Lighting the Cigar

Lighting the Cigar

Never use a fluid-type lighter to light the cigar, unless you like the taste of kerosene mixed with your cigar. Butane is odorless and tasteless fuel and is well-suited for lighting cigars. Wooden matches are good if they are phosphorus-free. If not, wait until the phosphorus has been consumed to light the cigar.

Paper matches just will not work; they make you work too hard, and probably will never get the cigar lit. The paraffin in a candle ruins the taste of the cigar, and the wax will drip into your food or lap. Lighting a cigar from the cedar slivers or tapers from your cigar box will work. Cedar slivers allow you to light the cigar with real Spanish cedar. Slivers usually come from the sheets of cedar used in cigar boxes and tubed cigars.

The lighting process should not be rushed, but savored and enjoyed like the rest of your cigar. Cigar-lighting is a ritual associated with cigar smoking. Take your time, and relish the process. You are at the beginning of a special event.

After you have cut the head, begin by toasting the foot of the cigar. Do not start lighting your cigar by putting the foot of the cigar in a flame and drawing on it. This will char the tobacco, and the cigar will have a sooty taste through the entire length.

Hold the cigar in your hand at a 45-degree angle. Hold the flame in your other hand, around 1/2 inch below the foot. Rotate the cigar and slowly toast the foot. The rim of the foot will start to turn gray, and wisps of smoke will appear.

Put the cigar in your mouth and draw gently while holding the flame 1/2 inch or more below the foot of the cigar. Draw in the smoke and rotate your cigar until it feels evenly lit and the smoke flows freely into your mouth. The cigar will only burn evenly if the entire rim is lit. Lift the cigar and look to see if the entire surface of the foot is lit. If it is not completely and evenly lit, continue with the process. Look again; when the rim is completely lit, blow gently on the coals to keep it burning and enjoy the aroma. This process will keep you from asking strangers if your cigar is lit.

Now, just relax and enjoy a good cigar!