When people debate the question of whether or not a cigar should be smoked fully or just halfway, they’re really debating whether or not there is something inherently bad about a half-smoked cigar. Whether or not a cigar is bad or good depends upon the tobacco and the wrap, not upon how much of it has been smoked.
This debate stems from inevitable changes that occur in the flavor of a cigar as it is smoked. This results from the act of smoking itself and from the build-up of tar in the tobacco as one works their way through the cigar. Some find this taste objectionable and some find that the cigar improves as one smokes it.
Relighting the cigar is the origin of much of this debate. A cigar which is relit must be lit in the same fashion as is a fresh cigar. One takes a match or a high-quality lighter”Nibo lighters are popular with cigar aficionados”and toasts the tobacco a bit before lighting. This ensures a good light. Many half-smoked cigars are simply plunged into the flame which results in a much harsher taste due to excessive temperatures. Remember to relight a cigar with the same care afforded a fresh stogie.
A cigar’s flavor may change a bit because, of course, the tobacco dries out a bit as the heat from the smoke travels through the wrapper. This also gives the last part of the cigar a slightly different flavor than the first part. This is unavoidable and, again, there are no hard and fast rules about this. Some individuals will stub out their cigar halfway through and others will chew on the butt long after its gone out on its own. It’s all up to the individual and one’s own preference should be the only thing that guides their choice in this regard.
To relight a cigar that’s gone out, the process is the same as the first light. The cigar must be warmed before lighting again. If one is outdoors, a wind resistant lighter is preferable to matches for this process. After relighting, the difference in taste will be more pronounced than when the cigar is smoked completely in one sitting. It is perhaps from such relighting that this myth has originated. A cigar is a personal thing. Its’ meant to be enjoyed by the individual and anyone who puts down the money for a fine cigar should smoke as much of it as they wish.
Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including , Dave also authors a premier blog.
