Lighting a Cigar – How to Do It Properly

A good smoke is only half the enjoyment – this should be clear to any cigar smoker, whether a beginner or an aficionado. The other half of the pleasure comes from calmly and lovingly preparing a cigar to ensure an unspoiled smoking experience. You probably already know that you need to cut the cap of the cigar to open the smoke channels. So let’s focus on the next step: how to light your cigar properly so you can fully immerse yourself in the smoke for the next half, three-quarters, or full hour.

Methods for Lighting: Give Your Cigar Fire

Among cigar lovers and in the literature, you’ll find plenty of advice on which tools or methods are best for lighting a cigar as perfectly as possible. Of course, you can turn anything into a science – ideally, so unnecessarily complicated that it scares off every newcomer and, at worst, robs them of the pleasure of a good cigar. But it’s really no secret how to light your cigar properly. There are several common methods for lighting a cigar:

Lighting a Cigar with a Regular Lighter

To light your cigar, you can use a regular lighter. Choose a wind-free environment or an indoor space as your preferred location.

S.T. Dupont Ligne 8

Hold the lighter about one centimeter away. Move the flame slowly in circular motions over the foot of the cigar. As soon as a dark rim becomes visible, take a few puffs over the flame and enjoy your smoking experience.

Lighting a Cigar with a Torch or Jet Lighter

If you don’t want to miss out on your smoking pleasure even in windy conditions, carry a jet lighter with you for every occasion. This also minimizes the risk of burning your fingers while lighting your cigar. Larger cigar formats can be lit effortlessly with a jet lighter.

Habanos Jetflame La Casa del Habano

From a safe distance, rotate the cigar slightly above the flame. Take the first puffs only when a black border forms on the cigar’s foot. Gently blow on it to check if the cigar burns evenly.

Lighting a Cigar with Matches

The most traditional way for a cigar lover to enjoy their cigar is by lighting it with matches. Among the most popular are the Cohiba cigar matches by Habanos.

Habanos Cigar Matches Cohiba

First, light the match and wait for the sulfur to burn off. When lighting, wait until the cigar develops a dark rim. Once this effect appears, you can take your first puffs over the flame.

Lighting a Cigar with Cedarwood

Those who prefer style in their smoking rituals may opt for lighting their cigar with cedarwood. Start by igniting the cedarwood with a lighter or candle flame. Then, use the burning wood to light the cigar. This method is not only elegant but also enhances the positive aroma effect, spreading a pleasant scent throughout the room.

Fire Sources to Avoid

Not all fire-starting methods are suitable for lighting a cigar. Avoid using the following tools to light your cigar:

• Petrol lighter: Using a petrol lighter alters the cigar’s taste, as the fuel’s chemical flavor quickly transfers to the cigar.
• Candle flame: Lighting a cigar with a candle flame is also unsuitable because the candle often contains essential oils that negatively affect the cigar’s aroma.

How to Toast a Cigar

When it comes to “flames,” we need to take a moment to address the core of proper lighting. Problems can arise if you attempt to light a large cigar with a small flame. The larger the ring gauge, the larger the foot, and therefore, the bigger the flame required. For those not drawn to imposing jet-flame lighters or multi-flame options, there’s a method worth trying that allows you to handle larger diameters with small flames: toasting a cigar. Toasting means gently “roasting” or pre-heating the cigar foot before the flame fully covers it.

In cigar terminology, this refers to preheating or toasting the foot of the cigar before the ember fully ignites it. While toasting, slowly rotate the foot of the cigar above a lighter or match flame so it warms up first. Ideally, the flame should not touch the cigar to avoid charring or burning. Gradually, a uniform ember will form. Only then should you gently puff on the cigar to ignite it. Some aficionados blow softly on the foot until it glows, which is said to help the cigar burn evenly. Once the cigar’s foot is fully lit, you have a properly prepared cigar that promises a long and enjoyable smoking experience.

Video Tutorial: Lighting a Cigar Properly

How do you light a cigar correctly? This is a frequently asked question. In this video, we explore the various methods: gas lighter, cedar spills, and matches. Enjoy watching the video.