So, you had to put your cigar down before finishing it. Life happens. The question is, can you pick it up later and still get a decent smoke? The short answer: yes, carefully. The long answer: it won’t taste the same, but if you do it right, you can salvage a respectable second round.
Is It Worth Saving a Cigar?
Once a cigar has been lit, the oils and tobacco inside have already started breaking down. The flavors change, and if left out too long, it’ll dry out and taste stale. But if it was a quality cigar to begin with and you store it properly, you can still get a satisfying smoke out of it. Just don’t expect it to be as good as the first time—kind of like reheating steak in the microwave.
Cut Off the Burned End
Before you even think about relighting, do yourself a favor and chop off the ashy, charred end. That’s where all the bitter, leftover smoke lingers, and trust me, you don’t want to taste that. Cut at least half an inch to an inch below the burn line to expose fresh tobacco. This helps get rid of most of the stale taste and gives you a fighting chance at an enjoyable second smoke.
Keep It Away from Other Cigars
This is non-negotiable: do not put that half-smoked cigar back in your humidor. Unless, of course, you want every cigar in there to smell like a used ashtray. The burnt end releases a strong, stale odor that will sink into the Spanish cedar and cling to your good cigars like a bad cologne. Keep that thing far, far away from your precious humidor.
Isolate the Cigar in an Airtight Environment
Since your humidor is off-limits, you need a different way to store your rescued cigar. The easiest option? A Ziploc bag. It keeps the air exposure low and stops it from drying out too fast. If you want to get a little fancier, use a small Tupperdor (a plastic container with a good seal) to maintain some humidity. You don’t need a humidification pack—just somewhere airtight so it doesn’t turn into a dried-out husk overnight.
How Long Can You Keep a Half-Smoked Cigar?
You’re on borrowed time with a cigar that’s already been lit. If you plan on finishing it, try to do so within 24 hours—after that, it’ll taste like disappointment. Anything past a day and you’re better off just grabbing a fresh one.
How to Re-Light a Saved Cigar the Right Way
Before lighting up, toast the foot evenly and then purge the cigar—take a light draw and immediately blow the smoke out before your first real inhale. This helps clear out any stale, leftover smoke from the previous session. Then, take slow, steady puffs to get it burning evenly again. It won’t be the best smoke you’ve ever had, but at least you won’t be choking on old, acrid fumes.
Final Thoughts: Should You Save a Cigar for Later?
If you have to, you can save a cigar for later. Just do it properly—cut off the burnt end, keep it isolated, and don’t wait too long to finish it. Will it taste as good as it did the first time? No. But if you follow these steps, it won’t taste like regret either.
