Relighting a Cigar

Relighting a cigar is the process of re-igniting a cigar that has gone out, either due to infrequent puffing, humidity imbalance, or natural burn inconsistencies. While relighting is perfectly normal—especially during long, leisurely smokes—doing it incorrectly can result in harsh flavors, uneven burns, and overheating.

Learning the right way to relight helps maintain the cigar’s integrity and flavor profile without ruining the rest of your experience.

relighting a cigar properly

Why Cigars Go Out

Cigars are made to be sipped slowly, not chain-smoked. But if you wait too long between puffs—typically more than 2 minutes—they naturally extinguish.

Common causes of cigars going out:

  • Infrequent puffing (less than 1 puff per minute)
  • High humidity, which dampens combustion
  • Overly loose draw leading to insufficient ember heat
  • Poor initial light, especially on the wrapper
  • Smoking outdoors in wind or cold conditions

“A cigar going out isn’t a failure—it’s a sign it needs your attention.”
— Cigar Aficionado – Cigar Relighting Tips

How to Relight a Cigar Properly

  1. Purge the cigar
    • Gently blow through the cigar to remove bitter, stale smoke
    • This prevents acrid flavors on relight
  2. Tap or trim the ash
    • Remove excess ash or charred wrapper using your cutter or finger
    • This exposes fresh tobacco for a cleaner relight
  3. Toast the foot
    • Use a torch lighter or soft flame to gently toast the foot of the cigar
    • Rotate slowly until the entire foot glows evenly
  4. Take slow puffs while rotating
    • Begin puffing gently as you apply flame
    • Watch for even ignition across the whole foot, including the wrapper
  5. Avoid overheating
    • Don’t over-puff or apply too much flame—it can scorch the tobacco and intensify bitterness

How Many Times Can You Relight a Cigar?

You can relight a cigar once or twice with minimal flavor loss if done properly. However, after multiple relights, you may begin to notice:

  • Increased bitterness
  • Stronger burnt tobacco taste
  • Loss of subtle flavor transitions
  • More frequent draw and burn issues

If a cigar requires repeated relighting, it may be too moist or poorly constructed.

Pro Tip: If the Cigar Has Gone Cold for Hours

If you leave a cigar unlit for several hours (or overnight), consider cutting off the smoked portion before relighting. This eliminates buildup of tar and stale smoke near the foot.

Related Glossary Entries

Summary

Relighting a cigar is an art as much as a necessity. While it’s normal for cigars to go out occasionally, the way you relight them makes all the difference in preserving flavor, aroma, and enjoyment. Take your time, purge stale smoke, and toast evenly—and you’ll be rewarded with a smoke that picks up right where it left off.