For cigar lovers, every puff is part of a ritual — a moment to unwind, reflect, and savor the craftsmanship of fine tobacco. But when it comes time to finish your smoke, knowing how to put out a cigar properly is just as important as knowing how to cut, light, or store one in your humidor.
Unfortunately, many beginners make the same mistake: treating a cigar like a cigarette and snuffing it out forcefully in the ashtray. Doing that not only ruins the aroma and flavor in the room but can also lead to harsh smells, accidental fires, and a poor impression among fellow smokers.
This guide will teach you exactly how to put out a cigar the right way, using proper etiquette and technique — so you can let your cigar extinguish naturally, maintain the integrity of the smoking experience, and respect both the cigar’s structure and your surroundings.
Why You Shouldn’t Stub Out a Cigar Like a Cigarette
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is trying to crush or stub out a cigar as if it were a cigarette. It might seem logical — after all, you don’t want it to keep burning — but this method is completely wrong for several reasons.
When you press or snuff a cigar’s tip into the ashtray, you force burning tobacco, oils, and ash into the cigar’s end, creating an awful stale smoke and a lingering bitter smell that fills the room. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are made of 100% natural tobacco leaves and designed to burn evenly and slowly. Crushing them disrupts that natural process and releases a harsh odor that’s hard to get rid of.
Cigars are meant to die naturally, not to be crushed or extinguished aggressively. A fine cigar will go out on its own once you stop puffing, usually within a couple of minutes. Letting it rest instead of stubbing it out helps preserve the cigar’s quality and the environment around you.
The Correct Way to Put Out a Cigar
If you’ve finished smoking or simply had enough for now, follow these essential tips to properly extinguish your cigar:
1. Set the Cigar Down
When you’re done, simply rest your cigar in the ashtray with the lit foot facing up or to the side. Avoid crushing, twisting, or snuffing it out. The cigar will naturally begin to die down as oxygen flow decreases.
2. Let the Cigar Extinguish Naturally
Within one to two minutes, your cigar will stop producing smoke on its own. This process allows it to extinguish naturally without creating the bitter smell that comes from crushing it.
This slow, calm method not only prevents harsh odors but also helps preserve the integrity of your cigar’s structure — showing respect for the craftsmanship behind it.
3. Wait Until It’s Completely Cool
Before you dispose of your cigar, make sure it’s fully out. You can check the cigar’s tip or foot; if no smoke or heat remains, it’s safe to handle. This step is essential for safety, as improperly extinguished cigars can still pose a fire risk, especially if tossed into a trash bin.
4. Dispose of It Properly
Once the cigar is cool, you can throw it away. Avoid dipping it in water or crushing it to be “extra sure.” These methods not only create a mess but can also release a strong, unpleasant smell. Simply wait until it’s cool and dispose of it neatly in your ashtray.
Common Mistakes When Putting Out a Cigar
Even seasoned smokers sometimes forget these simple rules. Here are the most common mistakes — and why they should be avoided:
- Crushing the cigar in the tray: This releases stale smoke and creates a harsh smell.
- Dipping the cigar in water or drinks: It may seem like a clever way to extinguish it quickly, but it creates a soggy mess and can ruin your ashtray.
- Leaving a burning cigar unattended: Not only is this a safety hazard, but it can also damage furniture or start accidental fires.
- Trying to relight a cigar that’s gone out for too long: Relighting an unlit cigar after hours or even the next day often leads to a stale taste and bitterness.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll preserve your cigar’s quality and maintain a smooth smoking experience from start to finish.
How to Relight a Cigar That’s Gone Out
Sometimes, you may set your cigar down for a few minutes and find it’s gone out. Don’t worry — this is perfectly normal. Cigars are designed to rest and can easily be brought back to life with the right method.
Here’s how to relight your cigar correctly:
- Gently Tap Off Excess Ash
Tap the foot of your cigar lightly over the ashtray to remove excess ash. This helps ensure an even burn when you relight. - Purge the Stale Smoke
Before you light it again, blow gently through the cigar to purge any stale smoke that’s built up inside. This step helps prevent bitterness and restores a cleaner flavor. - Toast the Foot Again
Using your lighter, re-toast the cigar’s foot until you see an even red glow across the end. Rotate it slowly to maintain a consistent line of burn. - Relight and Puff Gently
Take a few gentle puffs to get the burn going again. Avoid drawing too hard — slow and steady puffs will reignite your cigar while maintaining its flavor and integrity.
