How to Put Out a Cigar for Later: Maintaining Flavor and Enjoyment
Enjoying a premium cigar is an experience, and knowing how to properly extinguish it for later is crucial to preserving its taste and aroma for another session. Improperly extinguishing a cigar can lead to a harsh, unpleasant taste upon relighting. This guide will detail the best methods to ensure your cigar remains enjoyable for a later smoke.
Why is Proper Extinguishing Important?
The key is to avoid burning the cigar too severely. A burnt cigar tip can produce bitter, acrid smoke the next time you light it. The goal is to leave the cigar in a state where the ember is effectively dormant but easily re-ignited without damaging the tobacco.
How to Put Out a Cigar for Later: The Best Methods
1. The "Guillotine" Method (Best for a short break):
This method is suitable for when you're only putting out your cigar for a short period – say, during a quick break in conversation or a short interruption.
- Steps: Gently press the lit end of the cigar into an ashtray, firmly but not aggressively, to extinguish the flame. The ember should still be glowing faintly. Avoid completely smothering the cigar.
2. The "Ashing" Method (For slightly longer breaks):
This method is a balance between fully extinguishing and leaving the cigar lit. Suitable for breaks of around 30-60 minutes.
- Steps: Tap the ash off your cigar (as you would normally do), then firmly press the now exposed ember into the ash of your ashtray. This gently smothers the ember, but still preserves enough for easy relighting. Check the ember frequently to make sure it hasn't burned too far down.
3. Using a Cigar Saver (For longer breaks or travel):
A cigar saver or tube is a more sophisticated tool designed to preserve a cigar’s condition over a longer period. These devices maintain humidity and prevent the cigar from drying out, protecting the flavor.
- Steps: Before putting out your cigar, ensure the cigar saver is clean and dry. Gently extinguish the cigar using the "Guillotine" method and insert it into the saver.
What NOT to Do:
- Completely extinguishing the cigar: Submerging the cigar in water or aggressively pressing it into the ash will likely ruin it for future use.
- Leaving it burning unattended: Never leave a burning cigar unattended, for safety reasons and to prevent unnecessary damage to the cigar.
- Improper Storage: Even after extinguishing correctly, it's crucial to store your cigar properly in a humidor or a cool, dry place to maintain its condition.
How Long Can You Put a Cigar Out For?
The length of time you can successfully put out a cigar depends on several factors: the method used, the cigar's construction, and the environment. For short breaks (under an hour), the "Guillotine" or "Ashing" method usually works. For longer periods (several hours), a cigar saver is the best option. After several hours, even with a cigar saver, the quality may degrade.
How to Relight a Cigar:
Once you're ready to resume smoking, carefully remove the cigar from its saver (if used). Gently relight the ember using a match or butane lighter, taking care not to burn the tip. If the ember is completely dead, you might need to carefully re-light the foot of the cigar, using a gentle flame to avoid burning the tobacco.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your cigar in multiple sessions, maximizing your smoking experience. Remember that patience and careful handling are key to preserving the delicate flavors of your fine cigar.
