Your Cigar Lighting Technique Directly Affects the Quality of Your Smoke

Don't laugh.

I wish I had this information on cigar lighting when I started years ago.

I remember it well.... paying handsomely for one premium cigar after another, only to be disappointed by many an uneven burn and bitter taste from trying to foolishly puff away like a maniac, thinking that would make the slower burning side catch up.

Not!

A ruined macanudo cigar here, a torched punch cigar there, I finally swallowed my pride and walked in to my local cigar shop for some much needed lighting advice.

Now, some people may make you feel uncomfortable about asking what may be considered by many a cigar aficionado to be a question about a simple subject. Not the gentleman at the cigar shop.

I can't recall his name, but he made me feel comfortable and not embarrassed. It takes a lot to embarrass me nowadays, but way back when, that wasn't the case.

So let's get on with the highlights of cigar lighting.

As far as what to use, you can check out our cigar lighters section. Technique is our focus here.

After properly cutting a cigar, it's now time to light up.

There are many people who heat the foot of the cigar (the end you light) by placing the flame well below the cigar and slowly turning it in their hand. Great for impressing a date, but totally useless in preparing your cigar. Of course, the companies who make the butane for the lighters will be very appreciative!

If your not into the pomp and circumstance of going through a drawn out show, and just want to be able to properly light your cigar....

Simply take your flame and hold it slightly below the tip (foot) of your cigar. Turn your cigar slowly in your fingers while taking light puffs. Be patient and don't worry if the flame actually had the gaul to touch the wrapper. Many a cigar aficionado may cringe at the thought, but in reality, a slight touch of the flame will not affect the quality of your smoke.

When you feel you have a good light, look at the cigar tip. If it's glowing evenly all around, great. If not, gently blow on the embers while turning your cigar until you create an even burn.

At this point, I take a shallow puff to establish the burn and let the cigar rest for a minute. This allows the cigar to settle down and not burn too hot. A cigar which burns too hot can produce strong bitter tastes, which normally would not occur in a properly burning cigar.

Now your off to the races.

You will spare many a fine cigar from a horrible demise with you cigar lighting skills.

Enjoy!

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