Following this method helps you relight without ruining the taste or creating a harsh, bitter experience. It’s all about maintaining respect for the cigar’s craftsmanship and flavor profile.
Why Letting a Cigar Go Out Naturally Is Best
Letting your cigar extinguish naturally shows care and understanding for the art of cigar smoking. There are several reasons why this is the best method:
- Preserves Quality and Flavor: Crushing or snuffing can release harsh odors and ruin the cigar’s taste. Letting it rest helps preserve its natural oils and prevents bitterness.
- Prevents Accidental Fires: Allowing the cigar to cool and die down naturally reduces the risk of burning surfaces or starting fires.
- Maintains Etiquette: Properly extinguishing a cigar is a sign of respect for other cigar lovers and the shared smoking environment.
- Avoids Mess and Smell: A cigar that’s allowed to die naturally won’t create that lingering, stale smoke odor that can ruin a room.
By letting your cigar rest, you enhance not only your own smoking experience but also the enjoyment of those around you.
Cigar Etiquette: Ending the Experience Gracefully
Cigar smoking is more than lighting and puffing — it’s an art that involves mindfulness and respect. How you end your smoke says a lot about your appreciation for the craft.
Here are a few essential tips for a clean, classy finish:
- Use a Proper Ashtray
Choose an ashtray deep enough to hold your cigar’s end and excess ash. This helps preserve your surroundings and keeps your setup tidy. - Keep Your Area Clean
After you finish, dispose of ashes and butts neatly. A clean tray enhances the room’s atmosphere and shows good manners. - Don’t Save a Half-Smoked Cigar
Many people think they can store a half-smoked cigar in the humidor for later. This is a mistake. Once lit, the tobacco’s oils and combustion alter the flavor, leading to a stale taste and unpleasant bitterness when relit hours later. - Respect Shared Spaces
Whether you’re in a lounge, at home, or outdoors, be mindful of the smoke and smell you leave behind. Properly extinguishing your cigar helps maintain a pleasant environment for everyone. - Appreciate the Craftsmanship
Every cigar you smoke represents the skill and care of artisans who rolled it by hand. Properly extinguishing and disposing of it shows respect for that tradition.
Advanced Tip: Using a Cigar Snuffer
While letting your cigar die naturally is the preferred method, some aficionados use a cigar snuffer — a small metal tool designed to deprive the cigar of oxygen and help it go out quickly without crushing or creating smoke.
If you use a snuffer, simply place the cigar’s lit foot inside and let it extinguish gently. This method helps preserve your ashtray’s cleanliness and avoids the bitter smell of smoke. Just make sure your cigar is completely cool before disposing of it.
Preserving Your Smoking Experience
Putting out your cigar correctly isn’t just about safety — it’s about preserving the experience. Every step, from lighting to the final puff, should reflect care and intention.
A well-made cigar offers a smooth, flavorful journey. Rushing the end or extinguishing it harshly can ruin that satisfaction. By letting it extinguish naturally and disposing of it properly, you respect the tobacco, the craftsmanship, and the entire ritual of cigar smoking.
So next time you reach the end of your cigar, remember: don’t crush, don’t dip, and don’t rush. Let it rest, cool, and fade gracefully.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to put out a cigar correctly is a key part of being a true cigar lover. It helps preserve flavor, prevent harsh smells, and maintain safety — all while respecting the art of cigar making.
To recap:
- Don’t stub or crush your cigar.
- Let it extinguish naturally in the ashtray.
- Wait until it’s cool before disposal.
- Avoid relighting a cigar that’s been out too long.
- Keep your area tidy and your humidor stocked with fresh cigars for your next session.
By following these simple yet essential steps, you’ll not only enhance your smoking experience but also set an example of proper cigar etiquette for others.
Lastly, if you’re ready to continue savoring premium cigars, explore our collection at LM Cigars. From smooth Dominican blends to bold Nicaraguan favorites, we offer everything you need to elevate your next smoke — and enjoy it from first light to last puff.