How Long Do Cigars Last?
Cigars can be savored for around an hour if they are high-quality and have been stored properly. They are intended to be enjoyed slowly, like a fine whiskey or special dessert. They are great for long social events, especially after dinners. But how long do cigars last?
However, cigar burn times can vary dramatically based on the smoker, the quality of the tobacco, humidity, and other factors. In poor conditions, a cigar may only last half an hour.
Most cigar smokers choose to extinguish and dispose of a cigar before it reaches the very end. Here are more factors cigar smokers should keep in mind when figuring out how long cigars last.
Cigars can become harsh toward the end, but some of the richest and most complex flavors come out after at least a half-hour of smoking. Depending on the length and type of cigar, there may be a “sweet spot” between the halfway point and the end where the flavor is best.
Some enthusiasts advocate for stopping halfway through a cigar, as proceeding further may appear uncouth in very strict social settings. However, that would mean missing out on some unique flavors, so try to enjoy your cigar until there’s around 2” left.
Medium-width cigars should last at least 45 minutes if they are being stored and smoked correctly. Thick cigars burn cooler and more slowly than thin cigars, and therefore usually last longer. Cigars above a 52-ring gauge provide optimal burn time, as long as they are packed and wrapped well.
Thin cigars like panatelas burn quickly but also tend to be longer than thick cigars. Cigars below a 40-ring gauge are good for occasions when you may not have much time to smoke and don’t want to waste or try to store part of a cigar.
Ultimately, length has the biggest impact on how long a cigar burns. An 11” cigar lasts longer than a standard 6-7” cigar unless the 11” cigar is poorly made. Avoid cheap novelty cigars that are designed for looks instead of quality.
High-end brands tend to last much longer than cheaper ones. The masters of cigar manufacturing know how to select and pack tobacco to maximize burn time without compromising flavor.
Cohiba and Partagás are both known for making thick, slow-burning cigars. However, other high-end Cuban brands also have some excellent cigars that can last over an hour.
Decreasing the number of puffs you take can help your cigar last longer. Every puff causes oxygen to flow through the cigar, stoking the fire inside and causing it to grow hotter. Try not to puff more than once every 30 seconds, as this can increase the burn rate of the cigar. Learn more about how to puff a cigar.
Keeping enough ash at the end of your cigar also helps the cigar last longer. Ash helps block out oxygen and keeps the lit tobacco from burning too quickly. Although it can be tempting to tap the ash free if you’re used to smoking cigarettes, train yourself to avoid this habit.
The right amount of ash to keep on the end of a cigar varies. Well-made cigars can keep about an inch of ash on the end without it falling off. Even with cheaper cigars, aim to keep about a half-inch of ash to keep it from burning too quickly.
Pay attention to your cigar, especially if you’re smoking an unfamiliar brand, and ash it properly before any drops on you. If the ash gets too long and a crack appears in it, gently roll the end of the cigar in an ashtray to remove some of it.
Cigars that are too dry burn much more quickly and possibly affect the taste. Humidors should be kept between 70% and 75% humidity, with closer to 70% being ideal. If your humidor is not maintaining the correct level, replace or repair it as soon as possible to avoid serious damage to your cigars.
Cigars that are stored in conditions that are too humid may fail to light correctly, and the cigar’s draw and flavor profile could be affected by humidity. Instead of dramatically increasing humidity in an attempt to make cigars burn longer, try other techniques like smoking more slowly.
Depending on what kind of social setting you are in, slowing your smoking may help with both your cigar and your social scores. Puffing constantly on a cigar can make it look like you are more interested in the cigar than in the conversations happening around you.
Try to match your pace with your hosts, even in relatively laid-back environments. Take extra care to smoke slowly if the cigar was a gift. Stretch out your cigar as much as possible, ideally taking at least an hour to finish it.
Cigars can be a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience once you have the etiquette and best practices figured out. Take your time and savor the experience, whether you’re smoking alone or with friends. You can discover a whole new world of flavors and aromas, as you explore the world of fine Cuban cigars.
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