How To Properly Put Out A Cigar

So, there I was, on a rather balmy evening, enjoying a cigar on my porch. The kind that’s a bit too fancy for a Tuesday, but hey, some days just call for it, right? I was deep in thought, probably contemplating the existential dread of running out of decent coffee, when a gentle breeze stirred. Next thing I know, a rogue ember, looking for an adventure, decides to go airborne and land perilously close to a pile of dry leaves. My heart did a little jig. A panic jig, if you will.

Now, in that split second, my brain did what it does best: catastrophize. Visions of my entire house engulfed in flames danced before my eyes. Thankfully, my much more practical hand took over. I swiftly grabbed my drink, which, thankfully, wasn't flammable, and executed a swift, albeit slightly undignified, stomp. The ember, startled by this sudden display of aggression from a beverage container, immediately surrendered. Crisis averted. But it got me thinking… how many of us, in our moments of cigar-induced bliss, actually know the proper way to put out a cigar? It’s not exactly covered in the Boy Scout manual, is it? Probably more of a “don’t burn the house down” kind of unspoken rule.

This little escapade, while thankfully minor, highlighted a surprisingly overlooked aspect of cigar etiquette. We meticulously discuss how to cut, how to light, and even how to store these glorious tobacco sticks. But the grand finale? The ignominious end? It’s often an afterthought, a hurried flick into the nearest available receptacle. And let me tell you, friends, there’s a much better way to send your cigar off to the great humidor in the sky.

The Gentle Art of Cigar Extinguishment

So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. Because, believe it or not, there’s a subtle art to this whole affair. It’s not about brute force or making a dramatic statement. It’s about respect. Respect for the cigar, respect for your surroundings, and frankly, respect for yourself for not creating an unnecessary fire hazard. Who needs that kind of drama in their life?

The most common mistake, the one I almost made with my rogue ember, is the frantic stomp or the quick flick into a regular trash can. While it might seem effective in the moment, it’s not ideal for several reasons. Firstly, it’s messy. You’re likely to get ash everywhere. Secondly, and more importantly, if the cigar is not completely extinguished, it can continue to smolder and potentially ignite whatever it lands on. Think about it. A smoldering cigar butt in a bin full of paper? Not exactly a recipe for a peaceful evening.

Why the Gentle Approach?

The primary goal of putting out a cigar is to completely extinguish the ember. You want to do this in a way that minimizes the risk of reignition and also prevents the release of that acrid, unpleasant smoke that comes from a smoldering cigar. That smoky, bitter smell? Yeah, that’s not the romantic aroma of a well-enjoyed cigar; that’s the smell of a cigar being murdered. And nobody wants to smell that lingering around their favorite smoking spot.

Imagine this: you’ve just finished a truly magnificent cigar. The flavors have been exquisite, the burn has been flawless, and you’re basking in the afterglow. The last thing you want is to ruin that perfect memory with a harsh, smoky end. The proper method ensures that the cigar’s final moments are as dignified as its life.

How to Put Out a Cigar the Right Way | Swiss Cuban Cigars

The "No-Smash" Method: Your New Best Friend

The most widely recommended and arguably the classiest way to put out a cigar is the "no-smash" method. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it looks like you know what you’re doing. Which, let’s be honest, is half the battle when it comes to cigar enjoyment.

Here’s how it works: Instead of crushing the end of the cigar, you’re going to gently press the ember into a non-flammable surface. Think of it as a gentle, firm kiss of death. Your goal is to suffocate the ember by depriving it of oxygen. No violent action required!

What You'll Need (Probably Already Have!)

You don’t need a fancy cigar extinguisher. Most of the time, you can make do with what’s readily available:

A Coaster: A thick, non-flammable coaster is your best friend. Ceramic, stone, or even a sturdy metal coaster will work wonders.
A Ashtray (the right kind): If you’re using an ashtray, make sure it has a flat, non-porous surface. The bottom of a ceramic or metal ashtray is perfect. Avoid those with intricate designs or soft materials.
A Stone or Brick Surface: If you're outdoors, a patio stone or even a clean brick can do the trick in a pinch. Just ensure it's not something that will easily catch fire.
A Metal Container: A small, empty metal tin or can (like one for mints or tobacco) can also serve as a makeshift extinguisher.

The key here is non-flammable. We’re not trying to start a secondary fire, are we? That would be… counterproductive to the whole "enjoying a relaxing smoke" mission.

