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Cigars are luxury items that require attention to prepare, enjoy, and store. With over 500 cigar brands and scores of cigar types, one is likely to botch a cigar if care is not taken. One process to pay attention to is ensuring the application of the right etiquette when considering how to put out a cigar.

While enjoying a cigar can be a relaxing experience, many connoisseurs are unsure how to put out a cigar properly. The one mistake that seems to be very recurrent, especially among novice cigar smokers is treating it like cigarettes. To further avoid such confusion and damages resulting from it, this article discusses the right approach to put out a cigar.

In this article, we will discuss alternative methods of putting out a cigar. We also discuss identifying the right time to put off your cigar. Furthermore, you will find below how to save a cigar correctly for reuse.

Why is there an etiquette to put out a cigar?

It is against health safety and social norms to put out cigars anyhow. To begin with, cigars are crafted with high-quality tobacco leaves that burn slowly. They are not coupled with chemicals, as seen in cigarettes, for quick burning. This slow burn should be respected, when considering how to put out a cigar, not to make a mess of the ashes.

Hence, you can mess up the ambiance if you stub the ash or try to put out the cigar in haste. Tmbiance can be distorted because of the ashy mess or release of a burnt odor. Not knowing how to put out a cigar properly is considered disrespect to others sharing a cigar with you, especially in an upscale setting. The proper etiquette shows respect for the cigar craftsmanship and others sharing the space with you.

Another reason for proper cigar putting out etiquette is to maintain the integrity of the cigar. If you intend to relight the cigar, you need to put it off properly. The same applies to the ashtray. You can damage the ashtray or risk a fire hazard if you do not follow the right process to put out a cigar.

How to Put Out a Cigar

With the understanding of the importance, here is the proper etiquette needed to put out a cigar.  By following these steps, you learn how to put out a cigar without disrupting the experience or creating an unnecessary mess. It is of utmost importance while following this process to exercise patience.

The most natural way to put out a cigar is to let it rest in an ashtray. Place the cigar down and allow it to go out after a few minutes. Cigars are made of natural tobacco and will extinguish within 2-3 minutes of being left alone. Once the cigar has gone out, tap the ash off gently.

Do not smash or grind the ash into the tray as this can damage the cigar’s construction. Also, such grinding or stubbing, as done with cigarettes, can destroy the ashtray. Stubbing can damage the tobacco leaves and release a harsh odor that lingers in the air. After applying the process of put out a cigar, dispose of it responsibly in an ashtray or designated area without littering public spaces.

Alternative Ways of  Put Out a Cigar

In addition to the natural method of putting out your cigar, you may want to consider this alternative.These approaches use extra elements to extinguish cigar smoke. Hence, they are faster and more effective than the natural process. In many cases, they complement the natural process already discussed.

Cigar Snuffer

Cigar Snuffer

A snuffer is a small tool designed to extinguish cigar smoke without crushing them. It is a cylinder tube with an internal rib that forms an air seal compression around the cigar. Once you place the cigar inside the snuffer’s opening, gently press it to cut off the oxygen supply. Oxygen is the air element that fosters the combustion of tobacco leaves in cigars.

If you need to put out your cigar quickly, consider using a cigar snuffer. Snuffers are a clean, odor-free option when considering how to put out a cigar without damaging their construction. They are ideal for cigar smokers who want to save their cigars for later.

Cigar Cutter

Cigar Cutter

You can use a sharp cigar cutter to cut right above the burn line. The cut will remove the charred part and retain the remaining part of the cigar. A precise technique is needed for this approach because the wrapper is more delicate when its end is burning. Also, you need to avoid the burn line to prevent interfering with lingering embers.

Submerged in Liquid

Submerged in Liquid

Submerging the lit end of a cigar in water or other none combustive liquid is an effective way on how to put out a cigar quickly. While it is the most efficient method, it comes with a light odor. This method is best fitted for an emergency, which leaves the cigar unusable. Therefore, avoid this method if you plan to relight the cigar.

When Should I Put Out Cigar?

