How to put a cigar out for later

Today we talk about How to put a cigar out for later.

As a dedicated cigar lover, I’ve learned that sometimes life can interrupt my smoking sessions. Whether it’s a sudden phone call or an unexpected guest, I often need to know how to put a cigar out for later without compromising its quality. According to industry data, approximately 43% of cigar smokers enjoy their cigars for relaxation, so it’s critical to maintain the cigar’s integrity when I need to pause. In this article, I’ll share my insights and specific techniques on how to do just that.

Step 1: Properly Lighting and Cutting

The foundation of a good smoking experience lies in how I light and cut my cigar:

Choose the Right Cut: I typically use a guillotine cutter to create a precise cut, ensuring at least 1/16 of an inch is removed from the cap. This enhances the draw, allowing for a smooth smoking experience.
Evenly Toast the Foot: I carefully hold the cigar above the flame and rotate it for about 10 seconds to ensure the foot is evenly toasted. This avoids burning issues later, which is especially important when putting a cigar out for later.

Step 2: Extinguishing the Cigar

Extinguishing a cigar properly is crucial for storing it effectively later:

Let It Rest: I place my cigar in an ashtray and let it rest for approximately 5 minutes. This calm approach allows the smoke to dissipate without forcing a harsh extinguishing method.
Tap Away Ash: With a gentle tap, I remove ash before putting it out. Studies show that ash can trap even more nicotine and tar, which might alter the flavor if not managed properly.
Don’t Snuff It Out: I avoid crushing the cigar as this can ruin its flavor. Statistics indicate that cigars can retain up to 60% of their flavor after proper extinguishing techniques.

Step 3: Preparing for Storage

Once I’ve extinguished my cigar, I focus on preparing it for storage:

Cool It Down: I always allow the cigar to cool for at least 10 minutes. Smoking too quickly can lead to a bitter taste, which I try to steer clear of.
Inspect the Wrapper: I examine the wrapper to ensure there are no cracks. A well-preserved wrapper can maintain its flavor profile for days.

Step 4: Storing the Half-Smoked Cigar

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the cigar until I’m ready to relight it:

Use a Clean Humidor: According to experts, maintaining a humidor at 70% humidity and 70°F can preserve cigars effectively. I make it a point to keep my humidor in optimal conditions.
Choose the Right Position: I prefer to store my half-smoked cigar horizontally to prevent any damage from gravity and to keep it moist.

Step 5: Relighting the Half-Smoked Cigar

When it’s time to enjoy my half-smoked cigar again, I follow these methods:

Remove Ash: I gently tap and remove any ash build-up, which can hinder proper relighting.
Use a Gentle Flame: As I relight, I use a wooden match or a torch lighter, toasting it evenly for about 5 seconds to regain the desired flavor.

Important Considerations when Putting Out a Cigar

Temperature and Humidity Levels

Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels is vital. A report from the Cigar Association of America suggests that temperatures above 75°F can negatively impact cigar quality, leading to mold. I keep my humidor’s humidity stable to avoid flavor degradation.

Time Between Smokes

The sooner I can relight my cigar, the better. Typically, I try to relight my half-smoked cigar within 48 hours to retain optimal flavor, as any longer can dry it out drastically.

Preferred Method of Putting Out a Cigar

Through my experience, I’ve found that the most effective method of putting out a cigar involves letting it rest in an ashtray. Avoiding the harsh methods can significantly preserve flavor when I return to it later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Properly Extinguishing the Cigar

One major mistake is improperly extinguishing a cigar, which can introduce bitterness. According to studies, up to 30% of smokers report ruining their cigars this way.

Neglecting Storage Conditions

Ignoring proper storage conditions can lead to dry, crumbly cigars. It’s reported that about 50% of cigars won’t remain enjoyable after being stored in less-than-ideal conditions.

Alternatives to Standard Extinguishing Methods

Using a Cigar Snuffer

Using a cigar snuffer can gently extinguish a cigar without crushing it. This method can help maintain the flavor until I’m ready to enjoy it again.

Dipping the Cigar in Water

While this isn’t a common method I recommend, I’ve found that dipping the end of the cigar in water quickly extinguishes it. However, this can introduce moisture that alters the cigar’s taste.

How to Keep Your Cigar Fresh Until You Relight

Using a Humidor

A reliable humidor is essential for keeping my half-smoked cigars fresh. Studies show that using a quality humidor can improve cigar storage longevity by up to 70%.

Best Practices for Short-Term Storage

For short-term storage, wrapping the cigar in a damp paper towel and sealing it in a bag has proven effective for me. This method keeps it moist for 24 hours without losing flavor.

When is It Too Late to Save a Cigar?

Signs That Your Cigar Has Deteriorated

Signs that it’s too late to save a cigar include a dry feel, cracks on the surface, or a musty smell. If a cigar has dried out for more than a week, I know it’s likely past saving.

How to Relight a Half-Smoked Cigar

Cleaning the Cigar Before Relighting

Prior to relighting, I gently wipe the end to clear any soot. This simple act can significantly impact the flavor I experience during my next draw.

Best Lighting Techniques for Relighting

As I relight, I always toast the foot again to revive flavors, spending about 10 seconds on this step to ensure even burning.

Final Tips and Expert Advice

Seeking Recommendations for Storage Products

Consulting with fellow cigar enthusiasts or visiting specialty cigar shops has led me to discover cutting-edge storage solutions that improve the longevity of my cigars up to 50% more than average.

Staying in Tune with Cigar Quality

I make it a priority to regularly check my cigars. Staying in tune with quality means enjoying the best flavors every time I light up.

FAQ

How do you put out a cigar to save for later?

I extinguish my cigar by placing it gently in an ashtray, allowing it to rest without crushing to preserve its flavors for a later session.

Can you put a cigar out and relight it later?

Yes, I can put a cigar out and relight it later, provided I carefully store it to maintain moisture and flavor integrity.

How do you put out a cigar without ruining it?

To avoid ruining a cigar, I recommend gently laying it down in an ashtray and letting it rest instead of forcefully extinguishing it.

How to put a cigar out fast?

I can put a cigar out fast by pinching the foot lightly and placing it in an ashtray; however, this is less ideal for preserving flavor.