Lighting cigars: the proper technique

[Curmudgeon76]

Hey all,

Just had some questions regarding the best technique to light a cigar. I had read previously that one should first toast the cigar without actually touching the flame to the tip, and then proceed to light it by holding the flame near the tip, drawing quickly, also without actually touching the flame to the cigar.

I do this, rotating the cigar while lighting it, but I notice that often the cigar tends to light only in the middle, while the edges are much more difficult to light evenly. Not sure if this is due to my technique, or other factors. Eventually I'm able to get it lit evenly, but wasn't sure if anyone had any suggestions for a good technique to get even lighting and a better burn.

Thanks

 

[mnelson]

for me personally it changes depending on the conditions (weather, lighting, etc...) and what source i am using to light the stick.

If i have a single jet butane lighter i use the toasting method you described,. When i have a double jet i usually light from the bottom edge while rotating the stick in my mouth because i find its to hard to control the point where it hits the foot when using the toasting method.

Sometimes i will use the toasting method to get it warmed up and then use the rotating method to finish it up. This works very well with a single jet.

 

[oneaday]

Started smoking cigars before, the torches came out (OK wiseasses, WAY before) and still prefer a soft flame whenever possible. With a soft flame this technique is easier but I do it with either kind of lighter.
Toasting the foot of the cigar is not charing it to a cinder, it is slowly warming the tobacco. Once the foot has been toasted to almost igniting, place the cigar in your mouth holding the foot well above the visable flame, totate the cigar slowly and allow the heat above the flame to ignite the cigar. Blowing on the end to insure an even light. Assuming the cigar has been maintained properly this method almost always assures an even burn.

Of course there is the other method...........place the foot in the middle of the torch flame wait till it develops a warm red glow along with burning 1/2 inch of the wrapper and puff out like hell. When using this method I puff out through the cigar when lighting (eliminates the charred taste of the first few puffs).

I use both methods and can't tell much of a difference to tell the truth.

 

[sogon]

My personal technique with a soft flame is to toast lightly, then bring the flame closer and rotate, which should produce a blackened outer edge (on the end, not the sides) and maybe a little ignition, then I put it to my mouth and two or three puffs with the flame not too close. Off course I then blow on it to make sure all is good and if not I might do another 'targeted' puff or two.

The charring of the outer edge is usually only necessary on cigars with a 46+ ring. Otherwise I just toast, puff, blow and enjoy.

 

[Mustard]

Check this out.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJGL9ae1VDQ&feature=related"]YouTube - How To Light A Cigar With Dupont Lighter Or Match[/ame]

 

[daniyal]

This is the method I like to use:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1312377041/bclid1078629812/bctid1315783144

 

[dpricenator]

Either with a torch or a soft flame, I will toast the foot, making sure to get the edge of the foot as well. This ensures you don't have the "center Burn" issue you are struggling with. Then a rotating light with a few puffs, and you're good to go.

 

[smokinghole]

Hey daniyal can you view youtube right now in Pakistan? As soon as I heard about the video bashing Allah it got blocked here in Turkey.

 

[Trumpetchris]

I prefer the Mongo from Blazing Saddles technique. Put cigar in mouth, lean into campfire. :wink:

 

[N2Advnture]

Started smoking cigars before, the torches came out (OK wiseasses, WAY before) and still prefer a soft flame whenever possible. With a soft flame this technique is easier but I do it with either kind of lighter.
Toasting the foot of the cigar is not charing it to a cinder, it is slowly warming the tobacco. Once the foot has been toasted to almost igniting, place the cigar in your mouth holding the foot well above the visable flame, totate the cigar slowly and allow the heat above the flame to ignite the cigar. Blowing on the end to insure an even light. Assuming the cigar has been maintained properly this method almost always assures an even burn.

Of course there is the other method...........place the foot in the middle of the torch flame wait till it develops a warm red glow along with burning 1/2 inch of the wrapper and puff out like hell. When using this method I puff out through the cigar when lighting (eliminates the charred taste of the first few puffs).

I use both methods and can't tell much of a difference to tell the truth.

BAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

We've smoked together and know that Ken rubs two cigars together quickly to create a flame to light a third with.

~Mark

ps - light mine just like ken's description

 

[Angry Bill]

Started smoking cigars before, the torches came out (OK wiseasses, WAY before) and still prefer a soft flame whenever possible. With a soft flame this technique is easier but I do it with either kind of lighter.
Toasting the foot of the cigar is not charing it to a cinder, it is slowly warming the tobacco. Once the foot has been toasted to almost igniting, place the cigar in your mouth holding the foot well above the visable flame, totate the cigar slowly and allow the heat above the flame to ignite the cigar. Blowing on the end to insure an even light. Assuming the cigar has been maintained properly this method almost always assures an even burn.

Of course there is the other method...........place the foot in the middle of the torch flame wait till it develops a warm red glow along with burning 1/2 inch of the wrapper and puff out like hell. When using this method I puff out through the cigar when lighting (eliminates the charred taste of the first few puffs).

I use both methods and can't tell much of a difference to tell the truth.

This is the same method I use and works perfectly every time.

 

[CWS]

Depends on teh conditions. Like Ken I started with a soft flame and drew the heat to the cigar. However, when the wind is blowing, I just torch the sucker.

 

[USC Fan]

Thanks for the info, although it wasn't my question, I learned from it.

 

[daniyal]

Hey daniyal can you view youtube right now in Pakistan? As soon as I heard about the video bashing Allah it got blocked here in Turkey.

Seems to be working fine for me... haven't heard of the video but that would be odd

 

[rabbgp]

A cutting torch works good too, but you have to watch out for your eyebrows catching on fire. =o)

 

[RigilKent]

i use a single flame torch when i can it seams to be easier to control than my tri flame table torch. i hold the stick in front of me parallel to the ground then torch the foot with the flame aimed and the foot. i do this till the entire foot seams to be almost lit. then i blow on the foot to see how lit it is. sometimes this is all it takes and im off and running other times i will have to put it in my mouth puff and rotate. when i do this i try to hit the middle and up with the heat and not the bottom that way i get the edges lit evenly. thats just how i do it maybe someday i will make a video and post it up for you guys