How to Revive a Cigar: A Smoker’s Resurrection Guide

So, you’ve let your prized cigar go out. Don’t despair! It happens to the best of us. Reviving a cigar is less about miraculous resurrection and more about understanding the ember’s essence and gently coaxing it back to life. The key is patience and a careful application of heat and oxygen. With the right technique, you can often salvage a stalled smoke and continue enjoying its rich flavors.

The Core Method: Reigniting Your Cigar

The fundamental principle of reviving a cigar hinges on effectively re-establishing a consistent, even burn. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Assess the Damage: First, determine how long the cigar has been out. A few minutes is generally salvageable, but hours might present a challenge. Check the foot of the cigar (the burning end). Is there still any ember glowing faintly? Is the ash still warm? These are good signs.

2. Remove Excess Ash: Gently tap off any loose, flaky ash. Too much ash suffocates the ember and hinders the relighting process.

3. Purge the Cigar: This is crucial. Hold the cigar horizontally and blow through it, from the lit end towards the head (the end you put in your mouth). This clears out stale, potentially bitter smoke and introduces fresh oxygen to the dying ember.

4. Apply Heat Evenly: Now comes the critical part: relighting. The ideal tool is a torch lighter, as it provides a concentrated, consistent flame. Hold the flame slightly away from the foot of the cigar. Rotate the cigar slowly and evenly, toasting the tobacco leaves until they begin to glow orange. Avoid holding the flame too close, as this can scorch the tobacco and impart a harsh flavor. If you don’t have a torch lighter, a regular lighter or even a match can work, but require more finesse and patience.

5. Draw Slowly: Once you see a consistent glow across the foot, begin taking slow, deliberate draws. Don’t puff aggressively! Gentle draws will pull the flame through the tobacco, revitalizing the ember. You should see a plume of smoke and feel the heat intensifying.

6. Check for Even Burn: As you draw, examine the foot of the cigar. Is it burning evenly? If one side is lagging behind, focus the flame on that area until it catches up. This is vital for preventing uneven burns that can ruin the smoking experience.

7. Purge Again (Optional): After the cigar is relit and burning evenly, consider another gentle purge to remove any lingering stale smoke.

8. Enjoy Responsibly: Now, sit back, relax, and savor your resurrected cigar. Pay attention to the burn and make adjustments as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a deeper dive into common questions surrounding cigar revival:

1. Can I revive a cigar that’s been out for hours?

It’s possible, but the success rate diminishes significantly with time. The longer the cigar has been out, the more the tobacco dries out and loses its oils. This makes it harder to relight and can result in a harsher, less flavorful smoke. If it’s been out for more than a few hours, manage your expectations – the revived cigar might not taste as good as it did originally.

2. Is it better to use a torch lighter or a regular lighter to revive a cigar?

A torch lighter is generally preferred. It provides a concentrated, hotter flame that’s less likely to impart unwanted flavors from the fuel. A regular lighter can work, but you need to be extra careful not to hold the flame too close to the cigar, which can lead to scorching and butane flavors. Matches are a traditional option but can be less consistent and may leave a sulfurous taste if not allowed to burn off completely before lighting the cigar.

3. Why is purging the cigar so important before relighting?

Purging removes stale, stagnant smoke and introduces fresh oxygen. Stale smoke tastes bitter and unpleasant, negatively impacting the cigar’s flavor. The oxygen is crucial for re-igniting the ember and establishing a consistent burn.

4. What if my cigar keeps going out?

Several factors can contribute to a cigar constantly going out:

• Too humid: If the cigar is too moist, it won’t burn properly. Make sure your humidor is properly regulated.
• Poor construction: Sometimes, cigars are simply poorly constructed, with unevenly distributed tobacco.
• Not enough draws: Not drawing frequently enough can cause the cigar to extinguish.
• Environmental factors: Wind can cause a cigar to burn unevenly or go out prematurely.

5. Can I revive a cigar that I’ve already smoked halfway?

Yes, absolutely! The same principles apply. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile of the cigar might have changed, and the revived portion might not taste exactly the same as when it was initially lit.

6. Will reviving a cigar ruin its flavor?

Potentially, yes. The relighting process can sometimes introduce a slightly harsher or more bitter taste, especially if you scorch the tobacco or use a lighter that imparts unwanted flavors. However, with proper technique, you can minimize the impact on the flavor.

7. What’s the best way to prevent a cigar from going out in the first place?

• Proper storage: Store your cigars in a humidor to maintain the ideal humidity levels.
• Consistent draws: Take regular, deliberate draws to keep the ember burning steadily.
• Avoid windy conditions: Shield your cigar from the wind as much as possible.
• Choose quality cigars: Well-constructed cigars are less likely to go out.

8. What should I do if my cigar is burning unevenly after reviving it?

If one side of the cigar is burning faster than the other (canoeing or tunneling), use your lighter to touch up the lagging side. Focus the flame on the uneven area until it catches up, rotating the cigar as needed. You can also gently wet the faster-burning side with saliva to slow it down.

9. Is there a difference between reviving a premium cigar and a cheaper cigar?

The principles are the same, but the impact on flavor might be more noticeable with a premium cigar. Because premium cigars are often valued for their nuanced and complex flavor profiles, any alteration to the burn, particularly through an improper relight, may be more evident.

10. Can I use a cedar spill to revive a cigar?

Yes, a cedar spill (thin strip of cedar) is a classic and flavorful way to light or revive a cigar. Light the cedar spill and let it burn for a few seconds until the sulfur from the match is gone. Then, use the flame from the cedar spill to toast and relight your cigar, being careful not to scorch the tobacco. The cedar adds a subtle, pleasant aroma to the process.

11. What if I accidentally inhale too much butane when relighting with a regular lighter?

Butane inhalation can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches. If you accidentally inhale too much butane, immediately get fresh air and avoid further exposure. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. This is another reason why a torch lighter is a safer option.

12. Are there any signs that a cigar is beyond reviving?

Yes. If the cigar is completely dried out, cracked, or crumbling, it’s likely beyond saving. If the tobacco has developed mold or an unpleasant odor, it’s best to discard the cigar. Trying to revive a severely damaged cigar will likely result in a disappointing and potentially unpleasant smoking experience.

Reviving a cigar is an art form. Practice makes perfect. By understanding the fundamentals and addressing common issues, you can minimize cigar casualties and continue enjoying your favorite smokes. Remember, patience and a gentle touch are your best allies in bringing that ember back to life. Happy smoking!