Trimming and Relighting a Cigar | Lifestyle

by DaveSabot

The short answer is: Yes. A cigar can be relit and it would be a waste of money to toss half of a gourmet cigar away simply because one needed to extinguish it before they were finished smoking. However, there will be some impact on the taste of the cigar when it is relit. Some individuals find this change in taste objectionable while others either do not notice or even prefer the taste of a relit cigar.

There will be an ash at the foot of the cigar. There are two ways to deal with this. One may simply knock the ash off and relight the cigar where it stopped burning or they may trim the cigar back to the point where fresh tobacco is exposed. Generally, trimming the cigar back a little will make it taste a bit smoother. The change in taste results from the buildup of tar in the tobacco as it is smoked so there is some change that is unavoidable no matter how far one trims back the wrapper before relighting the cigar.

After the stogie is stubbed-out, it's usually a good idea to blow through it once to liberate any smoke that may have become trapped inside. This will lessen the change in flavor when it's relit. If the cigar happens to go out on its own, which happens from time to time, the smoke will usually dissipate on its own though one may wish to blow through it once before relighting to make certain.

If the cigar is trimmed back, there will likely be some darkening of the tobacco, particularly in the center of the cigar where the smoke tends to be drawn through the most. This is nothing to worry about and the tobacco will still taste good. In fact, some smokers actually prefer this taste as it has a bit more "bite" to it and offers a different smoking experience.

Given the size of most high-end cigars and the price that many of them command, it would be a terrible waste to throw half of one away. Cigars will sometimes go out on their own, as well, particularly if one takes a while between puffs. Whatever the reason, one doesn't need to be wasteful and the cigar can always be relit. Remember that multiple relights will increase the change in flavor so there may be a point where the quality of the smoke changes enough to make it undesirable to some smokers. Most often, however, even the most sensitive and discriminating smokers will find the taste of a cigar that has been relit once or twice completely acceptable and just as enjoyable.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of specialty cigar items, including lotus lighters, Dave also owns a premier online cigar accessories store.