How to Light a Cigar by Dave Sabot

As most novice smokers soon find out, there is definitely a right and a wrong way to light a cigar. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the tobacco will be affected by anything into with which it is brought into contact. This includes the lighter fluid used to fuel many refillable lighters. Most cigar smokers prefer to use either torch lighters or wooden matches and cedar strips to light up their cigars.

Lighting a cigar doesn't actually start with the application of flame. First, one must correctly trim the cigar to ensure that they get the best possible draw. This is done using a specific type of tool. There are various styles of cutters available. The scissor-type cutters tend to leave a ragged edge at the end of the cigar. Punch-type cutters tend to have largely the same effect. Most cigar smokers vastly prefer the guillotine-style cutters which are oftentimes found attached to lighters.

After the cigar has been trimmed, one needs to warm the tobacco to ensure that it lights evenly. To accomplish this, simply hold the cigar in one hand and the lighter in the other. Roll the cigar over the top of the flame without actually letting the flame touch any part of the wrapper or the filler. This should be done until the foot of the cigar reaches an evenly warm temperature. Make certain to not overheat the cigar.

When actually applying the flame, the flame is not brought into direct contact with the cigar. Rather, it is puffed into the filler by lightly drawing on the cigar. The cigar should again be rotated during this process. This ensures that the tobacco lights evenly. Inspect the foot of the cigar after lighting it to make certain that the entire foot is burning evenly. This ensures the best possible and most even burn. Do not get the cigar too hot or the flavor will become sharp and unpleasant.

The type of lighter one selects will have a huge impact on the taste of the cigar. In general, a butane lighter is preferable to a fluid-filled lighter which will impart a chemical taste to the tobacco. If one chooses not to use a lighter at all, then use wooden matches and cedar strips to get the cigar burning. Either way, one should be prepared for a very enjoyable and relaxing smoke if they light up their cigar in the correct fashion.



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