Most folks, after removing the band, smoke their cigars down to about where the bottom of the band would have been. Once past this point most cigars begin to taste a bit "burned" or "aciddy" due to the smoke that has been drawn through the unburned tobacco. Some cigars, however, will smoke "clean" almost to the very end. If the cigar begins to feel hot to the touch, it has most likely reached the end of it's enjoyable life. Enjoy!