Hey there, cigar enthusiast! Let’s talk about something often overlooked but crucial – putting out your cigar. It’s not just about snuffing out a flame; it’s an art that can enhance your smoking experience and keep you safe. As a passionate cigar smoker myself, I know firsthand the importance of properly extinguishing your cigar. It’s a skill that can take your enjoyment to the next level and prevent unfortunate mishaps.

Proper Extinguishing Matters
You might be wondering, “Can’t I just stub it out and be done?” Well, not quite. Proper extinguishing is a big deal for several key reasons:
Reason | Explanation |
---|---|
Safety First | A smoldering cigar can be a fire hazard. Master the art of extinguishing for peace of mind. |
Preserve the Flavor | Proper technique keeps your cigar tasting great if you want to revisit it later. Hit the “save” button on your smoking session. |
Show Respect | Treat your cigar with care, from light to extinguish, to honor the artistry and craftsmanship. Be mindful of your smoking etiquette to show consideration for fellow aficionados and shared spaces. |
No one wants to accidentally start a fire or burn holes in their favorite smoking jacket. We’ve all had those heart-stopping moments where we thought, “Did I put that out properly?” Understand the importance of proper extinguishing to enjoy your cigars with confidence and respect for the craft.
The Science Behind the Cherry
Before we dive into extinguishing techniques, let’s quickly break down how cigars burn. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are whole tobacco leaves wrapped around more tobacco. This unique construction is why they burn slowly and evenly. The burning end, called the “cherry,” stays lit because:
- Constant oxygen supply (puffing feeds the fire with fresh air)
- Tobacco as fuel (oils and moisture in the leaves provide a slow-burning energy source)
Grasp this process to understand why simply crushing out a cigar like a cigarette isn’t the way to go. Stop this careful combustion without damaging the cigar’s structure. You’ve invested time and money into your smoking experience; don’t ruin it with hasty extinguishing.
Effective Extinguishing Methods