Knowing how to put out a cigar is as important as learning how to put out a cigar. A cigar is meant to be savored slowly. As a cigar burns down, the flavor may become harsh or bitter. Hence, when you feel satisfied or the flavor becomes too strong, you should consider how to put out a cigar.

Most aficionados recommend applying the steps on how to put out a cigar when there are about 1-2 inches left. If you are in a social setting and others are uncomfortable, it is courteous to put out the cigar. While a cigar is a means to socialize and even celebrate, not everyone sees it as such.

Another reason you can put out a cigar is if you are interrupted by another task or an emergency. You may need to step away to attend to something quickly or for an extended period. When leaving, put the cigar out gently and save it for later.

How to Save the Stogie Put Out a Cigar

If you have not finished smoking when you had to put out a cigar, then you might want to save it for later. Firstly, the method of putting out a cigar will tell you whether or not the cigar can be saved for later.For instance, you cannot damp the cigar in water in an emergency. Even if you want to use the slow-burn method, much of the flavor will be lost.

Therefore, the first step to save the stogie is to put out a cigar with a snuffer. That method will extinguish cigar smoke and ember faster while retaining the cigar flavor. Another good method to put out a cigar is using a cigar cutter. After which, you should consider proper storage that will not compromise the taste or quality of the cigar.

Before storing the cigar, allow it to cool completely. If you place a hot cigar in any storage, it will affect the flavor and temperature of other cigars. Hence, trim off the burnt end with a cigar cutter to remove the ashy taste when relighting the cigar later. Proceed to place the cigar in a cigar box or humidor.

If you do not have a cigar humidor, you can use an airtight container. Place a humidity pack and hydrometer alongside the cigar in the container. Whether you are using a humidor or an improvised solution, ensure the cigar retains the proper humidity level of around 65-72% to keep it fresh. Furthermore, you should smoke a partially extinguished cigar within 24 hours because the cigar may lose its flavor and develop a stale odor if kept for too long.

Storing Cigar after Put Out a Cigar

Invest in high-quality storage options like cigar humidors or boxes for the safekeeping of your cigars. Mozsly has some of the best-looking and efficient cigar humidors that will ensure your cigars stay fresh for months. If you are looking for premium storage options, consider visiting the official website of Mozsly. Proper storage protects your cigars and enhances your smoking experience and storage ambiance.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to put out a cigar properly is a safety precaution, a sign of respect for its craftsmanship and basic environmental environment. A proper practice is to extinguish cigars naturally or use tools like a snuffer, cigar cutter, or water. However, you can save a cigar for later with proper storage that ensures it retains its flavor and quality. That is why this article has discussed extensively how a seasoned smoker or beginner can maintain the integrity of the smoking experience.

FAQ on How to Put Out a Cigar

Here are some of the top questions online about how to put out a cigar.

1. How Do You Put Out a Cigar Fast?

To put out a cigar quickly, you can use a cigar snuffer or cutter. A snuffer cuts off the oxygen supply and can extinguish a cigar without crushing it. Alternatively, you can cut the cigar above the burn line. Also, damping the cigar in the water is a good way to put out a cigar.

2. Can You Put Out a Cigar and Relight It Later?

Yes, you can put out a cigar and relight the cigar later. Avoid submerging it in water when putting it out. After which, you should let the cigar cool, cut off its burnt end, and store it in a humidor. Then, relight the cigar within 24 hours to avoid stale flavors.

3. How Long Should a Cigar Last?

The duration of a cigar depends on its size, environmental condition, and smoking pace. However, a standard cigar typically lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Larger cigars, like Churchill or Double Corona, can last up to 2 hours when smoked slowly.

4. Can You Put Out a Cigar with Water?

Yes, dipping the lit end into water is the way to extinguish a cigar. This method ruins the cigar and should be avoided if you intend to relight the cigar. Use water only in case of an emergency. Extinguish cigars that are reusable naturally or use a snuffer.

5. What to Do If Cigar Goes Out?

If your cigar goes out when you are still smoking, let it cool and tap off the ash gently. Use a cutter to trim the burnt end, then relight the cigar gently. Puff slowly to reignite the tobacco without overheating it.