Cigars have been around for centuries and have become a popular indulgence for many.
Yet, with a plethora of cigar sizes and brands available, the question arises, how long does it take to smoke a cigar?
The answer is simple. As long as you want.
Some people enjoy half a cigar, while others smoke it down to the nub using a roach clip or a toothpick.
However, it is crucial to note that when a cigar becomes too hot, bitter, or acidic, it is time to toss it.
Otherwise, you won’t enjoy it anymore.
Experts Recommend Optimal Cigar Smoking Time Based on Size
The optimal time to smoke a cigar depends mainly on its size.
According to Jose Blanco, a Robusto, which is about 5 by 50 or 5 by 52, should take at least 45 minutes to an hour for optimal enjoyment and flavor.
A Toro or torpedo, which is around 6 by 50 to 6 by 54, should take about an hour and a half.
Finally, the big boy, a 6 by 60 cigar (Corona Gorda) or even 7 1/2 by a 49 to 52 ring (Double Corona), should take two hours for optimal enjoyment and flavor.
Cigar’s Composition Affects How Long the Smoke Will Be
Another factor that impacts smoking time is the composition of the filler.
Cigars comprise three components: the filler, binder, and wrapper.
The filler is the innermost component and is made up of tobacco leaves.
If the filler is packed more tightly, it can lead to a longer smoking time.
Don’t Rush and Enjoy the Aromas More
Your smoking style can significantly affect the duration of your cigar.
Puffing too frequently can make the cigar burn too fast. Also, it may lead to nausea and buzzy feeling.
While puffing too infrequently can cause it to go out. Requiring you to relight it.
To strike the perfect balance, aim to puff once per minute.
Cigar smoking requires patience and the willingness to savor the experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavors and aromas.
Mind Your Ash
As you smoke your cigar, the ash will begin to accumulate.
Longer ash can help regulate the cigar’s temperature, allowing it to burn more evenly and produce smoother, more consistent smoke.
It can also help prevent the cigar from burning too quickly, resulting in a harsher taste and unpleasant smoking experience.
To avoid the ash falling on your clothes or furnishings, gently roll it in the ashtray to knock that ash off.
To ash your cigar, hold it at a 45-degree angle and gently tap the ashtray to remove any loose ash.
Avoid hitting the cigar against the ashtray or vigorously shaking it, as this can damage the delicate wrapper.
Instead, allow the ash to naturally form a cone shape.
The Cigar’s Humidity Affects How Long it Will Last
It is a well-known fact among aficionados that the optimal conditions for storing premium cigars are a relative humidity of 70% and a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Higher humidity can cause cigars to burn slower, disrupting the intended experience.
To address this, some cigar enthusiasts employ a technique called dry-boxing.
The cigars are removed from the humidor and placed in an empty cedar cigar box for a day.
This allows the box to absorb some of the cigar’s moisture, ensuring a smooth and consistent burn when lit.
For the best flavor and performance, storing your cigars between 65% and 72% humidity is recommended.
How You Cut Your Cigar is Important Too
If we want our cigars to smoke longer, consider using a punch cutter or a V-cutter instead of a guillotine.
How we cut our cigars can significantly impact the way they burn.
Punches and V-cutters provide a more constricted draw, which can slow down the cigar’s burn.
Conversely, a guillotine cutter provides a looser draw, causing the cigar to burn faster.
Avoid Windy Places
While lighting up anywhere is tempting, finding the perfect place to enjoy your cigar can greatly affect how long your cigar will last.
It is best to avoid areas with strong wind gusts.
Look for a location with comfortable seating, good ventilation, and minimal distractions.
This could be a quiet spot in your backyard, a comfortable armchair in your study, or a secluded corner of your local cigar lounge.
Know When to Stop: Recognize Changes in Flavors and Aromas
Don’t know how far you should smoke a cigar? You’ll notice changes in the flavors and aromas as you smoke.
A well-made cigar will have a complex flavor profile that changes throughout the smoking experience.
When the cigar becomes bitter or acrid, it’s time to put it out.
Smoking a cigar until it burns out completely can result in a harsh, unpleasant experience.
