How to Put Out a Cigar for Later: A Connoisseur's Guide
Enjoying a premium cigar is a ritual, and knowing how to properly extinguish it for later is crucial to preserving its flavor and aroma. Improperly extinguishing a cigar can ruin the experience, leaving it bitter and unpleasant when you return to it. This guide will walk you through the best methods, ensuring your cigar remains enjoyable for another session.
What Happens if You Just Let a Cigar Go Out?
Simply letting your cigar go out naturally is generally not recommended. The uneven burning and air exposure can lead to an unpleasant taste and aroma when you relight it. The dry leaf can become brittle and prone to cracking, making it hard to draw and potentially ruining the experience completely.
How to Properly Extinguish a Cigar for Later
The key is to slowly deprive the cigar of oxygen. Rapid cooling can crack the wrapper and affect the taste. Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Gently Rotate and Press: Use your fingers to gently press the burning ember against the ash, compacting it. Rotate the cigar slowly, ensuring the ember is completely covered by the ash. This smothers the flame.
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Check for Ember: Once you feel the ember is fully extinguished, carefully check the tip for any remaining glow. A small, faint glow might re-ignite, so it's essential to be thorough.
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Use a Cigar Rest: Place the extinguished cigar in a cigar rest, a small device designed to hold cigars. This prevents the cigar from being crushed or damaged and keeps it at a slightly more humid environment compared to leaving it exposed in the open air. If you don't have one, gently place it in an airtight container with a humidity pack (this helps maintain moisture, prolonging the cigar's longevity).
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Storage is Key: Always store your cigar in a humidor or airtight container with a humidity pack to maintain a proper level of humidity (65-70%). This prevents the cigar from drying out, which can make it difficult to relight and negatively impact its flavor profile.
Can You Relight a Cigar After It's Been Extinguished?
Yes, you can usually relight a properly extinguished cigar. However, the longer the cigar has been out, the less likely it is to retain its original flavor. The relighting process may require some patience, using a torch lighter to re-ignite the ember slowly.
How Long Can You Save a Cigar After Extinguishing It?
Ideally, you should aim to relight the cigar within a few hours of extinguishing it. The longer you wait, the more likely it is to become dry, brittle, and lose flavor. Storing your cigar properly will maximize the time you can save it for later.
How to Tell if a Cigar is Ruined
Signs a cigar is no longer suitable for smoking:
- Brittle Wrapper: If the wrapper is cracked or brittle, it's likely dried out and will not smoke well.
- Unpleasant Odor: A musty or unpleasant odor is a clear sign of spoilage.
- Difficult Draw: If the draw is severely restricted, even after relighting, the cigar may be dried out beyond repair.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your next cigar smoking session is just as enjoyable as the first. Remember, patience and the right tools are key to properly extinguishing and preserving your cigar for later.
