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Lighting a cigar might seem simple, but doing it correctly ensures you enjoy every puff to the fullest. Unlike lighting a cigarette, which is straightforward, a cigar requires careful attention to preserve its flavor and character.
If you think about it, a cigar’s essence lies in its construction and tobacco’s quality. Incorrect lighting can unevenly burn it, leading to poor experiences. Also, improper technique might damage its wrapper, affecting its draw and overall smoking pleasure. By mastering how to light a cigar, you’ll step closer to truly appreciating this timeless luxury.
What are the best tools for lighting a cigar?
The best tools for lighting a cigar are those that provide a consistent, controlled flame to avoid damaging the cigar’s delicate wrapper. Here are some of the most popular tools to consider:
Cigar Lighter
Designed to provide even heat without imparting chemicals flavors to the cigar.
- The best cigar lighters are butane-fueled since they are odorless, and design-wise, the torch-style is ideal due to the precision of flame control.
- Avoid using standard lighters, like cheap ones. It might ruin the aroma. Quality lighters last longer and can withstand multiple uses.
- Use small lighters for portability or tabletop ones for aesthetics and prolonged use.
Cedar Spills
For those seeking traditional techniques, cedar spills offer a pure flame and natural touch.
Wooden Matches
Large wooden matches work fine but need patience.
Cigar Cutter
Though not used in lighting, a precise cut ensures a smooth draw and is crucial before lighting the cigar.
How to light a cigar: step-by-step
Here’s how to properly light a cigar, step by step:
Step 1: Inspect the Cigar Foot
Before lighting the cigar, look at the foot (the unplugged end). Ensure it’s cut cleanly because an irregular cut will result in an irregular burn. Cut it with a cigar cutter, if necessary, to a clean, smooth edge.
Step 2: Toast the Foot
Start by toasting the cigar’s foot (the open end you light). Always avoid lighting the capped end. The closed side is meant for your mouth, providing a firm structure to draw smoke through. To properly toast the foot, hold your cigar horizontally above the flame, but do not allow direct contact with it. Rotate it slowly so it burns evenly. Toasting primes the cigar for a straight flame and will stop it from burning unevenly after burning. Be patient in this step, as it will give you a balanced burn at the end.
Step 3: Light the Cigar While Puffing
After the foot is toasted, place the cigar in your mouth. Hold the lighter slightly below the cigar and start puffing gently. The combination of airflow and flame will help light the tobacco evenly. Be patient and rotate the cigar while taking slow, steady puffs to ensure the entire circumference of the foot is lit. Avoid inhaling the smoke; instead, allow it to linger in your mouth to appreciate the flavor.
Step 4: Check for an Even Burn
Once the cigar is lit, take a moment to inspect the foot. It should be glowing red and burning evenly. If you notice any dark spots, these areas might not be fully lit. Gently touch up the unlit parts by bringing the flame close to the area and puffing until the glow becomes uniform.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Cigar
Now that your cigar is lighted properly, it’s time to enjoy it. Take small, measured draws that don’t overheat the cigar. Overheating can lead to unpleasant flavors and less enjoyable experiences. Sit back and enjoy the subtle flavors of the cigar, which were developed to provide an elegant smoke.
Best Practices to Keep in Mind
Here are some tips to help:
- Don’t Rush It: Taking your time preserves the flavor.
- Avoid Inhaling: Cigars are meant to be savored, not inhaled like cigarettes.
- Use the Right Tools: Using low-quality tools could create uneven heat.
- Control the Flame: A steady flame helps maintain an even burn.
- Rotate Often: Consistent rotation ensures all parts of the foot are evenly lit.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Lighting a cigar wrong can ruin everything. Here are common errors:
- Using lighter fluid that leaves aftertastes.
- Letting the flame touch directly it chars the tobacco.
- Puffing too hard while lighting. This creates hotspots on the cigar.
- Skipping the toasting process which leads to uneven burning.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll keep your cigars enjoyable and free of unintended bitterness.
How to properly relight a cigar?
Sometimes, your cigar might go out. Don’t panic; this is normal. Here are the steps to relight it:
- Knock off the ash gently from the foot. Do not squeeze or tap too hard. If the cigar has been out for a while, it’s a good idea to purge it by blowing through it to clear out any stale smoke or buildup. This prevents harsh or bitter flavors from lingering.
- Re-toast the edges with a lighter or cedar spill to warm up the tobacco evenly. This step helps to reignite the tobacco evenly. Once toasted, take gentle puffs while keeping the flame close, ensuring the cigar lights completely and burns smoothly.
- Relight it the same way—don’t inhale strongly; draw softly.
When relighting, ensure the cigar is still moist. If it has dried out, the flavor may be compromised. If the cigar tastes off after relighting, let it cool briefly before continuing. Relighting takes patience but ensures an enjoyable, flavorful finish to your cigar.
Storing Cigars to Ensure Proper Lighting
Before lighting, how you store your cigars matter. Improperly stored cigars might not light or burn properly. Cigars need proper humidity to burn well. If a cigar is too dry, it may burn too quickly. Conversely, overly humid cigars are challenging to light and may produce an uneven burn. Storing cigars in a humidor helps maintain optimal conditions for lighting.
Here are a few tips:
- Store them in a humidor to maintain optimal humidity levels.
- Avoid leaving them exposed to sunlight for long periods.
- Use quality cigar boxes for temporary storage to preserve freshness.
- Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer to keep your cigars in pristine condition.
Conclusion
The process of lighting a cigar is as important as smoking it. Take the time to appreciate the ritual, from the first puff to the final exhale. Pairing cigars with complementary beverages, like whiskey or coffee, can enhance the experience. Whether you’re savoring an everyday cigar or indulging in a premium one, taking time to light it correctly enhances every aspect of your smoking experience. Next time you pick up a cigar, remember these tips and elevate your enjoyment. Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if it takes a few tries to master this skill.
Ready to embark on your cigar journey? Explore our curated collection at Mozsly and find everything you need for cigar lovers.
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