how to put out a cigar

2 min read 18-01-2025

Cigars, unlike cigarettes, are meant to be savored. A proper cigar smoking experience includes a mindful extinguishing process. Improperly putting out your cigar can ruin the taste of your next smoke, and even leave a lingering unpleasant smell. This guide will teach you the best ways to extinguish your cigar, ensuring a clean and satisfying end to your smoking session.

Why Proper Extinguishing Matters

Putting out a cigar improperly can lead to several issues:

Lingering Smell: A poorly extinguished cigar can leave a lingering, unpleasant odor on your fingers, clothing, or nearby surfaces.
Compromised Future Smokes: The lingering ember can affect the taste of your next cigar, even if it's a different brand.
Safety Hazard: A smoldering cigar can pose a fire hazard if left unattended.

The Best Methods for Putting Out a Cigar

There are several effective methods for extinguishing your cigar; choose the one that best suits your circumstances:

1. The Ashtray Method: A Classic Approach

This is the most common and often preferred method.

Firmly Press: Gently press the lit end of the cigar into the ash receptacle of your ashtray.
Rotate and Press: Rotate the cigar slightly to ensure complete contact with the ash. Continue pressing until the ember is completely extinguished. You should feel no heat emanating from the cigar end.
Check for Embers: Before discarding, double-check to ensure no embers remain.

2. The Water Method: A Quick and Clean Solution

This method is effective for quickly extinguishing a cigar, especially if you're short on time or don't have an ashtray readily available.

Submerge the Tip: Gently submerge the lit end of the cigar in a glass of water for a few seconds.
Ensure Complete Extinguishing: Ensure the ember is completely submerged. Remove the cigar and check for lingering embers. This method prevents lingering smells better than most.

3. The Ash Method (For experienced smokers)

This method is suitable only for cigars that have formed a solid ash.

Tap the Ash: Gently tap the cigar to knock off a significant portion of the ash. This reveals a more easily extinguished ember.
Press Gently: Gently press the exposed ember against the inside of the ashtray. This is faster than the first method, but requires careful observation.

What NOT to Do

Avoid these methods, as they can lead to unpleasant odors and compromised future smokes:

Stomping: Stomping out your cigar is disrespectful to the craftsmanship and can release unpleasant smells.
Simply Leaving it: Leaving a cigar to go out on its own can result in a lingering ember and unpleasant smells.

Maintaining Your Cigar After Extinguishing

Once your cigar is extinguished, you may wish to maintain it for later use (though this isn't recommended for every cigar).

Allow to Cool: Let the cigar cool completely before storing it.
Proper Storage: Store your extinguished cigar in a humidor or airtight container to maintain its moisture. Ensure it's separated from other cigars to prevent odor transfer.

Conclusion

Extinguishing your cigar properly is a crucial part of enjoying the experience. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a clean, odor-free end to your smoking session and preserve the taste and quality of your cigars. Choose the method that suits your preference and situation, but always prioritize complete extinguishing to avoid unwanted lingering smells or potential fire hazards. Remember, the right technique elevates the cigar experience from start to finish.