Enjoying a premium cigar is an experience best savored slowly. Sometimes, life intervenes, and you need to temporarily pause your smoke. Knowing how to properly extinguish your cigar without ruining the flavor profile for later is crucial. This guide will walk you through the best methods, ensuring your cigar remains enjoyable when you return to it.
What Happens When You Improperly Extinguish a Cigar?
Before we dive into the proper techniques, let's understand what happens when you don't put out your cigar correctly. Improperly extinguishing can lead to several issues:
- Burnt Taste: If you simply crush the cigar, you risk burning the remaining tobacco, leaving a bitter, acrid taste when you relight it.
- Unpleasant Aroma: A poorly extinguished cigar can develop an unpleasant odor, making it less enjoyable to smoke later.
- Difficult Relighting: A completely extinguished cigar can be challenging to relight, sometimes requiring multiple attempts and potentially further damaging the tobacco.
The Best Ways to Put Out a Cigar for Later
The key is to gently snuff out the ember, preserving the remaining tobacco's moisture and flavor. Here are the most effective methods:
1. The "Gentle Snuff" Method:
This is the preferred method among cigar aficionados.
- Gently Press the Ash: Carefully press the ash down against the cigar's foot using your fingers or a cigar ashtray. Avoid crushing the ash too hard.
- Roll the Cigar: Gently roll the cigar between your fingers to ensure the ember is completely covered.
- Check for Glow: Look carefully to see if there are any glowing embers remaining. If so, repeat steps 1 and 2.
- Rest in an Ashtray: Place the cigar in a suitable cigar ashtray. Ideally, one designed with a rest to hold the cigar at an angle.
This method minimizes the damage to the tobacco, leaving it relatively fresh and flavorful.
2. Using a Cigar Cutter (for a "Quick Snuff"):
While not ideal for long pauses, a cigar cutter provides a quick and effective way to temporarily snuff out your smoke.
- Use a sharp guillotine cutter: Using a sharp guillotine cutter, carefully slice the very tip of the ash. Aim to cut through only the burned area, leaving the remaining tobacco intact.
This method is suitable for short breaks only, as extended periods might still negatively impact the cigar.
3. The "Punch Method" (Least Recommended):
This is the least recommended option, but it can be a last resort.
- Use a Cigar Punch: Gently use a cigar punch to remove a small portion of the burning ash. This can help to extinguish the ember quickly, though it might affect the draw and the cigar's structure.
The "punch" method is best avoided for longer breaks because of the higher risk of damage.
How to Store Your Cigar After Extinguishing
After extinguishing your cigar, proper storage is essential.
- Humidor: The best place is inside a humidor, maintaining optimal humidity and temperature.
- Ziploc Bag (Temporary): For shorter periods, you can use a ziplock bag with a humidity pack, though a humidor is recommended for extended storage.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Always store your cigars away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as these can degrade the tobacco.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can I put a cigar out before it's ruined?
The length of time you can put a cigar out depends on the method used and the cigar's quality. Using the "gentle snuff" method, you might be able to successfully relight a cigar after a few hours, though longer durations reduce the odds. High-quality cigars are usually more forgiving.
Can I relight a cigar that’s been out for a day?
It's possible, but it's not recommended. The longer a cigar sits out, the drier it becomes, and the greater the chance of an unpleasant taste or difficulty relighting.
What is the best way to relight an extinguished cigar?
Use a butane torch lighter to ensure even and thorough relighting, avoiding the creation of unwanted charring. Take your time, and let the foot re-ignite gradually.
Will putting out a cigar affect the draw?
Improper extinguishing may negatively affect the draw. The “gentle snuff” method minimizes the impact, while others may compact or damage the cigar, making it harder to draw.
By carefully following these steps and utilizing the proper storage, you can enjoy your cigar multiple times, preserving its flavor and character. Happy smoking!