The Patient Approach
This method is for those who aren’t in a rush:
- Stop puffing and appreciate the smoke’s final wisps.
- Rest your cigar in the ashtray, giving it a comfortable spot to finish its journey.
- Walk away and let it go out on its own. Trust the process and resist the urge to interfere.
It usually takes about 10-15 minutes. This gentle approach is perfect if you’re planning to relight later. Plus, it’s pretty zen – a nice way to end your smoking session. Embrace the pause and let your cigar take its natural course.
Ashtray Technique
Got a proper cigar ashtray? Great! Here’s how to use it effectively:
Step | Action |
---|---|
1 | Find the wide, curved rest – your cigar’s new home. It’s designed to cradle your cigar securely. |
2 | Place your cigar with the burning end hanging over the ashtray’s bowl. This allows the ash to fall away cleanly. |
3 | Let gravity work. The ash will fall off as the cigar burns out. No tapping or forcing needed; the ashtray does the work for you. |
4 | Check back in a few minutes to confirm it’s fully out. A gentle prod with your cigar tool can verify the job’s done. |
This method is a win-win. It’s easy on your cigar and gives you a chance to admire your ashtray’s craftsmanship. Those elegant curves and contours aren’t just for show; they serve a purpose in your cigar ritual.
Quick Snuffing
Need to put out your cigar fast? Try this:
- Press the burning end gently against the ashtray bottom. Use a light touch to avoid crushing the cigar’s body.
- Roll it a little to ensure all embers are out. Think of it like tucking your cigar in for a nap.
- Don’t crush it! Smother the flame without destroying the cigar. Aim for a swift, clean extinguish, not a brutal ending.
Pro tip: This works best with metal or ceramic ashtrays. They can handle the heat without damage. You don’t want to mar your favorite ashtray or, worse, burn the surface beneath.
Emergency Cutting
Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do:
- Grab your cigar cutter. This trusty tool isn’t just for the beginning of your smoke.
- Snip off the burning end. A quick, clean cut will halt the burn instantly.
- Cut behind the cherry where it’s not burning. Remove the lit portion, not just the ash.
This is your last resort. It sacrifices more of the cigar than other methods, but it gets the job done quickly. When time is of the essence, or you’re caught without a proper ashtray, this technique can save the day.
Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there, but let’s learn from others’ missteps:
Mistake | Consequence |
---|---|
Stubbing it out like a cigarette | Messes up the wrapper and creates nasty flavors |
Dunking it in water | Ruins the tobacco and creates a terrible smell |
Tossing a smoking cigar in the trash or on the ground | Dangerous and rude |
Using wooden ashtrays or flammable surfaces | Scorches surfaces and creates a fire hazard |
Pressing a lit cigar against a hard surface can crack the delicate wrapper leaf and release bitter oils. It’s a surefire way to ruin your smoking experience and waste a good cigar. Soggy tobacco is never a good thing, and the stench of a drowned cigar is unforgettable (in a bad way). Trust me; you don’t want to go there. As cigar enthusiasts, we’re all about enjoying cigars responsibly and keeping our shared spaces clean and safe.
Proper Disposal
Once your cigar’s out, you’re not quite done. Here’s how to dispose of it properly:
- Let it cool completely in the ashtray. Patience is key here. Rushing to dispose of a still-warm cigar can lead to singed fingers or worse.
- If you’re indoors, wrap the remains in paper or foil. It’ll keep the odor contained. No one wants to smell stale cigar remnants, and proper wrapping shows consideration for your surroundings.
- Toss it in a non-flammable waste container. An enclosed bin or receptacle is best to prevent any lingering embers from causing trouble.
When outdoors, make sure the cigar is completely out and cool, then find an appropriate trash bin. And please, don’t toss butts on the ground. They’re not biodegradable and can harm wildlife. As cigar enthusiasts, we have a responsibility to minimize our impact on the environment.
Accessory Maintenance
Your accessories deserve some love too:
- Clean your ashtray frequently. Dump the ash, wash with mild soap, and dry thoroughly. A clean ashtray not only looks better but also functions better. Built-up ash and residue can hinder the extinguishing process and create unwanted odors.
- Keep your cutter sharp. A clean cut is crucial for both lighting and emergency extinguishing. Dull blades can fray your cigar’s end, making it harder to put out neatly. Invest in a quality cutter and maintain it well.
- Consider a cigar snuffer. It’s a nifty tool dedicated to putting out cigars safely. If you find yourself frequently needing to extinguish cigars on the go, a snuffer can be a handy addition to your collection.
Taking care of your gear not only keeps everything working well but also adds to the whole cigar experience. It’s a reflection of your dedication to the craft and your respect for the tools that enhance your smoking pleasure.
Elevate Your Smoking Experience
Putting out a cigar properly is part of the ritual. It’s about safety, preserving flavor, and respecting the craft. Whether you let it die out naturally, use an ashtray, snuff it out, or go for the emergency cut, the goal is to stop the burn gently and completely.
Remember, each cigar is a little work of art. Treating it right, even at the end, shows you appreciate the craftsmanship that went into it. Plus, it keeps you and your surroundings safe. No one wants to be the person who starts a fire or leaves a mess behind.
So next time you’re enjoying a cigar, think about how you’ll end the experience. Will you let it go out on its own, savoring every last moment? Will you employ the trusty ashtray for a clean finish? Or will you need to think on your feet with a quick snuff or emergency cut? Whatever the situation, you’ll be prepared to handle it with finesse.
A well-extinguished cigar is the perfect finish to a great smoke. It’s the final note in your cigar symphony, the closing line in your tobacco tale. Master the art of putting out your cigar to elevate your entire smoking experience.
So go forth, my fellow aficionados, and extinguish with confidence. Your cigars (and your smoking companions) will thank you. Happy puffing!

jay
Self proclaimed cigar expert. I've been smoking since 2010. I've practically lived at a cigar lounge from 10am to 10pm and trying every new cigar that came out for years.