Follow-up Question: But if I slow down my smoke, I won’t have time to smoke the entire cigar.

Answer: Buy a smaller cigar.

Question: I slowed down my smoking per your suggestion, but I still notice that near the end of the cigar I get that same acrid taste. Is there anything else I can do once this happens? I do not want to throw away my cigars.

Answer: Yes, there is something you can do: purge the cigar. Purging is pretty simple to do, but there are a few common sense rules that you will want to follow before (and while) doing it. The first step is to tap all the ash off of your cigar. You will want to do this because if you do not, ashes will get over everything when you purge the cigar.

Next, take your lighter or match and touch the flame against the foot, only slightly. Be sure to just touch it. Finally, take a deep breath and blow into the cigar, similar to the way you might blow on a whistle. A little flame may issue from the cigar as the oils ignite with the flame you have pressed slightly against the foot. This is normal.

You should be all set. If the cigar has become unlit, just relight it like normal.

Question: My clothes smell heavily of smoke and I have a hot date tonight. How do I get rid of the smell?

Answer: Not everyone loves the smell of cigar smoke. In fact, I’ve heard some people say that it flares up their sinuses and makes their nose itch. Getting the smell out of your clothes can be difficult depending on how much you smoke, but one trick I use is the old stand-by: Arm and Hammer.

Growing up, there was nothing you could not achieve with baking soda and duct tape. My father was like McGuyver. Fall down the stairs and break your arm? Rub baking soda on it and duct tape it to your chest. You’ll be fine.

Pop your clothes in the washing machine the way you normally do, and add a cup of baking soda to the load. Baking soda is frequently kept in freezers and refrigerators and absorbs a lot of horrible smells. No reason it can’t do the same for cigar smoke.