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The Cigar Association of America opined that cigar consumption has steadily increased in the U.S. and globally. To further assert this viewpoint, statistics indicate that over 13 billion cigars were sold in 2022. This growing appreciation for cigars is impacted by the several benefits gotten from each puff. With each puff, cigar enthusiasts relax, bond with loved ones, and sometimes sip a beverage.

The individual’s experience of enjoying a cigar varies based on the cigar, smoking pace, and other conditions. If care is not taken, what started as a social bonding and celebratory tradition can become boring. Aficionados who understand factors contributing to their cigar experience can tell how long it takes to smoke a cigar.

This knowledge, as detailed below, fosters a better smoking experience and prevents waste. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced smoker, knowing how long it takes to smoke a cigar will help you plan your smoking session accordingly. In addition, this article discusses factors responsible for time spent smoking a stogie and how you put out a cigar.

What Factors Influence How Long It Takes to Smoke a Cigar

On average, how long it takes to smoke a cigar is about 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, the two ends of this time spectrum of how long it takes to smoke a cigar depend on different factors. Hence, this section explores those factors needed to have a robust understanding of how long it takes to smoke a cigar.

Length

One of the primary contributors to how long it takes to smoke a cigar is the length of the cigar. Longer cigars with thicker bodies often contain more tobacco, allowing for a slower burn and lengthier enjoyment. Contrarywise, smaller cigars burn faster, like a 5-inch robusto, which typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

How long it takes to smoke a cigar 7-inch like Churchill is about 90 to 120 minutes. A cigarillo, which is smaller at around 3 to 4 inches, may take only 15 to 20 minutes to finish. The heat in a shorter-shaped cigar intensifies more quickly because it is close to the palate when lit up. Length is often assumed to be the most important determinant of how long it takes to smoke a cigar.

Ring Gauge

The ring gauge, which is another factor to tell how long it takes to smoke a cigar, refers to the diameter of a cigar. Typically, a larger ring gauge means a slower burn due to the greater amount of tobacco in the wrapper. Thicker cigars not only burn slower but also provide a cooler, richer smoking experience. For example, how long it takes to smoke a cigar of a 60-ring gauge is about 2 hours.

Small-sized cigars like panatelas with a 34-ring gauge burn faster and take less time smoking a stogie. These cigars have less tobacco packed in their narrower diameter. Hence, a 26-ring gauge cigarillo can last between 5-20 minutes. You can have a cigar smoke time chart to prepare your mind for how long it takes to smoke a cigar based on its ring gauge.

Smoking Pace

Smoking habits, especially pace, are an integral part of how long it takes to smoke a cigar. If you puff quickly, the cigar burns hotter and faster. The speed employed in smoking can significantly reduce the time spent smoking a stogie. For instance, an hour can be reduced to half when you are too quick.

The recommended time on how long it takes to smoke a cigar by experienced smokers for pacing one’s puff is about 30 to 60 seconds to ensure an even burn. A well-paced smoke will extend the time spent smoking a stogie. Also, you can take your time to enjoy the full flavor of the cigar without overheating it.

Cutting Method

Your cutting method and tool can greatly impact how long it takes to smoke a cigar. A straight cut, which removes the cap cleanly, allows for a smooth, steady draw. This method ensures a consistent burn and average time spent smoking a stogie. Hence, a cutter shortens how long it takes to smoke a cigar.

On the other hand, a punch cut creates a smaller opening, which restricts airflow slightly. This restriction can extend how long it takes to smoke a cigar by slowing down the burn. In addition, choosing the proper cutting tool that ensures a clean cut enhances your experience and shortens your smoking session.

Environmental Factors

Humidity and wind are environmental factors that can prolong how long it takes to smoke a cigar. Windy environments accelerate the burn rate and reduce time spent smoking a stogie. Likewise, dry conditions will cause the cigar to burn faster. When humidity is high and the wind is controlled, the cigar will burn slowly.

Hence, you should choose a calm setting with 65% to 72% humidity to ensure a steady burn. For instance, smoking indoors provides an environmental condition balance that preserves the cigar’s flavor and ensures a consistent burn. If the humidity drops below 60%, cigars dry out and burn faster. Whereas, a dry cigar may only last 20 to 30 minutes when how long it takes to smoke a cigar ought to be an hour.

How Long It Takes to Smoke a Cigar?

