It can be intimidating when you set your eyes on a cigar for the first time, especially if you’ve chosen a gigantic vitola like a Churchill or Double Corona. Ideally, this wouldn’t be the case if you’re a first-time smoker.
Beginners should look for a mild to medium-bodied stogie that burns between 30- 45 minutes — a Corona or Robusto is perfect. But even then, you might think, “That’s a lot of cigar to work my way through.”
Of course, this will depend on how far down you smoke your cigar. Do you stop smoking at the halfway mark? Do you give up the ghost when you hit the cigar band (if you remove it in the first place)? Or maybe you keep drawing your cigar until the very end?
While it’s a hotly debated issue within cigar circles, it boils down to personal preference rather than actual etiquette. We’ve listed some points to consider, so you can decide when to put your cigar out.
How long does a cigar take to smoke?
Having a rough idea of how long your stick will take to smoke is always helpful. Cigars come in different vitolas (sizes), with each varying in smoking time. This is also useful to know when selecting a smoke to suit your situation.
For example, if you’ve a couple of hours planned on the golf course, you’ll need a cigar that’s par for the course, such as a longer size that will burn for a while. Similarly, if you’re short on time, you’re best off lighting up a smaller format.
These are some of the most common smoking sizes:
- Churchill (7 x 49) – 60 to 90 minutes burn time
- Corona (5.5 x 42) – 30 to 45 minutes burn time
- Robusto (5 x 50) – 45-minute burn time
- Toro (6 x 52) – 45 minutes to an hour burn time
The size of your cigar will also affect the subtlety of its flavors and how quickly heat reaches your palate.
How much of a cigar should you smoke?
There are no hard-and-fast rules on how far down you should smoke your cigar. Smoking only half your stogie seems wasteful. Meanwhile, other cigar lovers will suggest around three-finger widths should remain by the time you have stopped smoking. With time and experience, you’ll know your favorite tastes and what cigars you can smoke down to the nub.
Smoking a cigar is meant to be a joyous experience, but try to use common sense when deciding if enough is enough. There are several other factors to consider, including whether or not to remove the cigar’s label.
Should you remove the band?
Another matter of personal preference, cigar bands come in all shapes and sizes, with some covering as much as half the stick. Some argue in favor of removing the band before smoking as a preventative measure to ensure it doesn’t burn over the band, giving your stogie the unpleasant taste of burnt paper. Leaving your cigar band on can also be viewed as ‘showing off,’ especially if it is a rare or particularly expensive cigar.
Also, weigh up how the cigar feels in your hand. Cigar smoking is a pastime for the senses, particularly when it comes to touch. Removing the paper band can make holding your cigar more comfortable.
On the other hand, many experienced smokers enjoy their cigars with the band on. It gives the cigar its identity, with many bands adorned with intricate imagery and fabulous color schemes. If you decide to leave the cigar band on, wait until your past the halfway point of your smoke. This results in the heat from the end of your stick loosening the adhesive on the band, allowing you to safely peel it off without damaging part of the wrapper in the process. Consequently, many experienced smokers prefer to cease smoking after the ash reaches the band.
If you plan to smoke your cigar to the nub, you’ll still need to take the band off before it starts to burn. As attractive as many cigar bands are, they won’t improve the aroma or flavor of your stick if they begin burning alongside the wrapper leaf.
Does your cigar taste good?
Ultimately, the most crucial aspect of a cigar is how it tastes. If you don’t enjoy your smoke’s flavor profile, it’s irrelevant if it looks like a million dollars or has burned a sizeable hole in your bank account.
Longer cigars will likely go through more subtle transitions in aroma and flavor from beginning to end. A shorter smoke will likely give you a more immediate, intense smoking experience. This is because the lit end is closer to your palate.
As long as your stogie provides a satisfying taste and aroma, keep smoking it, but beware of burning your fingers.
How hot is your cigar?
Some cigars will turn hot and harsh as they burn closer to the nub, usually in the final third. Some can get to this point even quicker. This moment is referred to as when a cigar ‘turns.’ The build-up of oils and tars from the tobacco is typically the cause. It’s always wise to take your smoke slowly, so the cigar doesn’t overheat and create issues that may impact the taste.
For longer cigars like Churchills or figured shapes like Torpedos, the concentration of heat and oil can intensify as you get past the halfway stage. If moisture and oil accumulate at the end of your cigar and limit the draw, you can cut a little more off to loosen it up and continue smoking.
Many cigar connoisseurs revel in the part just before a cigar is finished, where the flavor, heat, and strength surge. However, if you don’t enjoy it or start feeling woozy, refrain from further puffing.
Similarly, if you’re pinching the cigar and it’s scorching your fingertips, is it worth the risk of dropping a hot cigar butt in your lap? Even worse, you could burn a hole in your beloved sweater.
A cigar can also become too small to hold, meaning you can easily burn your mouth. If you enjoy smoking your cigar right down to the nub, use a cigar holder to get the most out of every draw safely.
How to put your cigar out
When you’re happy there’s no life left in your smoke, or it’s becoming too hot and intense, you can let it rest on your ashtray to extinguish gracefully. There’s no need to stub it out like you would a cigarette — don’t forget to remove the band if you haven’t done so already.
Final thoughts
As you experiment more with different types of cigars, you will get to know which ones are irresistible to the very end. Apply common sense and stick with your beliefs — expertly hand-rolled cigars don’t tend to come cheap, so do whatever it takes for you to enjoy them.