Relighting a cigar happens to the best of us. While it can affect the taste slightly, you can still enjoy the rest of your smoke. Here's how to minimize the impact and get back to enjoying your cigar:
Prep for Relighting:
Ash Gently: Knock off the ash carefully. A harsh tap can cause the ember to break apart, making relighting more difficult.
Purge the Smoke (Optional): This step is debated by aficionados, but some recommend purging any stale smoke. Blow gently through the unlit cigar 2-3 times to clear the airway.
Relighting:
Use a Soft Flame: Avoid scorching the cigar with a strong lighter flame. Use a soft flame from a butane lighter or cedar spill (if you have one).
Toast the Foot: Hold the cigar near the flame to gently warm the end (the foot) without actually touching the flame. This helps even burning.
Light Slowly: Draw slowly as you relight, allowing the ember to catch evenly across the entire burning area.
Mitigate the Bitter Taste:
Burn Off Excess Char: You might taste some char bitterness initially. Take a few puffs and see if it subsides after a short bit of burning.
Adjust Your Puffing: Take slower and cooler puffs to avoid overheating the cigar and intensifying the bitter taste.
Enjoy the Rest: Relax and focus on the flavors coming through. Remember, the taste profile might be slightly different after a relight, but it can still be enjoyable.
Bonus Tip: If the cigar seems unsalvageable due to bitterness, it's okay to call it quits and save it for a short smoke later (within 24-48 hours) if you prefer.
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