How to Light Up a Cigar: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve got a premium cigar in hand, ready to enjoy a moment of pure relaxation. But before you can savor those rich flavors and complex aromas, you need to know how to light it properly. Lighting a cigar isn’t just about applying flame; it’s an art, a ritual, and a crucial step in ensuring a pleasurable smoking experience. The goal is to achieve an even burn across the foot of the cigar, maximizing flavor and minimizing the need for touch-ups.

In short, to light a cigar properly, you must first toast the foot of the cigar, then slowly rotate it while applying flame until an even cherry is established. Let’s break that down into manageable steps:

1. Select Your Lighter: A butane torch is the preferred method, offering a clean, odorless flame. Matches are also acceptable, but ensure they are sulfur-free and have burned down to the wood. Avoid using gasoline lighters or candles, as they can impart unwanted flavors.
2. Pre-light Inspection: Examine the foot of the cigar for any imperfections or unevenness. This will help you anticipate potential burning issues.
3. The Toast: Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle, just above the flame (about an inch). Slowly rotate the foot, gently toasting it. The goal is to evenly char the tobacco without actually igniting it. You’ll see the oils begin to shimmer on the wrapper.
4. The Light: Once the foot is toasted, bring the flame closer and continue rotating the cigar. This time, you want to ignite the charred tobacco. Take slow, deliberate puffs while rotating to encourage an even burn.
5. Check for Evenness: Once the foot is glowing red and evenly lit (a “cherry”), gently blow on it to ensure all areas are burning. Look for any dark spots or gaps.
6. Adjust as Needed: If any areas aren’t burning evenly, gently touch them up with the lighter until the entire foot is consistently lit.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Lighting

Why is proper lighting so important? Because it directly impacts the cigar’s flavor, burn, and overall enjoyment. An unevenly lit cigar will burn unevenly, requiring constant touch-ups and potentially ruining the flavor profile. A well-lit cigar, on the other hand, will burn smoothly and consistently, allowing you to fully appreciate its complexities. It’s the foundation upon which your entire smoking experience is built.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about lighting cigars:

What is the best type of lighter for cigars?

The butane torch lighter is widely considered the best option for lighting cigars. It produces a clean, odorless flame that doesn’t impart any unwanted flavors to the tobacco. Single, double, or triple-flame torches are all viable options, with each offering a slightly different approach to lighting. The crucial factor is the purity of the butane fuel. High-quality butane ensures a clean burn and prolongs the life of your lighter. Matches, specifically those labeled as cigar or cedar matches, are a traditional alternative.

Can I use a regular cigarette lighter to light a cigar?

While technically possible, it’s not recommended. Cigarette lighters use lighter fluid, which has a distinct odor and flavor that can negatively impact the cigar’s taste. The flame is also often less concentrated, making it harder to achieve an even burn. Using a cigarette lighter is a compromise that sacrifices the nuances of the cigar.

How far away from the flame should I hold the cigar when toasting it?

Generally, holding the cigar about an inch away from the flame is a good starting point. The key is to avoid directly touching the flame to the cigar, as this can scorch the wrapper and negatively impact the flavor. The distance allows for a gentle, even toasting process, crucial for building a solid foundation for the burn.

How long should I toast the foot of the cigar?

The toasting process should take around 15-30 seconds, depending on the size and density of the cigar. You’ll know you’re done when the foot of the cigar is evenly charred and the oils begin to glisten on the wrapper. The goal is not to light the cigar at this stage, but rather to prepare it for ignition.

How do I know if my cigar is evenly lit?

An evenly lit cigar will have a glowing red cherry across the entire foot. There should be no dark spots or gaps in the burn. Gently blow on the foot to observe the cherry’s consistency. If any areas are not burning, gently touch them up with the lighter.

What should I do if my cigar is burning unevenly?

If your cigar is burning unevenly (canoeing or tunneling), there are a few things you can do. First, try rotating the cigar so that the faster-burning side is facing downwards. Gravity will help to even out the burn. If that doesn’t work, use your lighter to gently touch up the areas that are lagging behind. Patience is key.

What causes a cigar to tunnel?

Tunneling occurs when the filler tobacco burns faster than the wrapper, creating a hollow tunnel down the center of the cigar. This can be caused by a number of factors, including improper humidification, over-puffing, or an uneven light. To prevent tunneling, ensure your cigars are properly humidified, take slow, deliberate puffs, and pay careful attention to lighting.

What is “canoeing” and how do I fix it?

Canoeing refers to a burn that travels faster down one side of the cigar, creating a “canoe” shape. As previously mentioned, rotating the cigar with the faster-burning side facing downwards can often correct this. Gently touching up the lagging side with your lighter is another effective technique.

How often should I relight my cigar?

Ideally, you should avoid having to relight your cigar. However, if it goes out, don’t panic. Simply knock off the ash, and relight the cigar in the same manner as you did initially, focusing on achieving an even burn. Relighting too frequently can negatively impact the flavor, so try to maintain a consistent puffing cadence.

Can I use a cedar spill to light my cigar?

Cedar spills are a traditional and elegant way to light a cigar. They are thin strips of cedar that are lit and used to transfer the flame to the cigar. Cedar spills offer a unique aromatic element to the lighting process and avoid the use of butane. However, they require a bit more finesse and practice to use effectively.

Is it okay to use a punch cutter instead of a guillotine cutter? Does the cutter affect the light?

Both punch cutters and guillotine cutters are acceptable for preparing a cigar for smoking. A punch cutter creates a small hole in the head of the cigar, while a guillotine cutter removes a larger portion of the cap. The choice between the two is largely a matter of personal preference. However, the cut can affect the light. A poorly executed cut, regardless of the tool, can lead to an uneven burn. Make sure the cap is cut cleanly to ensure a smooth draw and consistent burn.

What is “dry boxing” and how does it affect the cigar’s light?

Dry boxing involves placing a cigar in a dry environment (usually an empty cigar box) for a period of time before smoking. This reduces the cigar’s moisture content, which can improve the burn and draw. A slightly drier cigar will often light more easily and burn more evenly. The length of time you dry box depends on the cigar and your personal preference, but a few hours to a day is a good starting point.