A Lesson in Lighting

You don't have to use a butane lighter. It's your cigar; it's your choice.

Many people prefer a match or cedar spill, and the reason is simple. The flame from a match is cooler than any lighter, whether butane or petrol. Why should you be concerned with the temperature of the flame? The same reason you should be concerned about biting into a slice of piping hot pizza. You won't remember the taste because you burned your palate. That relates to cigars thusly: the cooler the light, the cooler the smoke will be.

If you're lighting a cigar with any lighter (whether a Zippo or Dupont), it's important to remember to keep the cigar out of the flame. Hold the cigar about a quarter inch over the flame—not in direct contact. Rotate the cigar slowly. Start a burn around the perimeter. When it's thinly blackened around (but not charred), bring it to your lips and puff gently. The flame will jump to the center of the cigar.

Incidentally, using this method to light a cigar will significantly minimize the risk of the cigar picking up any residue from an oil lighter's flame. Ultimately, the taste of lighter fluid getting into the tobacco is the reason many aficionados use butane lighters.

Posted in: 00 Cigar 101