How to light a cigar

Smoking a cigar is not just about smoking, it is an art that needs to be mastered. Cigar enthusiasts take pride in their cigar smoking skills and one of the most important elements of cigar smoking is knowing how to properly light a cigar. A cigar that is improperly lit can ruin the entire experience, and even the most expensive cigar will taste bad if lit incorrectly. So, if you want to master the art of cigar smoking, here’s everything you need to know about lighting a cigar.

Choose a Good Quality Cigar

First things first, choose a good quality cigar. It is important to choose a cigar that suits your taste, but also one that is of good quality. A good indicator of quality is the wrapper’s appearance, a cigar should not have any visible cracks or holes, and the color should be uniform. If the cigar is too dry, it will not smoke well, and if it is too humid, it will be challenging to light. So, before lighting the cigar, make sure to properly store it in a humidor at the right temperature and humidity.

Prepare the Cigar

Before you light the cigar, it is essential to prepare it properly. It is important to cut the end of the cigar with a proper cigar cutter. A cigar should not be cut with a kitchen knife or scissors, as this will damage the wrapper and the filler tobacco. A cigar cutter with a sharp blade is the best tool to use. When you have cut the cigar tip, the opening should be wide enough to allow for smoke to pass, but not too wide that the wrapper comes apart.

Toast the Foot

After cutting the cigar tip, it is time to light it. First, hold the cigar horizontally with the foot facing toward you. Hold the cigar about an inch away from the flame of your lighter, and twirl it around slowly. The heat will begin to toast the tobacco inside the cigar. This method allows for an even burn and ensures that the cigar’s flavor is not affected by the lighter’s gas.

Light the Cigar

After you have toasted the foot of the cigar, it is time to light it properly. Take the cigar and place it in your mouth, and start puffing while holding the flame near the foot of the cigar. The goal is to light the cigar evenly. Keep the flame away from the foot of the cigar as much as possible. The ideal way to light a cigar is to let the flame get close enough to the cigar to ignite the tobacco while slowly rotating the cigar. At this point, your cigar should be lit, but it will still require some puffing to get it burning evenly.

Enjoy Your Cigar

Now, you have properly lit your cigar. This art takes time to master, but with practice, you can achieve great results. Smoking a cigar should be a leisurely experience, so take your time and savor every puff. You do not want to inhale it like a cigarette. Instead, draw the cigar smoke into your mouth and taste the flavor. Finally, relax and enjoy the experience.

Conclusion

Lighting a cigar is an important part of the smoking experience. Improper lighting can destroy the cigar’s flavor profile. The steps above will help you prepare, toast and light your cigar correctly. Patience and care are key to enjoying your cigar like a pro. Remember, cigar smoking is a leisurely experience, so take your time, enjoy the flavor, and relax.