How to Put Out a Cigar for Later: Keeping Your Smoke Savory
Enjoying a premium cigar is a ritual, and knowing how to properly extinguish it for later is crucial to preserving its flavor and aroma for another session. Improperly extinguishing a cigar can ruin the experience, leaving it bitter and unpleasant. This guide will detail several methods, from the classic to the modern, ensuring your next smoke is as enjoyable as the first.
Why is Proper Extinguishing Important?
Before diving into the methods, let's understand why it's so important to put out a cigar correctly. Leaving a cigar burning unattended is risky (fire hazard!), but more importantly, improper extinguishing can lead to:
- A Bitter, Unpleasant Taste: Simply stamping it out leaves a charred, acrid taste that will ruin your next puff.
- Damaged Wrapper: Forcing the cigar out can damage the delicate wrapper, affecting both the draw and the overall smoking experience.
- Wasted Cigar: An improperly extinguished cigar might be unsalvageable, wasting a perfectly good smoke.
Methods for Extinguishing a Cigar for Later:
Several methods allow you to pause your cigar without ruining the experience. Here are a few popular and effective choices:
1. The Traditional "Guillotine" Method:
This classic method is simple and effective. Use a cigar cutter or sharp knife to carefully cut off the lit end at a shallow angle, creating a clean, flat surface. The ember should still be glowing faintly. Store in a cigar case or humidor immediately.
2. The "Punch" Method:
If you prefer not to cut your cigar, you can use a cigar punch to remove the lit portion. Create a small hole (similar to what you'd do to light it) and press out the ember. Again, store immediately in a humidified environment.
3. Using a Cigar Rest/Holder:
Luxury cigar rests provide an elegant way to extinguish a cigar temporarily. They typically have an enclosed chamber or a secure space to place the cigar, dampening the ember without completely extinguishing it. Keep in mind; this method keeps the cigar burning softly and should be used for short breaks.
4. The "Wet" Method (Use With Caution):
As a last resort, some smokers use a damp cloth or sponge to gently extinguish the ember. This method should be used cautiously as it can damage the cigar's wrapper if not done delicately. Ideally, avoid this method if possible.
What to Do After Extinguishing:
Regardless of the method you choose, the next steps are crucial:
- Store Immediately: Place your cigar in a humidor or airtight cigar case to maintain humidity and prevent drying.
- Proper Humidor Care: Make sure your humidor has the correct humidity levels (ideally around 70%).
- Relight Carefully: When ready to relight, use a lighter or match to gently re-ignite the cut or punched end. You may need to re-light several times to draw even smoke.
How Long Can You Put Out a Cigar for Later?
The length of time a cigar can be extinguished and still be enjoyable depends largely on the cigar itself, its condition, and how it's stored. Ideally, aim for a few hours before relighting. Beyond that time, the cigar may become dry and lose its flavor profile.
What if my cigar tastes bitter after relighting?
If, despite your best efforts, your cigar tastes bitter, it's likely the ember was improperly extinguished, leading to charring and affecting the taste. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to remedy this.
By carefully following these steps, you can extend the pleasure of your cigar over multiple sessions, ensuring each puff remains flavorful and enjoyable. Remember, patience and the right tools are key to preserving your cigar's integrity.
