How to Relight a Cigar

Many question whether it is OK and how to properly relight a cigar.

The answer is YES; it is possible. Still, there is a high chance that some elite cigar aficionados will judge the person for doing it.

Maybe you got into a deep conversation or watched TV, neglecting to take a draw of your cigar.

Therefore, relighting a cigar and saving it for later is completely fine. But how much time until it’s no longer smokeable?

First, let’s find out how to relight your cigar and continue to enjoy it!

How to Relight a Cigar

Even the best cigar aficionado has faced this situation once in his lifetime, where his well-burnt cigar went cold, and he had to relight it.

Assume you are smoking a good cigar and put it down to receive a call.

By the time you return, the cigar is completely out, and now you have no other option than relighting it.

You should follow these steps to do it right.

Prepare the Cigar

First, you will have to tap the cigar and let out all the remaining ash.

It’s indeed burnt tobacco and carbon monoxide. This will lead to having feeling of tasting recycling burnt material.

Then clean the tip of the cigar with a toothpick and shed off the ash until he sees the blended tobacco end.

You can also take a guillotine cutter, place the cigar’s foot in by ½ inch from the ash line, and snap the blades together.

The quick snapping will leave a clean cut, but it can also crack the cigar.

So, you have to be careful that the cigar has enough length before cutting it.

Gently blow smoke or do a purging technique to get rid of excess stale smoke and built-up tar.

A little ash might fall from the cigar, but it is fine as it will shed off all the nasty tar.

Now the cigar is ready to relight.

Relight the Cigar

To relight it, slowly introduce the cigar’s tip to the fire and toast it, as you would normally light a cigar.

Be cautious about lighting it evenly to avoid any uneven burning along the way.

Note: Consider the ventilation in the room and constantly rotate the cigar while you smoke. Especially if you are outdoors.

The taste may not be the same as it was before.

But it might get closer to what you had before with a few puffs and shedding ash.

Can You Relight a Half-Smoked Cigar Later

Yes, you can relight a half-smoked cigar later if you don’t feel like finishing it.

Leaving a half-smoked cigar for a long time can affect the taste and increase the risk of cracking.

So, finish the remaining cigars within 24 hours if you do not wish to compromise the taste.

That’s why you’d ultimately like to finish a cigar in one sitting.

This allows you to completely appreciate the flavor profile, smell, and overall character of the cigar without being concerned about storing it for later.

Note: Pick a handmade cigar size according to the time you have to leisurely enjoy your smoke!

Reasons Why a Cigar May Need to Be Re-Lit Frequently

Relighting a cigar too frequently can harm the flavor and the entire cigar smoking experience.

Prevent your cigar from going out by identifying potential causes.

1. Poor Construction: A poorly constructed cigar may contain air pockets that prevent it from burning evenly.
   
   Usually, cheap cigars with a short filler that contains tiny bits of tobacco, also known as a Cuban sandwich, will have an inconsistent smoke.
   
   Hence, it may require you to relight it several times.
2. Incorrect Humidity: If a cigar is too dry or moist, it may not burn correctly and require re-lighting.
   
   Store your cigars at the proper humidity and check them with a properly calibrated hygrometer before smoking.
3. Incorrect Cutting: If a cigar is not cut correctly, the flame will go out.
   
   Choose amongst all the different cutting techniques to find what suits you best.
4. Drafts: The flame may go out if a cigar is subjected to drafts, such as wind or air conditioning.
5. User Technique: If a smoker puffs too infrequently, the cigar may burn out and require re-lighting.
   
   One puff every minute is just about enough for many cigar smokers.

Never Put a Half-smoked Cigar in a Humidor

It is not advised to keep a half-smoked cigar for later, but it is still acceptable.

But keeping them in a humidor with other cigars is a bad call unless you love the overcooked, smoky smell of already burnt cigars.

Once a cigar is lit, the odor, oil, and aroma it gives out can affect the taste of unburnt cigars.

This way, you will lose the chance to enjoy a premium cigar.

Leaving half-smoked cigars in a humidor will leave a hint of its smell as well.

We advise keeping it in a ziplock bag.

It will prevent the smell from traveling to other cigars.