How do you purge a cigar and should it stay lit?

Purging a cigar is fairly simple. To do it, you simply blow, instead of inhaling, flushing fresh oxygen through the cigar. When I do it, I usually leave the cigar lit, however, it’s totally possible to do it on a cold draw, as well — when the cigar is unlit.

Now, the primary reason I usually do it is because I’m tasting something unwanted while smoking like tar, chemicals, or stale smoke build-up. Some will purge a cigar that they’ve saved for later. For example, they might have started smoking the cigar previously and returned to it after it had been resting for a while and presumably gone out. I do not recommend doing this, but you can, it’s your cigar.

Why else do you purge a cigar?

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The two primary reasons are to relight a cigar or to simply purge some of the unwanted flavors like bitterness, tar, and chemical tastes. Blowing through the cigar introduces fresh oxygen and helps expel some of those nasty elements. You might even consider purging a cigar on a cold draw before you even light it up for the first time.

If you’re the type of person who has a lot of saliva, and that saliva builds up in the head of the cigar, purging regularly helps retain the flavorful experience. As you’d expect, that tar tends to build up fast in a wet cigar.

Purge a cigar: Quick guide

• Tap any loose ash into an ashtray to make sure it won’t fall off in your lap.
• Put the cigar head to your lips and gently blow out, instead of inhaling.
• Continue blowing and you’ll notice smoke billowing out, just as if you were inhaling.
• Do this for as long as you feel is necessary.
• Continue smoking like normal.

That’s it. Pretty simple. You should also notice the cigar either returned to its more flavorful experience, or you’re able to pick out some of the nuanced flavors better. If that’s not the case, and it still tastes gross, it might be time to toss it.

I hate to waste a good cigar, but sometimes, it’s just not worth it. If you’re not having a pleasant experience, don’t force it.

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