How to fix a plugged cigar | JR Blending Room | Blending Room

April 14, 2025

Learning how to smoke a plugged cigar can be a savior when your favorite smoke suddenly develops a resistant draw. This often means a blockage near the cap, and cutting the cigar the usual way might not clear it.

Let’s explore how to fix a plugged cigar and how to smoke it afterwards. We’ll start with the all-important question, “What is a plugged cigar?”. But first, ensure you’re familiar with cigar terminology like “cap” and “draw”, as we’ll use them throughout this guide.

What is a plugged cigar?

Before we answer that question, we must understand what cigar filler is. In cigars made with long filler, manufacturers layer whole leaves together and roll them, then wrap them in a binder. Brands chop the leaves into small pieces for short-filler cigars, similar to the preparation of cigarettes.

So, what is a plugged cigar? It’s any cigar where the draw is challenging. This typically indicates that the leaves are creating resistance, or something is blocking the air from traveling the full length of the smoke.

Fixing a plugged cigar

Locating the plug can help you decide how to fix a plugged cigar. Blockages often occur near the cap end because the cap can twist the tobacco leaves and prevent an easy draw.

Massage the cigar

The first way to fix a plugged cigar is to massage it, especially close to the cap end. This can straighten any twisted leaves and provide enough space for the air to travel freely down the smoke.

Lighting the cigar or applying some heat while rolling it with medium pressure between your thumb and fingers is also beneficial. A little heat will soften the leaves, allowing their elasticity to help release the plug.

Cut the cigar

If massaging the cigar doesn’t work, you could cut the end. Again, the cap end will most likely develop plugs if the cap pinches or twists the leaves, so a deeper cut can be a quick fix.

You might lose a little length, but if you notice extra bunching or resistance at the cap end, this is the best way to fix it and enjoy your smoke.

Break blockages with a stick or skewer

For deeper plugs, it’s time to perform some keyhole surgery on your cigar. Use a thin stick or skewer to pierce the length of the smoke, creating the space needed to draw the smoke through from the foot.

Keep the skewer straight—you don’t want to break through the wrapper. Thinner skewers are best because you don’t want to push the tobacco leaves and create further blockages. Work between them to create an open draw.

How to stop a cigar from getting plugged

Prevention is better than cure, so how do you stop a cigar from getting plugged? Occasionally, hand-rolling can cause a blockage. However, poor storage and cutting are the most common causes. Proper storage can reduce the severity of a plug or let someone smoke a cigar without further intervention.

Keep it at the correct humidity levels

Dry tobacco is less elastic, whereas damp tobacco leaves swell with humidity, worsening any plugging in the cigar. The general rule is 70/70 (storing your cigars at 70% relative humidity at 70 degrees Fahrenheit).

Cigars behave in different ways. But, keeping them in a humidor with proper humidity levels increases your chances of a great smoke.

Cut your cigar correctly

Biting the cap off your cigar might look impressive, but it risks crushing the leaves into a plugged end. Likewise, using blunt scissors or your hunting knife can have the same effect.

Designers create top-quality cigar cutters specifically for cutting cigars. They have sharp blades and smart leverage to easily clip the cap off your cigar, ensuring its leaf bunching stays intact.

Avoid moistening the cigar

Finally, knowing how to smoke a plugged cigar once it’s lit can help avoid any mid-smoke catastrophe. If you’ve managed to fix a plug, ensure you don’t moisten the leaves too much with your mouth, as this might create resistance again.

You shouldn’t ever introduce too much moisture from your mouth when smoking a cigar. Smoke it with dry lips, and the cigar should stay good for the rest of your session.