Enjoying a premium cigar is an experience, and knowing how to properly extinguish it for later is crucial to preserving its taste and aroma for your next session. Improperly extinguishing a cigar can lead to unpleasant tastes and aromas upon relighting, ruining the rest of your smoke. This guide will walk you through the best methods to ensure your cigar remains enjoyable for another time.
Why Properly Extinguishing Matters
The primary reason to properly put out a cigar for later is to prevent it from drying out. A dried-out cigar burns unevenly and harshly, resulting in a bitter, unpleasant taste. Furthermore, improper extinguishing can lead to a build-up of unwanted flavors that are almost impossible to remove.
Methods for Extinguishing a Cigar
There are several ways to put out a cigar, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most effective methods:
1. The Traditional "Guillotine" Method:
This is the most common and arguably the best method.
- How to do it: Gently press the burning end of the cigar against a sturdy, non-porous surface like an ashtray (preferably one designed for cigars with a deeper well) until the embers are completely extinguished. Avoid crushing the cigar. You should see no visible ember glowing.
- Pros: Effective, prevents drying, and minimizes unwanted tastes.
- Cons: Requires a stable, firm surface.
2. The "Gently Press and Roll" Method:
This method is good for when you're on the move and lack a stable surface.
- How to do it: Gently press the burning tip against the ash in your ashtray. Then, carefully roll the cigar between your fingers to extinguish the remaining embers. Avoid squeezing too hard.
- Pros: Portable, adaptable to various situations.
- Cons: Less effective than the guillotine method; more likely to lead to uneven burning upon relighting.
3. Using a Cigar Punch Cutter (Not Recommended):
While some might suggest using a punch cutter to cap the end, this is generally not recommended. This method can crush the cigar and potentially damage the filler tobaccos, altering the draw and flavor significantly.
What NOT to do:
- Don't stomp it out: This crushes the cigar, compromising its structure and flavor profile irreparably.
- Don't let it burn out naturally: This can cause an uneven burn and significant drying out.
Storing Your Extinguished Cigar
Once extinguished, it’s crucial to store your cigar correctly to prevent it from drying out. Here are some tips:
- Use a humidor or a zip-top bag with a Boveda pack: This maintains the cigar’s humidity, preventing it from drying out and maintaining its flavor.
- Store it in a cool, dark place: Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
H2: How long can you keep a cigar extinguished before relighting?
Ideally, you should relight your cigar within a few hours. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of the cigar drying out and losing its flavor. However, proper storage (as described above) can extend this timeframe somewhat.
H2: Can you relight a cigar that's been out for a day or more?
It’s possible, but the quality of the smoke will likely be compromised. The cigar may burn unevenly, and the flavors may be muted or unpleasant. The longer it's been extinguished, the higher the likelihood of this happening.
H2: Will relighting a cigar affect the taste?
Yes, relighting a cigar that has been properly extinguished will have a minimal effect on taste. However, if improperly extinguished or left for too long, the taste can be significantly affected, as mentioned previously. The goal of proper extinguishing is to minimize this negative impact.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your premium cigar in multiple sessions, maximizing your experience and appreciating the nuances of its flavor profile. Remember, patience and care are key to ensuring your next puff is as enjoyable as your first.
