How To Series: Lighting a Cigar

Lighting a cigar is as much an art as cutting it. Done correctly, it enhances the cigar’s natural flavors and ensures an even, satisfying burn. Done poorly, it can cause tunneling, harshness, or off-flavors. Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to lighting a cigar, including technique, types of lighters, and common mistakes to avoid.

1. The Purpose of Lighting Properly

Lighting a cigar isn’t just about igniting it. It is also about toasting the tobacco evenly so the cigar burns smoothly and tastes clean from the first puff. Even combustion across the foot (the open end) without scorching the wrapper or overheating the tobacco.

Things to Avoid

Direct flame contact, over-toasting, or using a fuel that affects flavor (like gasoline-based lighters).

2. Understanding the Anatomy of the Light

Before lighting, know your cigar’s parts:

• Foot: The open end you light.
• Cap: The end you cut and draw from.
• Wrapper: The outer leaf — delicate, easily burned.
• Binder & Filler: The inner tobaccos that produce most of the flavor.

Lighting evenly across the foot ensures the filler, binder, and wrapper burn at the same rate.

3. Cigar Lighting Tools and Styles

A. Torch (Jet Flame) Lighter

Most common and precise tool for cigar smokers.

How it works:

A concentrated butane flame that burns hot (2,300°F / 1,260°C), allowing fast and even ignition.

Types:

• Single-jet: Great for smaller cigars or precision lighting.
• Double-jet: Balanced heat and control for medium cigars.
• Triple or Quad-jet: Ideal outdoors or for large ring-gauge cigars.

Pros:

• Precise flame control
• Wind-resistant
• Quick, efficient ignition

Cons:

• Can overheat the foot if used too close
• Requires clean butane refills

Tip:

Always use odorless, refined butane — impure fuel leaves a bad taste.

B. Soft Flame Lighter

Gentler, classic choice — ideal for flavor purists.

Examples:

Zippo (with butane insert), classic butane lighters, wooden matches.

Pros:

• Softer, cooler flame prevents scorching
• Better for savoring delicate wrappers

Cons:

• Less effective outdoors or in wind
• Takes longer to light

Technique:

Hold the cigar about ½ inch above the flame, not in it. Toast slowly and evenly.

C. Wooden Cedar Matches

Traditional and aromatic option.

How to use:

1. Strike the match and let the sulfur burn off (~2 seconds).
2. Use the steady flame to toast the cigar’s foot.
3. Rotate gently while drawing to light fully.

Pros:

• Natural and chemical-free flavor
• Elegant ritualistic experience

Cons:

• Not ideal in windy conditions
• Burns quickly — use several matches for large cigars

Tip:

Use long wooden matches (5 inches or more) — short ones burn out too soon.

D. Cedar Spills

Old-school method favored by connoisseurs.

What it is:

A thin strip of Spanish cedar (often from a cigar box) used as a natural match.

How to use:

1. Light the cedar spill with a match or soft flame.
2. Use the cedar’s flame to toast the cigar foot.
3. Once fully lit, blow out the spill before it burns your fingers.

Pros:

• Enhances aroma with subtle cedar notes
• Adds ceremony to the ritual

Cons:

• Fragile and burns quickly
• Requires a steady hand

4. The Step-by-Step Lighting Technique

Step 1: Toast the Foot

1. Hold the cigar at a 45° angle over the flame, about ½ inch away.
2. Rotate the cigar slowly.
3. Watch for the edges of the wrapper to darken evenly.
4. You’re not puffing yet — just preheating and toasting the tobacco.

Purpose:

This “toasting” stage ensures an even burn and eliminates harsh starts.

Step 2: Draw and Light

1. Bring the cigar to your lips.
2. Keep the flame just close enough for the tip to glow.
3. Take slow, gentle puffs while rotating the cigar.
4. Watch the foot — it should glow evenly all the way around.

Tip:

Avoid drawing too hard; this can overheat and scorch the tobacco, altering the taste.

Step 3: Inspect the Burn

• Once lit, blow gently on the foot — it should glow evenly.
• If one side is lagging, touch it up with your lighter.

A properly lit cigar should burn evenly, with a thin, steady line of ash and no dark “tunneling” center.

5. Choosing the Right Lighting Tool for Your Situation

Situation	Recommended Tool	Notes
Indoors (calm)	Soft flame or cedar spill	Best flavor control
Outdoors (windy)	Jet torch (2+ flame)	Quick, windproof ignition
Ceremony / luxury	Cedar spill	Elegant and aromatic
Quick lighting	Jet lighter	Fast and precise

6. Common Lighting Mistakes

Using gasoline lighters (like a standard Zippo)

• The lighter fluid flavor contaminates the cigar.

Putting the cigar directly into the flame

• Burns the wrapper and causes uneven combustion.

Lighting unevenly (not rotating)

• Leads to canoeing (one side burning faster).

Puffing too hard while lighting

• Overheats the cigar and turns it bitter.

Not toasting first

• Results in harsh, uneven starts.

7. Maintenance Tips for Lighters

• Refill only with high-quality butane.
• Bleed excess air from torch lighters before refilling.
• Keep jets clean — use compressed air or a soft brush.
• Store upright to avoid leaks.

8. Summary: The Perfect Light

1. Choose the right lighter (torch, soft flame, or match).
2. Toast the foot evenly — no direct flame.
3. Puff gently while rotating to light.
4. Check for an even glow.
5. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your smoke.