Do you think cigars light up like cigarettes? Are you wondering if there are rules to follow or if you need a special lighter to properly light your cigar?
This guide decrypts everything for you.
Lighting a cigar is a small joy for all enthusiasts. It's an art that is appreciated over time. It's a sign that the moment to come belongs to you and that you can relax. Provided you respect a few rules that we will discover together.
Briefly, to light cigars, you will need:
1: A butane torch lighter or a cigar match.
2: Hold and rotate the cigar 5 cm from the flame at a 45 to 60-degree angle.
3: Bring the cigar to your mouth and ignite the foot while taking gentle puffs.
4: Enjoy your cigar and savor the moment!
But in this article, we go further.
We will see:
To truly savor your cigars, discover the rest.
What you need to properly light your cigar.
Before we see how to light a cigar, let's quickly go over the recommended equipment. We assume that the end of your cigar has already been cut using a cigar cutter and is ready to be lit.
You probably think that a Zippo is suitable for this purpose... Unfortunately, that's not the case. Although it may look nice and evoke nostalgia like in movies, avoid using it to light a cigar.
Instead, use one of the following two options!
1. Butane gas lighter
Often referred to as a "cigar torch," "torch lighter," or "windproof lighter," using a lighter of this type ensures a clean and odorless burn. Butane evaporates almost instantly upon ignition and does not impart the typical unpleasant tastes associated with lighter fluid, as is the case with Zippos.
If you have no other choice... well, you have no other choice! But this article is here to explain how to light a cigar like a true aficionado, respecting the product until the end.
Gas lighters burn much hotter, allowing you to light the cigar more quickly, with less effort and more consistency (requiring fewer touch-ups).
2. Cigar matches
For those who prefer the "old-fashioned, true aficionado" approach, cigar matches are clearly your best option. They are made of wood, approximately 10 cm long, and do not have the sulfur head of a standard match (which can cause unpleasant tastes).
Some aficionados swear by them for lighting their cigars, but unless you are a highly discerning connoisseur, the difference is honestly difficult to perceive. Torch lighters are simply more convenient to use.
What to remember: To respect the cigar, you should avoid using cardboard matches or lighters that use lighter fluid, as they will alter the taste of your cigar.
Lighting your cigar in three steps
Unlike a cigarette, which can be lit "in one go," a cigar needs to be prepared before it can be smoked.
There are a few steps to follow so that it can offer you the best of its flavors and character. However, it's nothing too complicated, and you'll find that with practice, these steps will become second nature to you.
Remember: Never touch the foot of the cigar with the visible flame, as it would burn the wrapper, causing it to darken and affect the taste of your cigar. Also, don't set your lighter to the maximum setting, as it reduces the risk of burning the wrapper.
Here are the three steps to lighting a cigar!
1. Toast the foot of the cigar
The lighting of a cigar should always start with toasting the foot (the end).
A : Hold your cigar about 4-8 cm above the flame at a 45-60 degree angle.
B : Rotate it until the foot starts to ignite.
C : Keep the cigar close to the flame without touching it and slowly rotate to achieve an even burn.
Remember, the goal is to ignite the outer layers of the cigar (the wrapper and binder).
Why is it important to toast the wrapper?
The wrapper provides the majority of the flavor, and toasting it releases those flavors.
If you simply light the foot with the cigar in your mouth and inhaling, you will likely only ignite the filler. This means you won't fully enjoy the flavor of the cigar and may have to deal with an uneven burn.
What if you're using a match?
Wait for the sulfur to burn off before lighting the cigar. Avoid using candles, paper matches, stovetops, and lighters that use lighter fluid, as the chemicals and odors can alter the taste of the tobacco.
How do you know if you're doing it right?
Once the cigar is lit, you'll notice the outer wrapper and binder have a white and ashy appearance. Let it rest for a moment to stabilize its temperature.
2. Draw gently on the cigar
With the foot properly toasted, you can now proceed to the actual lighting of the cigar.
A : Place the cigar in your mouth and hold it closer to the flame this time (1 to 2 cm).
B : Take a gentle draw a few times.
C : Inhale as if taking gentle puffs while rotating the cigar to ignite the filler.
The flame will grow slightly, and you should start to feel some smoke in your mouth, which is a good sign. Repeat the process several times, and occasionally check the foot to ensure an even burn. It should have a gray/white and consistent ash-like appearance.
If a section is still dark, it means the burn is not even. You need to continue lighting the cigar while focusing on that particular area.
How to increase the flame's surface area?
Use a long wooden cigar match to evenly light the entire foot. This ensures that the entire foot, including the wrapper, binder, and filler, is lit.
This is how you light a cigar.
3. Touch up any uneven areas
From this point, you should be able to draw on your cigar more smoothly, starting to taste the flavors and producing a nice smoke plume. Additionally, the burn should be even and the ember stable.
However, it sometimes happens that when you look at the end of your cigar, you don't achieve a perfect burn. Sometimes, the issue lies with the cigar itself for various reasons (storage, quality, etc.). Otherwise, it simply means you are having trouble lighting it correctly. It happens.
What to do if the cigar is not lit properly?
Don't get discouraged and naturally relight the cigar. Do it as evenly as possible while rotating it.
Also, don't take too many draws initially as it can cause overheating. Take a break for a few tens of seconds, then take a few draws again.
How to handle an overheating cigar?
When a cigar overheats, the wrapper burns and turns black instead of its usual gray color. If this happens, simply let the cigar extinguish and relight it.
Note that in some cases, the cigar may be too dry, and there's not much you can do about it.
What you need to know for relighting your cigar.
Now that you know the three steps to lighting a cigar, let us explain how to relight a cigar!
Depending on the size of the cigar, there may be times when you don't have the desire or time to smoke it entirely. This is when you might want to relight it.
How to go about it?
To relight it, follow the same method as you did for lighting it initially.
Note: Be careful not to do it too often. It's not good for the taste or temperature of the cigar.
That being said, find a balance and don't hesitate to set the cigar down occasionally to let it breathe and cool down. You will appreciate it even more when you pick it up again. If your cigar is of good quality and has been well rolled by the torcedores, it can remain lit for several minutes after letting it rest.
Use a quality butane lighter!
Now, you can fully enjoy your cigar. Not only do you know the method for lighting it, but you also know how to relight it.
If there's one lesson to remember, it's to use a butane lighter or cigar matches to light it professionally!
At Cigare Gentleman, we offer the essential accessories for every aficionado.
→ Choose the butane lighter of your choice!