How to Put Out a Cigar Properly [Guide] - SmokeProfy

The Step-by-Step Guide to a Peaceful Demise

Alright, let’s break it down. You’ve reached the nub, the last glorious inch or so. Your cigar has served you well. It’s time for its swan song.:

Take Your Final Puffs: Enjoy those last few draws. Savor the flavor. Don’t rush this part. Think of it as a fond farewell.
Locate Your Non-Flammable Surface: Grab your coaster, ashtray, or designated surface. Make sure it’s stable.
The Gentle Press: Bring the lit end of the cigar to the surface. Apply gentle, consistent pressure. You’re not trying to grind it down; you’re trying to press the ember flat. You’ll see the glow start to fade.
Hold for a Moment: Keep the pressure on for a few seconds after the glow disappears. This ensures the ember is fully extinguished. You might hear a slight hiss – that’s just the last bit of oxygen giving up the ghost.
Inspect: Once you lift the cigar, you should see a grey ash with no red or orange glow whatsoever. If there’s any sign of life, repeat the pressing process. You want it completely dead.
Ash Disposal: Now, you can safely discard the ash. If you’re using an ashtray, simply tap the ash into the bowl. If you used a different surface, transfer the extinguished cigar to your ashtray or a designated receptacle for used cigars.

See? Not rocket science, but it requires a little mindfulness. It's the kind of mindfulness that prevents you from having to explain to your insurance adjuster why your prize-winning petunias are now a pile of charcoal.

The "Smoked" Cigar: A Common Misconception

Now, let’s address something that often confuses people. What do you do with the cigar after you’ve extinguished it? There's a misconception that you should leave it to smolder in the ashtray to “finish smoking itself.” This is, frankly, a terrible idea. Unless you enjoy the smell of a burning garbage can, that is.

A cigar that continues to smolder after you’ve finished smoking will produce a bitter, unpleasant odor. This can permeate your smoking area, your clothes, and even your home. It’s the antithesis of a pleasant cigar experience. The goal is to stop the combustion process entirely, not just pause it.

How to Put Out a Cigar Properly [Guide] - SmokeProfy

Think of it like putting out a campfire. You don’t just walk away and assume it’ll go out on its own. You douse it, stir it, and make sure every ember is dead. Your cigar deserves the same respect. It’s the final act of appreciation for the craftsmanship and the experience.

The "No-Smolder" Rule

This brings us to the absolute cardinal rule: NEVER leave a cigar to smolder. It’s bad for the aroma, it’s wasteful, and it’s a fire hazard. If you’re in a situation where you absolutely must leave a cigar unattended for a brief moment, ensure it is fully extinguished before you do. Better safe than sorry, right? Especially when "sorry" involves flashing red lights and a lot of water.

What About Those Fancy Cigar Bins?

You might have seen those specialized cigar bins, often found in cigar lounges. These are designed with a sand or ceramic insert to help extinguish cigars. They work on the same principle: depriving the ember of oxygen. If you have access to one, by all means, use it! It’s the most convenient and aesthetically pleasing option. But if you’re at home or on the go, the coaster method is perfectly adequate.

A Note on Ash

The ash on a cigar is an interesting phenomenon. A well-constructed cigar will often hold its ash, creating a beautiful column. This is a sign of good quality tobacco and proper rolling. However, once you’ve extinguished the cigar, you don’t need to worry about preserving the ash. You can tap it off or clean it up as needed. The artistry is in the burning, not necessarily in the remains. Though, I do admit, a nice long ash can feel rather impressive.

How to Properly Put Out a Cigar - Cuban Cigar Online

When you’re pressing the ember, the ash might crumble a bit, and that’s perfectly fine. The goal is to get to the ember itself and smother it. Don't be afraid if a bit of ash falls away in the process. The important part is that the glow is gone. No glow, no fire. Simple as that.

The Ethical Smoker

Ultimately, properly extinguishing a cigar is part of being a responsible and considerate smoker. It shows that you’re not just indulging in a pleasure but doing so with a degree of awareness and respect for your surroundings. It’s about leaving your smoking spot as you found it, minus the lingering scent of a well-enjoyed cigar, not the acrid stench of a carelessly discarded one.

So, the next time you find yourself at the end of a satisfying smoke, take a moment. Don’t just flick it away. Take the extra ten seconds to perform the gentle press. It’s a small gesture, but it makes a big difference. It ensures that your enjoyment doesn’t inadvertently become a nuisance or a hazard for others, or worse, for yourself. Because who wants to be *that person? The one who sets their own patio furniture ablaze?

Remember, the journey of a cigar is as important as the destination. And a peaceful, smokeless departure is the mark of a true aficionado. So, let’s all commit to the gentle press. Your nose, your neighbors, and your local fire department will thank you. And who knows, maybe that rogue ember will think twice before embarking on its next ill-advised adventure. *Though, I suspect it might just be looking for a more skilled stomper.