The Art of Extinguishing: Mastering the Cigar End

The cardinal rule of cigar smoking, often overlooked in the romanticized imagery, is knowing how to properly put one out. The correct method is simple yet crucial: let the cigar extinguish itself. Gently lay the cigar in an ashtray and allow it to burn out naturally. Never crush, stub, or grind it out against the ashtray; this releases unpleasant odors and ruins the remaining tobacco. Patience is key.

The Anatomy of a Dying Ember: Why the Natural Way is Best

Avoiding the Stink: A Matter of Respect

The most compelling reason to let a cigar extinguish on its own is the avoidance of acrid, lingering smells. Crushing a cigar releases a concentrated burst of tar, nicotine, and other byproducts, creating an odor that can permeate a room and cling to fabrics. This stench is far from the sophisticated aroma associated with fine tobacco. Letting it die gracefully allows the remaining ember to slowly fade, minimizing unpleasant smells.

Preserving Dignity: A Ritual Unto Itself

Cigar smoking is more than just puffing on tobacco; it’s a ritual, a moment of contemplation. Crushing a cigar is akin to abruptly ending a conversation – it’s rude and inelegant. Allowing the cigar to die on its own is a sign of respect for the process, the tobacco, and the experience.

The Ember’s Story: Reading the Ashes

The way a cigar burns and dies can tell you a lot about its construction and quality. A well-made cigar will burn evenly and leave behind a firm, conical ash. A poorly constructed cigar might burn unevenly or extinguish prematurely. By observing the ember’s final moments, you can learn more about the cigar itself.

Beyond the Basics: Considerations for Special Cases

The Partially Smoked Cigar: To Relight or Not to Relight

Sometimes, life intervenes, and you must put down a cigar before finishing it. The question then becomes: can you relight it later? The answer is a qualified yes. However, be aware that relit cigars rarely taste as good as when initially lit.

Before attempting to relight, gently tap off any loose ash. Then, purge the cigar by blowing through it to expel any stale smoke that has accumulated. Use a torch lighter to evenly toast the foot of the cigar, ensuring a consistent ember. Be prepared for a potentially harsher, less flavorful experience. Some aficionados will only relight within a very short time frame, such as within an hour. Beyond that, the cigar may have absorbed too much moisture and stale byproducts.

The Humidor’s Role: Storage After Extinguishment

Never, ever put a freshly extinguished cigar back into your humidor. The lingering odors will contaminate the other cigars, and the moisture will create an environment conducive to mold growth. If you intend to relight the cigar later, keep it in a separate location away from your other cigars, ideally in a cool, dry place.

Extreme Weather: Windy Conditions and Safety

When smoking outdoors in windy conditions, be extra vigilant. A strong gust of wind can easily reignite a seemingly extinguished cigar. Ensure the cigar is placed in a stable ashtray away from flammable materials. If you are particularly concerned, you can gently break the cigar in half after it has mostly extinguished to prevent any chance of reignition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cigar Extinguishment

1. Is it acceptable to stub a cigar out in dirt or sand?

Absolutely not. While seemingly a natural solution, burying a cigar in dirt or sand introduces impurities and can lead to unpleasant smells. It also leaves behind litter. Always use an ashtray.

2. What if I need to put a cigar out quickly?

If time is of the essence, gently breaking the cigar in half after it has mostly extinguished will accelerate the process. This method, while not ideal, is preferable to crushing it out and creating a pungent odor.

3. How long does it typically take for a cigar to extinguish on its own?

This varies depending on the size and density of the cigar, as well as environmental factors like humidity and airflow. A robusto might extinguish in 30-45 minutes, while a Churchill could take over an hour.

4. Is it okay to use water to put out a cigar?

While effective, using water is strongly discouraged. Waterlogged tobacco creates a truly offensive smell, and the sudden temperature change can cause the cigar to crack and disintegrate. Furthermore, the wet mess is difficult to clean up.

5. Does the type of ashtray matter when extinguishing a cigar?

Yes, it does. Choose an ashtray specifically designed for cigars. These ashtrays typically have deep bowls and rests that can accommodate the cigar’s size and shape. Avoid using small cigarette ashtrays.

6. What’s the best way to clean a cigar ashtray?

Regularly empty the ashtray to prevent the accumulation of ash and cigar butts. For a more thorough cleaning, wash the ashtray with warm, soapy water. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could leave behind lingering odors.

7. Can I reuse the leftover cigar tobacco for anything?

No, reusing leftover cigar tobacco is not recommended. It will be stale, potentially contaminated, and won’t provide a pleasant smoking experience.

8. What should I do if a cigar accidentally starts a small fire?

Stay calm and act quickly. Use a fire extinguisher, water, or a blanket to smother the flames. Ensure the area is thoroughly dampened to prevent reignition. Always exercise caution when smoking.

9. Does the method of extinguishing a cigar affect the taste if I relight it?

Yes, significantly. A cigar that has been crushed or put out with water will taste considerably worse than one that has been allowed to extinguish naturally. The slow, natural extinguishing process minimizes the introduction of off-flavors.

10. Is it considered rude to put a cigar out prematurely at a cigar lounge?

Not necessarily, but it depends on the circumstances. If you are simply no longer enjoying the cigar, it’s acceptable to let it extinguish. However, avoid constantly lighting and extinguishing cigars, as this can be distracting to others.

11. Are there any cultural or regional variations in how cigars are extinguished?

While the general principle of letting the cigar extinguish naturally remains consistent, some cultures may have specific etiquette surrounding the process. For example, in some cultures, it is considered polite to offer the remaining portion of the cigar to a companion before extinguishing it.

12. What is the best way to dispose of a cigar butt after it has completely extinguished?

Once the cigar is completely cold and extinguished, it can be disposed of in a regular trash receptacle. There’s no need for any special disposal methods.