Can I Smoke a Cigar Twice? The Truth About Relighting Your Cigar

Can I Smoke a Cigar Twice? The Truth About Relighting Your Cigar

Every cigar lover has been there—you light up a premium cigar, enjoy it for a while, and then life interrupts. Maybe a meeting calls, a dinner reservation beckons, or you simply don’t have the time to finish it in one sitting. The question then arises: Can you smoke a cigar twice? Is relighting a cigar a good idea, or does it ruin the experience? Let’s dive into the details of relighting cigars, the pros and cons, and the best practices if you decide to save a half-smoked cigar for later.

Can You Relight a Cigar?

The short answer is yes, you can relight a cigar—but the real question is whether you should. While cigars are crafted for a single smoking session, there are ways to revive a cigar without completely ruining the flavor. However, the longer a cigar sits out after being extinguished, the more its taste and overall experience degrade.

Why Smoking a Cigar Twice Isn’t Ideal

While relighting a cigar is possible, it does come with drawbacks:

1. Stale and Harsh Taste

Once a cigar goes out, the remaining tobacco continues to absorb moisture and air, leading to a stale and sometimes bitter taste upon relighting. The oils and tar that build up in the cigar can create an unpleasant aftertaste.

2. Uneven Burn

A partially smoked cigar has already undergone combustion, which means relighting it can cause an uneven burn. This might result in a lopsided smoking experience, making it harder to enjoy the cigar as intended.

3. Loss of Aroma and Complexity

One of the joys of smoking a premium cigar is experiencing the intricate blend of flavors. Unfortunately, a relit cigar often loses much of its complexity, resulting in a duller smoke.

When Is It Okay to Relight a Cigar?

If you must put your cigar down and want to relight it later, timing is crucial. Ideally, you should aim to smoke it again within a few hours. The longer it sits, the worse it will taste. If you leave a cigar overnight, expect a significantly diminished experience.

How to Properly Save and Relight a Cigar

If you’re determined to finish your cigar later, follow these steps to minimize damage to the smoking experience:

1. Properly Extinguish the Cigar

Never stub out a cigar like a cigarette. Instead, let it go out naturally by placing it in an ashtray and letting the ember die. This helps avoid crushing the tobacco and releasing bitter flavors.

2. Store It Correctly

For short-term storage, place the unfinished cigar in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container. If you have a humidor, you can temporarily store it there, but avoid mixing it with fresh cigars as the stale aroma could affect them.

3. Cut Off the Burnt End

Before relighting, use a cigar cutter to remove about half an inch from the burnt end. This helps eliminate the built-up tar and ash, allowing for a cleaner draw when you light up again.

4. Purge the Cigar

Before taking a puff, blow gently through the cigar instead of inhaling. This helps clear out any lingering stale smoke.

5. Toast and Relight Slowly

Use a butane torch or wooden match to toast the foot of the cigar evenly before taking your first puff. This helps reignite the tobacco without scorching it.

Alternatives to Relighting a Cigar

If you frequently find yourself unable to finish a cigar in one sitting, consider these options instead:

1. Choose Smaller Cigars

Opt for a shorter smoke like a robusto, petite corona, or cigarillo instead of a Churchill or a double corona. These cigars are perfect for quicker smoking sessions without sacrificing flavor.

2. Time Your Sessions Better

Make sure you have at least 45 minutes to an hour if you’re smoking a full-sized cigar. If you’re short on time, save your premium cigars for more relaxed occasions.

3. Enjoy a Nub-Only Session

Some smokers prefer only the last third of a cigar, where flavors intensify. If you’re one of them, cut the cigar into thirds before lighting up and smoke only the last portion when you’re ready.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Smoking a Cigar Twice?

While it is possible to smoke a cigar twice, it’s rarely the best experience. Relighting a cigar often results in a harsher, less flavorful smoke that lacks the original complexity. However, if you follow proper relighting techniques, you can salvage the experience to some degree.

For the best cigar enjoyment, try to smoke in one sitting. If that’s not possible, ensure you store and relight your cigar properly to minimize the downsides.

Still, the best solution? Choose a cigar that fits your available time and enjoy it in one uninterrupted session. That way, you get the full flavor and experience exactly as the master blender intended.

What’s Your Experience?

Have you ever relit a cigar? Did it taste just as good, or was it a disappointment? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!