Evenly lighting the foot is the most critical part of Cigar Lighting. If a cigar is not lit evenly, it will not burn or taste properly. The best Cigar Lighting technique involves bringing the flame to the tobacco by gently drawing air through the cigar (aka Puffing). While Puffing, the cigar should be rotated over the flame to ensure the foot is evenly lit, without being charred.
Lighting Tips
DO:
- Remove Cellophane and any Cedar or Ribbons around the foot of the cigar.
- Cut the cigar properly
- When using a match, allow the sulfur/chemicals to burn off the match head before taking the flame to the tobacco.
- Hold the flame slightly off of the tobacco. Flame = 1/8 of an inch: Torch = 1/2 inch.
- Rotate the cigar to evenly light the foot.
- Puff on the cigar in order to draw the flame to the foot.
DON’T:
- Light or Char the outside of the wrapper.
- Use a Candle or Liquid fuel lighter to light the cigar.
- Light the head.
- Lick the cigar: that is disgusting to watch and unnecessary if the cigar is properly humidified. The habit of licking a cigar was popular in the early 1900’s when proper humidity was more uncommon: low humidity may cause a wrapper to unravel.
Re-Lighting Tips
It is common for cigars to lose their combustion while being smoked. Proper Re-Lighting takes a little finesse to preserve the cigar’s organoleptic qualities.
CAUSE:
Cigars can "go out" or lose combustion due to slow smoking, excessive humidity, or inattentiveness.
REMEDY:
As a cigar burns it transforms tobacco to ash, and in the middle of that process exists Char: the partially scorched, pre-ash remnants of tobacco. The problem with re-lighting a cigar is the Char; because it tastes bitter and acrid. Before re-lighting a cigar, an effort should be made to remove the Ash and Char. This can be done by gently rolling the foot of the cigar between your fingers and allowing the Char to fall out. The other alternative is to cut the cigar just behind the Charred area and start again. It is important to note that relighting the cigar may require a heavier application of flame than the initial light. In addition, it may take some time for the flavor of the cigar to stabilize and become pleasurable again.