Expert: James Yee - 6/9/2007

Question
My cigars frequently go out due to pauses in smoking. Is there a method of
caring for or smoking the cigar that will prolong its ability to stay lit? When
relighting, it seems to me that I change the character of the cigar when I clip the
ash and "coal" off completely. I usually just knock the ashes off to expose a
burnable surface, and then relight. Any thoughts on these methods? Are either
considered preferable in a social situation?

Answer
Hi Michael,

To keep your cigar lit while smoking, the general rule of thumb is to take at least one full puff of your cigar every minute.  (The average smoker usually takes two puffs within a minute.)  This should keep the cigar burning steadily and make it less likely to burn out.  Of course, sometimes we may inadvertently let the cigar burn out due to long idle moments during smoking.  To relight the cigar when this happens, thoroughly tap all the loose ash off and then relight.  Slowly light the rim of the cigar foot first and then light the center of the foot while you slowly rotate the cigar with your fingers.  If you’re using a torch lighter, lightly toast the rim of the foot first and then the center of the foot.  To prevent scorching and excessive burning, keep the torch flame moving in a circular pattern while you light the foot.  Be sure to allow the flame to light the entire surface of the foot of the cigar before taking the initial puff.  This will allow an even burn and reduce your chances of a weak burn, which can eventually go out.

Once the cigar is lit, taking a puff at least once every minute should keep the burn going.

Clipping the burnt-out end of the cigar off before you relight is not necessary.  The only time you would need to do this is if you want to save the cigar to smoke later.  By clipping the charred end off before placing the cigar in a cigar tube or Ziploc bag, you are removing most of that stale, bitter aroma and taste partially smoked cigars develop after they have gone out.

Hopes this answers your questions. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask!

Regards,
James