Putting out a cigar is as simple as it sounds. Just put it in the ashtray!
But, unfortunately, for many of you, it may sound ridiculous.
We’re sure you’ve seen some bad examples already, and you may wonder how to do it properly.
This article will discuss the steps you need to take to put out a cigar and why it is important to ensure the ember has completely cooled down before discarding it.
How to Put Out a Cigar
Before we understand how to put out a cigar correctly, we need to realize that there is a glaring difference between cigarettes and cigars.
While you can just stub a cigarette in an ashtray, the same is not true with a cigar. That’s against proper cigar etiquette.
Let’s look into all the steps you can take to put out a cigar the right way.
Enjoy the Final Puff
The final puff of the cigar packs a punch, and this is because the smoke gets accumulated within, and the last drag can give you a hit like no other.
Of course, if you decide to smoke down to the final third.
Before we even think about putting the cigar out, there is something we need to do.
The first real step is to recline in your chair and take that final puff, enjoying the full taste of the cigar.
Let the Cigar Burn Out in the Ashtray
You must prop up the cigar in your ashtray and let it burn out.
Don’t try and stub it into the ashtray to try and put it out, and it’s not going to work.
Cigars are thicker than cigarettes, so stubbing them isn’t much.
The best part is that the cigar wrapper is made from tobacco leaves (unlike cigarettes).
So setting it down on the ashtray until it burns out is the best way to put it out.
Ensure to Remove the Band
The band is the only part of the cigar that isn’t made of tobacco leaves. And before you set it down, make sure to remove the cigar band.
This is because the band can smolder and catch fire when the cigar is burning out.
While this won’t have a bad smell, it can still be a fire hazard.
The best course of action is to remove the band and discard it after you have completed 1/3 of your stogie.
The heat of your stogie will naturally peel off the glue used to wrap the band, so you won’t have difficulty removing it from your Cuban cigars.
You could also collect the bands as a memory of the stogie you just smoked.
Be Around Until Its Completely Out
A burning cigar is a fire hazard. Experts suggest staying by the cigar until it has fully burned out is advisable.
It’s because the embers of a stogie tend to stay around longer than any cigarette.
If these embers somehow ignite something flammable in the room, you risk something burning.
However, cigars generally burn out quickly, so the wait shouldn’t be too long.
Don’t Throw Your Cigar Butts Outside
DO NOT throw your cigar away while you’re outside. It is not a cigarette that will go out if you flick it away.
There is a high chance that the filler or binder is still burning, and this makes the cigar a fire hazard.
It’s better to put it out before discarding the cigar to avoid setting something ablaze.
Alternative Way to Put Out a Cigar
There is always an alternative. You may be in a rush and can’t wait for the cigar to burn out. There is a way.
Dip the lit end in some water to put out a cigar instantly.
This will extinguish the ember completely, and it will be safe to be discarded.
How to Put a Cigar Out For Later Use
Most people want to enjoy their cigars for extended periods. Smoking a full cigar is nothing like a cigarette.
While smoking a cigarette might take 5 to 7 minutes, a cigar can take upwards of an hour.
This means that you will need a considerable amount of time to finish a cigar. Most people don’t have that kind of time on their hands.
If you don’t want to waste your cigar, here are some steps you can take.
Ash And Purge
The first way you can use to save your cigar for later is by ashing and purging it. The process is simple.
Purging is blowing in the mouth end of the cigar to blow out any stale smoke.
Then pinch the end of the cigar and roll it until you have an inch-long cone.
This can then be re-ignited at a later time.
Cut And Purge Again
Like ashing and purging, it is to cut and purge the cigar.
This step is better than ashing your cigar. Use a guillotine cutter and cut an inch from the ash line, and proceed to purge.
This will make the cigar smokable for a later time.
Don’t Put A Half-Smoked Stogie Back In The Humidor
A lit cigar will start to release its aromas. Therefore, putting a half-smoked stogie back in your humidor can be a bad idea.
The released aroma can start changing the taste of your unsmoked cigars, often a bad taste.
So keep your half-smoked cigars as far away from your unsmoked ones as possible.
Store In A Plastic Bag
The tobacco leaves release oils and aromas, which can result in cross-contamination.
If your humidor is the place you want to keep your cigar, you must take the necessary precautions.
Keeping the cigar in a plastic bag or airtight container will prevent it from releasing its aroma and oils in the humidor.
Keep the rest of your cigars stored safely while allowing you to smoke your half-smoked stogie later.
The Taste Won’t Be The Same After
Lighting a new cigar and taking in the first drag is a feeling like no other.
Often, veteran cigar smokers advise you to finish your smoke once you have lit it.
However, most people tend to cut it and save it for later. The fact of the matter is the stick will not taste the same after you light it again.
Cigars have a robust and bold taste; once they are extinguished, you partially take away from the flavor.
While there is no harm in saving a half-smoked cigar for later, keep in mind that the taste of the smoke will have a significant difference.
