Trimming and Relighting a Cigar
Gourmet cigars can cost a fair bit of money and, given that they’re designed to offer a long smoke, one may well find themselves having to put the cigar out before they’re able to finish it. Cigars, fortunately, can be relit. While there will be a bit of change in flavor, there are ways in which one can mitigate this and the cigar will still taste excellent, even on the second light.
After extinguishing the cigar, many smokers blow through it to get rid of any smoke that may remain in the wrapper. This can lessen the buildup of tar. That buildup is principally what will change the taste of the cigar on the second lighting and it’s unavoidable that this will happen to some degree. Simply drawing smoke through the cigar causes this.
The tobacco in the center of the cigar will likely have a different appearance than that around the edges. In most cases, it will be a bit darker. This is nothing to worry about and the cigar will smoke fine. The lighting process for relighting a cigar is identical to the first light, involving turning the cigar over the flame. Torch lighters, liquid-fuel lighters or butane lighters will work fine, there is nothing at all that differs in the lighting process.
Some individuals prefer to blow the first puff back through the cigar. This can help mitigate the taste of tar build-up in the tobacco and spares the smoker a harsh draw off of the cigar. Some smokers blow through the cigar before lighting it, as well, especially if the cigar has only recently been extinguished or gone out in which case there may be old smoke hanging around in the wrapper.
Relight the cigar just as one would light a fresh cigar. The first puff may taste a bit strong but the taste will generally become mellower as one continues smoking. By the time the cigar is burning nice and hot, there should be little appreciable difference in the taste. Good cigars are priced in a way that makes throwing half of one away a total waste. Relighting a half-smoked cigar is sensible in terms of money and, of course, taste!
Related Reading:
- Is a Punch Cutter Lighter the Best Choice?
Anyone who is getting into the habit of smoking cigars, or who has been a cigar smoker for a long time, knows that they can find a number of different accessories and... - Cigar Cutters Come in Many Shapes and Sizes
I am an avid fan of Gina Gershon, so when I saw her on the cover of Cigar Aficionado I had to go out and buy my first cigar. The local cigar... - The Advantages of Windproof Lighters
A windproof lighter is a basic piece of equipment for those who enjoy the outdoors. These devices come in several different designs. There are different characteristics that make them windproof. Some of... - Flint Wheel Replacement For Lighters
While your lighter is likely of high quality, use and wear can reduce its functionality to a considerable degree. Some smokers find that they need to replace the flint wheel on their...
