How to Light a Cigar: Tools, Tips & Step‑by‑Step Guide
How to Light a Cigar: Tools, Tips & Step‑by‑Step Guide
Lighting a cigar correctly is essential to preserving flavor, ensuring an even burn, and starting your smoke session right. In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Recommended tools and lighter types
- Step-by-step lighting technique
- Common lighting mistakes to avoid
- Troubleshooting tips for uneven burns
Why Lighting a Cigar Properly Matters
An improperly lit cigar can cause tunneling, bitterness, or uneven burning. The goal is to ignite the foot evenly so that the wrapper, binder, and filler all burn in harmony.
Best Tools for Lighting a Cigar
- Butane torch lighters: Powerful, odorless, wind-resistant
- Soft-flame butane lighters: Gentle, great for indoor use
- Wooden matches: Use long, sulfur-free matches; let the tip burn off before lighting
- Cedar spills: Traditional and aroma-neutral option
Avoid Zippo-style fluid lighters or scented flames, which can alter cigar flavor. Explore Brizard & Co. luxury lighters at Cigar Inc.—crafted with fine materials like alligator leather and exotic wood.
See our guide to cigar accessories
How to Light a Cigar: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Toast the Foot
Hold your cigar just above the flame (not in it) and rotate slowly. Toast until the foot (the open end) is blackened but not yet burning, ensuring the edges start to glow evenly.
Step 2: Begin Puffing While Lighting
Once the foot is evenly toasted, bring the cigar to your lips and take gentle puffs while continuing to rotate the cigar above the flame. This helps ignite it evenly.
Step 3: Inspect the Burn
Blow across the foot to check for dark spots. Apply a brief touch-up with your lighter if needed. A balanced burn ensures consistent flavor and aroma throughout your smoke.
Step 4: Enjoy the First Draw
Take a soft, slow puff. If the burn line isn’t uniform, gently correct it with your torch.
Common Cigar Lighting Mistakes
| Mistake | What Happens | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Scorching the cigar | Burns wrapper, damages flavor | Keep flame at a distance |
| Uneven lighting | Causes canoeing, poor draw | Rotate and toast evenly |
| Wrong lighter type | Impacts taste | Use butane or cedar spills |
| Rushing the light | Unbalanced combustion | Take your time |
Pro Tip: Patience pays off. Overheating the tobacco will scorch the wrapper and distort the taste.
Troubleshooting an Uneven Burn
- Use your torch to touch up dark areas
- Slow your puffing pace
- Check cigar humidity
- Blow gently to purge stale smoke
Lighting a Cigar in Different Settings
Indoors: Matches or soft flames work well.
Outdoors: Use a torch lighter to battle wind.
Travel tip: Keep a travel-size butane lighter and cedar spills in your humidor pouch.
Cigar Lighting Etiquette
- Don’t relight a cigar more than once
- Let ash fall naturally — avoid flicking
- Offer a light if asked, but don’t insist
Explore more tips in our Cigar 101 blog
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Zippo to light a cigar?
Not recommended — the fuel can taint the cigar’s flavor.
How far should the cigar be from the flame?
About ½ inch. Never let the flame touch the tobacco directly.
Should I toast the foot first?
Yes. Toasting preps the cigar for a smooth, even light.
Why is my cigar burning unevenly?
Possible causes include poor lighting, uneven toasting, or over-puffing.
Ready to Light Your Next Cigar Right?
Shop premium cigars, cutters, and lighters at CigarInc.com or visit our Woodland Hills Cigar Shop to enjoy expert recommendations in person.
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