.
Purging a cigar as you stop puffing causes it to stop burning more quickly. Within 5-10 minutes, your stogie should extinguish itself. If it’s still lit longer, gently blow through it again to purge. Never tap or squash it – this can unravel the cigar!
Once your half-smoked cigar has gone out fully, it’s ready to be saved for later.
How to Store a Half-Smoked Cigar
Once your premium cigar has gone out, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh. Follow these tips:
- Clip the foot just behind the ash line so it can easily relight later.
- Let the cut foot air out for 5-10 minutes before storage so no embers remain.
- Place the cigar in an airtight container like a small plastic bag or tube. Squeeze out excess air.
- Store it in your humidor or wineador to retain proper humidity.
- Keep it separate from unsmoked cigars to prevent flavor transfer. Label it if needed.
- Rest it horizontally if possible. Don’t let the foot touch anything.
- Store for no more than 1-2 weeks for best results.
Proper storage keeps your half-smoked cigar fresh and ready for finishing!
The Disposing of a Cigar: To Dispose or Not To Dispose
While you can save a cigar and come back to it later, they don’t keep indefinitely. Follow these signs that indicate it’s time to dispose of a half-smoked stogie:
- It starts to smell stale or loses its aroma.
- Mold develops on the foot or wrapper.
- The draw becomes very tight and it won’t take in air.
- The wrapper starts to crack or unravel significantly.
- It’s been stored for over 2 weeks.
Dispose of cigars properly in an ash can, not in the regular trash which can pose a fire hazard. When in doubt, don’t risk smoking a cigar that is past its prime. Light up a fresh one instead!
Tips for Re-Lighting a Saved Cigar
When you’re ready to finish your half-smoked stogie, use these tips to get it going again:
- Inspect the cigar first and sniff it. If it seems off, discard it.
- Light it very gently. Avoid torch lighters. Use cedar spills if possible.
- Take short, soft puffs after lighting. Don’t draw too hard.
- Purge it again by blowing through gently before you start actively smoking.
- Take your time and don’t rush it. Let it warm back up slowly.
- If it doesn’t relight after a few attempts, it may be too dried out to smoke.
With some TLC, you can resurrect that half-smoked premium cigar and enjoy every last bit!
Common Questions About Putting Out Cigars
If you’re new to smoking cigars, you probably have lots of questions about how to handle them. Here are some common FAQs:
Can you reuse an ashtray after putting cigars in it?
Yes, as long as you dump out any ash residue before placing a new cigar in it. Wipe it out periodically for cleanliness.
What should you not do when putting out a cigar?
Don’t stub it out forcefully in an ashtray – let it self-extinguish. Don’t run water over it or break it in half. This can ruin the cigar.
How long can you store a partially smoked cigar?
1-2 weeks is best for maximum freshness. Storing for longer periods will degrade the flavor.
Do you have to store a half-smoked cigar in a humidor?
It’s highly recommended to maintain proper humidity, but an airtight tube also works for short-term storage.
Can you save a cigar twice?
It’s best not to repeatedly re-light and extinguish the same cigar more than once. Flavor and construction will suffer.
What happens if you smoke a dried out cigar?
It will taste bitter, burn unevenly, require constant re-lighting, and deliver an unpleasant smoking experience.
Enjoy Cigar Smoking to the Fullest
Few pleasures in life compare to lighting up a fine premium cigar and relaxing with a good smoke. By learning how to properly put out your stogies when it’s time for a break, you can make each one last and have the freedom to enjoy smoking on your own terms. Respect your cigar by letting it go out naturally, and store it with care until you’re ready to light it up again. The right techniques will let you relish every puff!
Here are some key tips to remember:
- Don’t stub out cigars forcefully – just let them self-extinguish
- Purge smoke when you’re ready to stop smoking
- Clip the foot and let the cigar fully cool before storage
- Use an airtight container and humidor for storing
- Smoke again within 1-2 weeks for best flavor
- Relight very gently when finishing a saved cigar
Mastering the art of putting out cigars allows you to smoke at your own pace with no waste. Savor each session and always use proper techniques to preserve your cigar. Your patience will be rewarded with unforgettably smooth, flavorful smoking experiences.
