Lighting a cigar is the final step before you can enjoy it. Firstly you will need to learn how to make the correct cut. Now that you’ve cut your cigar properly, which method do you use for lighting it?
The following post is a guide on lighting a cigar. Remember, a cigar is not at all like a cigarette. You don’t just burn it, and that’s it. Being a cigar connoisseur is a way of life, a lifestyle if you will.
Your cigar size will determine how long it takes to light correctly, but there is still a technique to it.
How To Light A Cigar
Lighting A Cigar Step By Step
The process can be quite long; enjoy each step as you marvel at the cigar’s craftsmanship.
These steps are essential if you want to light a cigar properly. If you don’t, there will most likely be a lot of smoke, which will ruin your smoking experience.
- Ensure you hold the cigar with your index finger and thumb. You want to have the foot, which is the furthest side of the band, in your hand.
- Hold the cigar at an angle of 80 to 90 degrees to the flame. Ideally, keep roughly 3-4 fingers distance between the foot of the cigar and the flame. You do not want to over toast your cigar by placing it too close to the flame.
- With the foot near the flame, evenly and slowly rotate the cigar until every part begins to burn. It is crucial to get an even burn happening.
- It can take some time to light a cigar, do not rush the lighting process.
- When the foot begins to glow orange, you can assume the cigar is burning.
- Take a puff. Feel free to do that twice; this will ensure the inside of the cigar is burning, and it will remain lit for a while longer.
- You’ll be able to feel the heat on the cigar. Once you have, sit back and enjoy.
For any aficionados out there, they will not re-light a cigar if it goes out. We don’t follow this rule and re-light it if necessary.
Cigar aficionados will place the blame on a cigar extinguishing to low quality. Until you have mastered the lighting and smoking process, you may have to re-light the cigar multiple times.
Cigars also go out from time to time if they are not continually puffed on. Note: The number of chemicals present is significantly less than those in a cigarette, so they tend to go out.
Again, feel free to re-light it.
Now that your cigar is lit sit back and enjoy the experience. Learn how to hold a cigar for what your holding style says about your personality.
What Not to Light a Cigar With
As we’ve explained here, the best way to light a cigar is with a butane lighter. If you don’t have one, there
is also the option to use cigar matches.
Please do not use a candle, a stovetop, or the cheap lighters you can purchase at a gas station. This is because the chemicals and fragrances in them will taint the taste of your cigar. Not only this, but it will completely change the flavor and aroma of your cigar. For this reason, we only recommend the use of butane gas lighters.
If and when using matches, the critical part is that you let the match burn a little before putting it to your cigar. This allows for adequate time for the phosphorous and sulfur product to dissipate after striking the match.
There are also sulfur-free matches that one can buy.
Ashes from Cigar
A cigar will ash as it burns, do not be concerned as they will fall on their own. If you smoke cigars of high-quality, the ash will stay on the cigar for an extended period.
For cigar aficionados, they will debate that the length of ash can show a cigar’s quality.
Bottom Line
Now you are familiar with the correct way to light a cigar; it’s time to try it yourself. Follow the seven steps and enjoy the smoke, flavors, and aromas of your cigars. If you are looking for a cigar holder you’ll find it by clicking the link.
