Seeing so many new people entering the cigar world has brought me great joy. Cigars can provide a time of relaxation and enjoyment in our painfully busy lives. They also connect you to a larger community of like-minded people and make life more enjoyable. Like the firearms world, there are certain aspects of cigars where people need a little guidance. One of those areas is how to light a cigar.

Interested in Moving From Cigar Savage to Coinsurer? Here’s How to Light a Cigar Properly

Lighting a cigar is more than just holding fire in front of your stick. It is more nuanced than that. In fact, it’s a ritual, an art, and a key step in enjoying a fine cigar’s full flavor and experience. Knowing how to properly light your cigar can make it a much more enjoyable experience.

The first thing to understand is why correct lighting is important. Cigars are crafted with care, using long-filler tobacco leaves rolled together in a way that relies on even burning. If lit improperly, the cigar will burn unevenly and even end up lopsided, a situation called canoeing. Just like cutting a cigar, there is a proper way to do it.

Pick The Right Fire

The first step is to choose the correct flame. This is where many people go astray. The best flame we can use is something with butane fuel. Many times, these are actual cigar torches. Forgive the drama, but avoid the standard Bic lighters and paper matches like the plague. Standard cigarette lighters produce unwanted residue chemicals that will affect the flavor of your cigar. This is also true with most matches. The sulfur gas will find its way into your precious Cohiba and turn it into a stinky mess.

Quality cigar torches are your best option and come in various sizes and prices. If you use a match, use an extra-long and sulfur-free cigar match. These are ideal if you prefer a more traditional method. You will also see people occasionally using what looks like thin wood to light their cigars. These are thin strips of Spanish cedar called Cedar spills. They are often found in cigar boxes. To use these, simply light the end and use the flame from the spill to light your cigar. This is a practice seen in many cigar lounges. While not very practical when out and about, you can try it if you want to feel fancy.

A Moment of Meditation

Now that we have fire, it’s time to light our cigar. A very important note here: Lighting a cigar is a much longer exercise than lighting a cigarette. We want to avoid getting the flame too close to the cigar. The first step is to “toast” the foot of the cigar. This is the open end where we will be lighting. Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle without putting it in your mouth yet. Hold the flame about a half inch below the foot.

Slowly rotate the cigar, allowing the heat to gently toast the edges and center of the foot. You’ll notice the tobacco begin to darken and glow slightly. This toasting step dries out the moisture and ensures an even burn before the cigar is lit, which is essential for an enjoyable smoke.

Once the foot is toasted, bring the cigar to your lips and begin to puff gently. At the same time, bring the flame close again without letting it touch the cigar. Rotate the cigar slowly as you lightly puff. The ember should burn evenly while drawing air through the cigar. If it doesn’t, take the cigar out of your mouth and touch the end with the flame again. You can gently blow on the embers to create a smooth, completely rounded ash. This is the most important step because it will dictate how evenly the cigar will burn.

Inspection Time

Once your cigar is rolling, it’s time for a quick inspection. Look for a consistent glow across the foot of the cigar. If you see black or dark spots, they indicate unlit tobacco. Hit that area with a little flame to help it catch up. If one side is lagging behind, you can touch it up with your lighter by directing the flame toward that area while gently blowing on the cigar to encourage even burning.

Once your cigar is properly lit, take your time. Puffing too frequently can cause the cigar to burn hot, leading to bitter flavors. A good rule of thumb is one puff every 30 to 60 seconds. This cools the cigar slightly between draws, maintaining the intended flavor profile. Occasionally, we will get consumed in conversation, and our cigars will go out. That’s no problem. If your cigar goes out, wait a few minutes before relighting. Gently tap off the ash and blow through the cigar to clear out stale smoke before relighting.

How to Light a Cigar

Lighting a cigar is the first act in a longer performance. It sets the stage for how your smoke will burn, how it will taste, and how long it will last. Done properly, lighting becomes a satisfying ritual in itself. With the right tools, a little patience, and a steady hand, you can elevate your cigar experience from casual to connoisseur in just a few steps.