How to put out a cigar effectively

When getting into the art of cigar smoking, you will likely research the different types of cigars on offer, as well as how to cut, light, and smoke your cigar. However, a common oversight for beginner cigar smokers can be learning how to put out a finished cigar.  

How to extinguish a cigar  

If you are used to smoking cigarettes, it can be tempting to snuff out the cigar on an ashtray when you’ve finished with it. While it works well for cigarettes, it is a bad idea for cigars. Snuffing releases foul-smelling odours into the air, which will likely ruin the pleasant smoking experience you have just enjoyed.  

The simplest way to put out a cigar is to leave it on the ashtray and wait for it to extinguish on its own. If you are not actively inhaling through the head, the foot receives less oxygen, and so the cherry will quickly go out. Check your cigar is fully extinguished before discarding it, to make sure there is no risk of starting a fire.  

If you have left the cigar band on, do not leave this in the ashtray as it begins to smell badly if it is burned. It is a good idea to take it off when the end is about an inch from the band. The heat will loosen the glue and help it slide off easily. You can throw away your cigar band, but many choose to collect them.  

A quicker way to properly put out your cigar is to place the burning end into water and then discard it. 

The final method is to invest in a cigar snuffer, which is a shallow metal cup. You stand the cigar in cherry-side down, and this quickly suffocates the flame.  

Can you put out a cigar for later?  

If your cigar goes out while you’re smoking it, or you want to put it down for a few hours, you can relight and continue to enjoy it. However, it isn’t recommended to relight a cigar that has been extinguished for many hours.  

To relight your cigar, make sure you have gently tapped off the ash. Otherwise, you will be lighting and inhaling burnt tobacco, which will leave an unpleasant burnt taste in your mouth. Then light your cigar as you normally would. 

Now you know how to extinguish and relight your cigar, you are ready to begin your smoking journey. Discover the range of cigars we offer.