Lighting a cigar properly is one of the many essential skills any cigar aficionado must have. Cutting and lighting the cigar is the beginning of the cigar-tasting ritual. To light a cigar, make sure to cut your cigar first to allow airflow within. Then we can step onto the lighting process.
How to light a cigar?
- Hold your cigar at a 45-degree angle close to the flame. But not to put the flame directly into the cigar.
- Toast the cigar by turning it slowly as the flame starts to burn around the foot of the cigar until the edges of the foot are blackened.
- If the filler turns black, that means it is not lightened yet. Point the filler to the flame and toast it until the filler turns grey.
- Lastly, puff your cigar 2-3 times while slowly rotating the flame. You should be able to see that the cigar is lit properly. Now you can place the cigar between your lips, kick back, and start puffing.
How to choose a cigar lighter?
Now that you know how to light a cigar, then is time to choose the perfect lighter. The type of flame you are using to light up your cigar is essential to consider. Certain flames come with different chemicals, like sulfur, which the cigar can absorb.
Flames to avoid would be benzine lighters, petrol lighters, paper matches, or candles. However, if chemical-inducing flames are your only option, ensure you keep the flame about 1/2 inch from the cigar to reduce as many chemicals from being absorbed by the cigar as possible.
Different lighting tools:
Soft flame
A good option for beginners and suitable to use in an indoor environment. Comparatively, it has a lower temperature than jet flame, allowing you to slowly toast the cigar without overheating. Thus, require more time and patience to light up your cigar.
Jet flame
The jet flame comes with a condensed flame that could quickly torch up the cigar in a windy or outdoor environment, suitable for aficionados that are on the move. However, we do not suggest it for the novice as the high temperature of jet flame might quickly burn up the cigar.
Matches
A classy traditional way to light your cigar with. Using matches made of odourless materials, such as populus, pinewood, etc., allow you to prepare the cigar rather than burning it—the perfect tool to complete your cigar ritual.
Cedar spill
A sheet of cedar wood comes with most of the Cuban cigar; wondering how to utilise it? Apart from putting it in your humidor to add extra flavour, you can also cut it into a spill and light your cigar with it. Be extra careful of the ash and flame residue from the cedar spill. Make sure you have an ashtray nearby.
