Relighting a cigar is definitely possible but you may get some judging looks when you do. When you do, make sure to cut away the burnt end before lighting it up again to preserve the original taste as much as possible.
Unlike cigarettes, really good cigars can cost you a pretty penny. The thing is, they are worth every penny but you don’t want to see that go up in flames either.
Corny phrases aside, we are trying to say that you don’t have to throw away a cigar when you cannot finish smoking it. That’s just one of the reasons why they are superior to cigarettes.
Can You Put Out a Cigar and Relight It Later?
We are happy to report that you certainly can. Aside from cheaper cigarillos, most cigars can be relit after they have gone out.
If you’re a true aficionado, you savor each moment of smoking a cigar. But you never know when life happens and you have to cut that moment short.
The next time your smoke session is interrupted by a phone call, a dog eating your shoe or something that you forgot to do – this is what you need to do!
How to Put Out a Cigar and Save It for Later
- Tap off the ash from your burning cigar.
- Let it balance on the ashtray until the flame burns out.
- Once the cigar has cooled off, use a cigar cutter to remove the burnt end.
- If you are still seeing black filling, cut further.
- Take a piece of cellophane and wrap the cigar.
- Store inside a ziploc bag until you are ready to smoke it.
- If you don’t smoke it within 2 days – throw it out.
Sounds simple enough right? There are a few things that could go wrong, though. Here’s a few tips to improve your chances of enjoying a relit cigar.
Tip 1: Only Use a Sharp Cigar Cutter
You want a slice that is as clean as possible. If your cigar cutter is blunt or otherwise inadequate, the cigar wrapper may start to unravel.
Tip 2: Don’t Relight a Cigar That’s Too Short
Even the most expensive cutter won’t be able to maintain a cigar’s integrity when there just isn’t enough length left. Sometimes, you just have to let it go.
Tip 3: Keep It Airtight
It might be hard to get a close wrap with cellophane – that’s why we recommend the ziploc bag as an extra barrier. Since you’ve already started smoking it, the cigar will lose its freshness even faster.
Is It Bad to Put Out a Cigar and then Relight It?
This is a judgement call. Despite some cigar lovers giving you odd looks for relighting, we have all done it. Some cigars are simply too good to throw away.
Unless you have piles of money that you want to get rid of, there is no reason why you shouldn’t save a cigar for later. However, you won’t get the same experience twice.
The burning and contact with air will affect the flavor profile of the cigar. It will also taste bitter if you haven’t removed the ash properly.
So, is it bad to relight a cigar? No.
Will the cigar taste exactly the same? Probably not but it can still be good.
Should You Smoke a Cigar in One Sitting?
This goes back to the cigar’s flavor change after it has been lit up. There is no golden rule that you have to smoke a cigar in a single sitting but for the purest experience, you should.
If your cigar lost its flame and you relight it just a few minutes later, there is no harm done. That still counts as one sitting.
Certain cigars, specifically aged cigars and those with a stronger flavor profile, can be a little hard to smoke all at once. There is no shame in saving it for the next day. The point is that you enjoy it which you won’t be doing when you are forcing yourself to finish it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Cut a Cigar in Half and Smoke It?
Technically, it is possible to cut a cigar and half and smoking them at separate times. However, this will affect its structural integrity and flavor.
How Long Does a Cigar Last After Being Put Out?
When stored properly, cigars that have been put out can still taste good for up to 2 days. The size and quality of the cigar will affect how long it stays fresh.
Can a Cigar Be Smoked Twice?
Cigars can be put out and smoked later. To do this, make sure all the ashes are removed before relighting it.
Summary
Don’t feel sorry for yourself when you were unable to finish your cigar. With a clean snip and proper storage you can save it for a good relaxing session the next day or even the day after. The golden rule is to remove the burnt bits and keep it as airtight as possible until you have time to sit down and enjoy the rest of it.