You sit down, light up, and relax. Ten minutes in, you’re fumbling for the lighter again. If your cigar keeps going out, it is not only frustrating, it can ruin an otherwise good smoke.
This guide covers every reason your cigar will not stay lit, from humidity problems to smoking technique, and how to fix each one. Let’s break down the common causes and what you can do to stay lit from start to finish.
Is It Normal for a Cigar to Go Out?
Yes, cigars are made from natural tobacco leaves and do not contain the chemical accelerants found in cigarettes. So if you set your cigar down for a few minutes, it will naturally go out. That is expected.
What is not normal is having to relight after every few puffs. If that sounds like your experience, there’s something else going on.
Why Your Cigar Keeps Going Out
There are several reasons a cigar may not stay lit, and most of them are preventable. Let’s walk through the most common causes so you can diagnose the issue and fix it.
You Are Smoking Too Slowly
Cigars need consistent airflow to maintain an even burn. If you wait too long between puffs, the ember cools down and dies. Puff every 30 to 60 seconds to keep the temperature steady. Any less than that and the cigar loses interest in burning.
Poor Lighting Technique
A bad light can sabotage your cigar before it really gets going. If the foot isn’t evenly lit, parts of the filler burn at different speeds, leading to uneven combustion and a higher risk of the cigar going out. You can brush up on proper technique with our full how to light a cigar guide, but here’s the short version: toast the foot, rotate the cigar, and make sure the entire surface is glowing before you take your first puff.
Your Cigar Is Too Moist
Over-humidified cigars can feel soft and spongy and are often hard to keep lit. Tobacco that is holding too much moisture will struggle to combust, leading to constant relights. This often happens when your humidor is above 72 percent relative humidity.
Your Cigar Is Too Dry
On the flip side, cigars that are too dry may burn too quickly and then extinguish. They tend to crack or unravel and can taste harsh and bitter. A dry cigar might light fast but struggles to maintain a consistent burn. The sweet spot for storage is typically between 65 and 70 percent RH, which you can achieve reliably through a high-quality humidor.
The Draw Is Too Tight
If your cigar is packed too tightly or has a dense plug of tobacco somewhere inside, it can restrict airflow. This makes it harder to get a proper draw, and without enough oxygen, the ember cannot stay alive. It feels like trying to drink a milkshake through a cocktail straw.
You Cut Too Deep
Cutting below the shoulder of the cigar can compromise its structure. It may unravel or allow too much air to rush in, cooling the ember down and putting it out. The ideal cut takes off about one eighth of an inch. Any more and you risk overexposing the filler.
It’s a Construction Issue
Even the best rollers can have an off day. If the filler is unevenly packed or the tobacco contains air pockets, the cigar will not burn properly. This is not your fault, and no amount of puffing will fix it. If the cigar burns wildly uneven or will not stay lit despite your best efforts, it could be a dud.
How to Keep a Cigar Lit
There are a few key habits that can keep your cigar burning evenly and consistently. These small adjustments can make a big difference.
Puff Steadily and Consistently
Keep a rhythm going with a puff every 30 to 60 seconds. Too often and the cigar overheats. Too rarely and it dies out. Think slow and steady, not frantic or forgetful.
Rotate the Cigar as You Smoke
Every few puffs, rotate the cigar slightly in your fingers. This helps all sides burn evenly. It also prevents one side from burning faster than the other due to gravity or uneven lighting.
Let the Ash Build Up
Allow the ash to form naturally and only tap it off once it reaches about half an inch. A short ash helps protect the cherry and maintain an even burn by insulating the ember. Flicking it off like a cigarette is a rookie move.
Watch the Burn Line
If one side is burning faster than the other, rotate the cigar so the slower side is facing down. Heat rises, and gravity can help even things out. You can also use your lighter to touch up the fast-burning side, but avoid over-correcting.
Be Patient When Relighting
If your cigar goes out, give it a minute or two to cool. Knock off the ash, then re-toast the foot and relight evenly. Rushing this process often leads to a harsh draw or lopsided burn.
How Humidity Affects Burn and Consistency
Humidity is one of the biggest factors in how well your cigar burns. Let’s look at what you should aim for and how to spot humidity issues.
The Ideal Humidity Range
Cigars burn best when stored between 65 and 70 percent RH. This range is considered to be the best humidity for cigars, and keeps the tobacco supple without being soggy. Too much moisture makes the burn difficult to maintain. Too little dries the cigar out, causing flavor loss and wrapper issues.
Signs Your Humidity Is Off
If your cigar feels spongy, burns unevenly, or goes out often, it might be over-humidified. If it’s brittle, cracks easily, or burns too fast, it might be too dry. Use a digital hygrometer to monitor your humidor and keep things steady.
Let Cigars Rest After Shipping
Even if you buy cigars from a good retailer, let them rest in your humidor for 24 to 48 hours before smoking. This helps them acclimate to your conditions and reduces the chance of an uneven burn or frequent relights.
When the Cigar Is the Problem
Sometimes, a cigar just isn’t well made. It could have an uneven roll, a tight plug, or an air pocket that ruins the draw. You’ll usually notice right away when a cigar feels off.
If you encounter consistent problems with the same brand or line, it might be worth trying something else. Even handmade cigars from top brands can have occasional quality control hiccups.
Final Thoughts
A cigar that will not stay lit is a headache nobody wants. Whether it is a humidity problem, a slow draw, or an uneven light, the good news is most of these issues are easy to fix. Learn how to pace your puffs, manage your humidor, and inspect your cigars before lighting up.
Remember, cigars are meant to be relaxing. If you are spending more time relighting than enjoying, something is off. Now you know how to troubleshoot like a pro and keep your cigar burning the way it should.
FAQ
Why does my cigar keep going out even when I puff regularly?
It could be a humidity issue, poor lighting technique, or a construction problem. Check your storage and inspect the cigar for soft spots or plugs.
How often should I puff to keep my cigar lit?
Aim for one puff every 30 to 60 seconds. That rhythm helps keep the ember burning without overheating the cigar.
Is it okay to relight a cigar?
Yes. Just be sure to knock off any ash and let the cigar cool slightly before relighting to avoid bitterness.
Can humidity really cause cigars to go out?
Absolutely. Cigars that are too wet do not burn well. Cigars that are too dry burn too fast and unevenly. Keep your humidor between 65 and 70 percent RH for best results.
