Am I charring too much while lighting?

[MattBringsSoda]

Hi all!
So I have looked up proper lighting techniques to cigars, and started applying them to my own smokes.

When first lighting, using a torch lighter, I've been holding the cigar about 45 degree angle and well above the flame, rotating it until the entire brim of the foot has a glow. Then I ignite the rest of the foot, being careful not to allow the flame to actually touch the stick.

The first couple I lit like this went fine, but the last half dozen or so have developed a fair amount of discoloration/blackening spreading from the actual burn line, and I don't remember seeing that before. I included a picture to show what I'm talking about.

This specifically occurs while I'm toasting the wrapper/outer edge of the foot.

I'm being very careful to try to be accurate with the torch while toastingetting - but this discoloration makes me wonder, am I screwing up the light?

Or, is it perhaps that my cigars are too dry and the delicate wrapper is literally scorching when it shouldn't be?

Thanks for any input!

 

[W.B.]

Looks fine to me.

 

[navyvet]

The only thing i could think of to minimize this is turn the tirch down a little, but i am with warren looks fine to me

 

[jasonsbeer]

I find it helps to hold the torch far away from the cigar and slowly bring it closer as it starts to glow, all the while turning it at about 45 degree increments every 2-3 seconds. I work from the middle out. Wait for the middle to start glowing and then work out to the edges.

This technique seems to work for me to help keep wrapper charring to a minimum. It has also been a long time since I had a wonky burn.

 

[VeLoRoK]

Try a soft flame lighter or cedar sticks for less jet flame scorching.

 

[csk415]

Middle out for me also. Get the center red and circle motions to outer edge. Blow on it if you have to to help start a even cherry.

 

[MattBringsSoda]

Thanks all!

 

[ChefBoyRG54]

You are doing it wrong. In order to better assist you in your endeavor, i whipped up a tutorial as i sit in my hotel room bored...and lonely.


You sir are welcome!

 

[knw247]

Hi all!
So I have looked up proper lighting techniques to cigars, and started applying them to my own smokes.

When first lighting, using a torch lighter, I've been holding the cigar about 45 degree angle and well above the flame, rotating it until the entire brim of the foot has a glow. Then I ignite the rest of the foot, being careful not to allow the flame to actually touch the stick.

The first couple I lit like this went fine, but the last half dozen or so have developed a fair amount of discoloration/blackening spreading from the actual burn line, and I don't remember seeing that before. I included a picture to show what I'm talking about.

This specifically occurs while I'm toasting the wrapper/outer edge of the foot.

I'm being very careful to try to be accurate with the torch while toastingetting - but this discoloration makes me wonder, am I screwing up the light?

Or, is it perhaps that my cigars are too dry and the delicate wrapper is literally scorching when it shouldn't be?
View attachment 88384
Thanks for any input!

I recommend you give "toast and cut" a try. Also when you toast, try to toast across the foot, meaning hit the edge farthest from the flame.

 

[knw247]

You are doing it wrong. In order to better assist you in your endeavor, i whipped up a tutorial as i sit in my hotel room bored...and lonely.


You sir are welcome!

Ryan, your looking great. Have you been working out?

 

[ChefBoyRG54]

Ryan, your looking great. Have you been working out?

Why thank you and yes i have. I call my morning routine the "twinkie challenge"

 

[VeLoRoK]

You are doing it wrong. In order to better assist you in your endeavor, i whipped up a tutorial as i sit in my hotel room bored...and lonely.


You sir are welcome!

Where did you find a hotel you can smoke in?! You could also post this in the Winter Smoking Suggestions thread. I'm going to go move into a hotel now!

 

[ChefBoyRG54]

Where did you find a hotel you can smoke in?! You could also post this in the Winter Smoking Suggestions thread. I'm going to go move into a hotel now!

I have a smoking room in my hotel in hong kong tonight.

And in mainland china you can smoke pretty much wherever you want.

You could do that when America was great...

 

[VeLoRoK]

Oh if only someday it could be great again.

 

[MattBringsSoda]

I call my morning routine the "twinkie challenge"

Sounds like you have the same trainer as me, put me on a strict routine of 12 Ounce Curls. Just makin' gains, bro. Just makin' gains.

 

[BeardedGuy512]

You are doing it wrong. In order to better assist you in your endeavor, i whipped up a tutorial as i sit in my hotel room bored...and lonely.


You sir are welcome!

3 matches and lit?? Shit I need to practice more apparently. Honestly the lighting is still something that is hit and miss for me. Though you had the whole no wind in the room going for you there.

 

[ChefBoyRG54]

3 matches and lit?? Shit I need to practice more apparently. Honestly the lighting is still something that is hit and miss for me. Though you had the whole no wind in the room going for you there.

8 matches and a salt shaker

 

[bwhite220]

Soft flame is the best flame if you can cut down on wind. But, you cigar looks fine, bro. Don't sweat it! You're not torching the ever living crap out of it so keep up the good work!

 

[JG358]

Why thank you and yes i have. I call my morning routine the "twinkie challenge"

I don't think anyone really needs to hear about a morning routine involving you and something with a cream filling.

 

[ChefBoyRG54]

I don't think anyone really needs to hear about a morning routine involving you and something with a cream filling.

Ding dong challenge? Double entendre...