The time it takes to smoke a stogie depends on the type, size, environment, and how you smoke it. On average, smoking a cigar can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Smaller cigars, like cigarillos of 3 to 4 inches, can last only 15 to 20 minutes. Medium-sized cigars, such as robusto that are 5 inches long, can last up to 30 or 45 minutes. Larger cigars, like Churchill of around 7 inches or double corona of about 8 inches, can last 90 to 120 minutes to finish.

Your smoking pace also determines how long it takes to smoke a cigar. When you take slow puffs, paced at about 30 to 60 seconds apart, the cigar will last long. Similarly, external factors like wind or humidity can influence burn time. To fully enjoy a cigar, plan your smoking session based on its size, ideal location, and your preferred smoking pace.

How To Put a Cigar Out?

How To Put a Cigar Out?

When you are done with a smoking session, proper disposal or storage is important, depending on whether you finished the cigar. To dispose of a cigar, you need an ashtray where it can rest and allow it to extinguish. After 2 to 3 minutes, the cigar is snuffed without giving off odors or the ash flaking off.

Unlike cigarettes, you do not need to crush or stub out your cigar. Trying to crush a cigar can also damage the ashtray. However, you can use a snuffer if the burning does not stop after a while. After that, you can dampen it and dispose of it in the refuse bin regardless of how long it takes to smoke a cigar.

If you plan to relight the cigar later, cool it completely, then store it carefully. A relit cigar may lose some of its original flavor. Hence, it is best to use a snuffer for a cleaner finish. When using a snuffer, avoid forcing it to preserve the tobacco in the wrapper.

What Is the Best Way to Store Cigars at Home?

Storing cigars properly at home is essential to maintain their quality and how long it takes to smoke a cigar. The best way to store cigars is in a humidor. A humidor keeps cigars fresh by maintaining a humidity level of 65% to 72% and a temperature of 70°F (21°C). This prevents cigars from drying out or becoming too moist.

Humidors come in various sizes and can store anywhere from 20 to a couple of thousand cigars. If you do not have a humidor, use a cigar box or a sealed plastic container with a humidity pack. Place a hygrometer inside to monitor humidity levels. Storing cigars in the refrigerator is a wrong practice, which will damage the cigars.

To start proper storage that will ensure you are smoking a stogie that lasts long and burns evenly, visit the official website of Mozsly. You will get premium cigar humidors and boxes that fit your interior aesthetics and traveling needs. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned aficionado, our solutions are the right tools to ensure every cigar burns evenly and lasts long. Visit our store now to find the perfect accessories for your cigar-smoking journey.

What You Should Know about How Long It Takes to Smoke a Cigar

Slow, steady puffs are best for enjoying the full flavor of the cigar without overheating it, which prolongs the time spent smoking a stogie. In addition to the smoking pace, other details like length, ring gauge, wind, and humidity, affect how long it takes to smoke a cigar. Afterward, you properly store your cigars using a humidor to ensure fresh burn. Whether you have 20 minutes or 2 hours to spare, knowing how long it takes to smoke a cigar will help you enjoy each puff to the fullest during your smoking session.

FAQ about How Long It Takes to Smoke a Cigar

Here are some popularly asked questions online about how long it takes to smoke a cigar.

1. Do you have to smoke a cigar in one sitting?

No, you do not have to smoke a cigar in one sitting. Depending on how long a cigar lasts, you can relight it later, but it may not retain its freshness. If you plan to take a break, let the cigar cool completely before storing it.

2. How should a beginner smoke a cigar?

Beginners should start with a smaller cigar, like a Robusto or a cigarillo because they are easier to smoke. Take slow, steady puffs every 30 to 60 seconds to avoid overheating. Savor the flavors by letting the smoke linger in your mouth, but avoid inhaling the smoke.

3. Can you smoke two cigars in a day?

Yes, you can smoke two cigars in a day if you enjoy them responsibly. To fully appreciate their flavors, you can space them out with a break in between. Drinking water or eating during the break can also cleanse your palate.

4. What not to do when smoking a cigar?

When smoking a cigar, avoid inhaling the smoke. Cigar smoke is meant to be enjoyed by savoring the flavors in your mouth. Do not puff too quickly, as this can overheat the cigar and ruin its cigar flavor. Furthermore, avoid crushing the cigar when putting it out.

5. How should you put out a cigar?

To put out a cigar, place it in an ashtray and let it extinguish naturally after a few minutes. Allow the cigar to cool completely before disposing of it or storing it for later use. If you intend to relight it, you can use a snuffer to put out the cigar.