How to Light a Cigar: A Step-by-Step Guide

Konstantin Denishev
Sep 18, 2024
4 min read

Why Lighting Matters

Properly lighting a cigar is crucial for an even burn and a smooth smoking experience. The goal is to light the cigar evenly and without rushing, ensuring that the flavours develop correctly. Unlike cigarettes, cigars require a bit more patience and technique when lighting. Here's a guide to help you master the art of lighting a cigar.

Tools You’ll Need...

Butane Torch Lighter

Advantages: Butane torch lighters produce a powerful, clean, and odourless flame that is ideal for lighting cigars. The concentrated flame is much hotter than that of a soft flame lighter, which allows you to light your cigar quickly and evenly. This is particularly useful for cigars with a larger ring gauge, as the torch lighter can evenly light the wide surface area without requiring multiple attempts.
Why It's Ideal: Butane is a clean-burning fuel that won't alter the cigar's flavour. The torch flame is wind-resistant, making it perfect for lighting cigars outdoors.
How to Use: Hold the torch lighter at a 45-degree angle to the foot of the cigar. Keep the flame just beneath the cigar without letting it touch directly. Rotate the cigar as you light it to ensure even toasting of the foot.
Tips: Use a double or triple flame torch lighter for larger cigars to cover more surface area. Avoid using lighters with oil-based fuel (such as Zippo lighters) because they can impart a chemical taste to the cigar.

Soft Flame Lighter

Advantages: A soft flame lighter provides a more traditional, gentler flame, allowing for a slower and more controlled lighting process. This method is less likely to scorch the cigar's wrapper, preserving the nuances of its flavour. The soft flame gives you the opportunity to toast the foot of the cigar gradually, which can enhance the overall smoking experience.
Why It's Ideal: Ideal for indoor use or in a wind-free environment. The slower process is perfect for those who appreciate the ritualistic aspect of lighting a cigar and want to avoid the intense heat of a torch lighter.
How to Use: Hold the cigar above the soft flame, toasting the foot without letting the flame touch the cigar directly. Rotate the cigar to toast evenly before taking your first puffs.
Tips: Soft flame lighters require more patience. They are best suited for cigars with smaller ring gauges or when you have the time to enjoy a more relaxed lighting process. Opt for a butane soft flame lighter to avoid altering the cigar's flavour.

Long Matches or Cedar Spills

Advantages: Using long wooden matches or cedar spills is a traditional method that offers a clean burn without imparting any off-flavours to the cigar. Cedar spills, in particular, add a subtle cedar aroma to the cigar, enhancing the experience. This method allows for a slower, more controlled lighting process and is considered one of the most refined ways to light a cigar.
Why It's Ideal: Long matches and cedar spills burn slowly, giving you the time to properly toast the foot of the cigar. Cedar spills, often made from the same wood used in cigar boxes, provide an aromatic enhancement to the lighting process.
How to Use: Light the match or spill and let it burn for a few seconds to let the initial sulphur or chemical burn off. Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle above the flame, toasting the foot slowly while rotating the cigar for an even burn.
Tips: Avoid using short matches, as they can burn out quickly and lead to an uneven light. Cedar spills are a great choice for special occasions, adding an extra layer of ceremony to the lighting process.

Do Not Use

Regular Candles or Oil-Fueled Lighters: These sources of flame can taint the taste of the cigar with wax, chemicals, or oils. Oil-fueled lighters, like those used for cigarettes, emit a strong odour and can impart an unpleasant taste to your cigar. Candles often have scented waxes and dyes, which can ruin the cigar's flavour.
Why to Avoid: Both candles and oil-fueled lighters introduce unwanted substances into the lighting process. They can affect the initial flavour of the cigar and compromise the overall smoking experience.
Alternatives: Stick to the options mentioned above—torch lighters, soft flame lighters, long matches, or cedar spills—to ensure that the cigar’s natural flavours shine through.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lighting a Cigar

Warm the Foot
- Why: The foot (the open end) of the cigar should be warmed up before lighting to ensure an even burn.
- How: Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle above the flame without touching it. Rotate the cigar slowly to warm the entire circumference of the foot. This process is called "toasting."
Toast the Foot
- Why: Toasting helps prepare the cigar for an even burn.
- How: Place the foot of the cigar just above the flame and rotate it slowly. The foot should begin to smolder and develop an orange glow without touching the flame directly.
Bring the Cigar to Your Lips
- Why: To ensure the cigar lights evenly while you start drawing the smoke.
- How: Place the cigar in your mouth and hold it at a slight angle to the flame. Begin puffing on the cigar while rotating it, keeping the flame close but not directly touching the cigar. This process draws the flame toward the foot, helping to light it evenly.
Check the Burn
- Why: To ensure an even burn and avoid canoeing (uneven burning on one side).
- How: Remove the cigar from your mouth and observe the foot. If there are any unlit areas, gently blow on the foot or re-toast the cigar to correct the burn.
Puff Gently
- Why: Avoid overheating the cigar, which can cause a harsh taste.
- How: Take slow, steady puffs to draw the smoke through the cigar. Avoid drawing too hard or too quickly, as this can cause the cigar to burn unevenly and become hot.

Tips for Lighting

Be Patient: Lighting a cigar properly takes time. Rushing can result in an uneven burn and a less enjoyable smoke.
Avoid Direct Flame: The goal is to use the heat of the flame rather than the flame itself to light the cigar. Direct contact with the flame can char the wrapper and affect the cigar's taste.
Relight if Necessary: If the cigar goes out, don’t worry. Simply repeat the lighting process, taking care to remove any excess ash from the foot first.

Properly lighting a cigar sets the tone for the entire smoking experience. By following these steps, you ensure an even burn, a smooth draw, and the full development of the cigar’s flavours.