Lighting Up: Fire at the Service of the Cigar

A cigar lit unevenly will often burn unevenly to the very end. The first few minutes therefore decide more about the pleasure than most people think — and they demand above all one thing: patience.

The Right Flame

Three tools have proved their worth. The jet flame burns hot and wind-stable, making it the most practical choice outdoors; because of its intensity, hold it at a slight distance. The long match is the traditional option — let the sulphur head burn off before the flame touches the tobacco. Most ceremonious of all is the cedar spill, a thin strip of cedar wood that burns with a calm flame and imparts nothing foreign to the cigar. That is precisely where the classic petrol lighter falls short: its fumes settle on the tobacco as an off-taste. If a lighter at all, then one running on butane gas.

Toasting the Foot

Do not simply set it alight. Hold the foot — the open end — at an angle above the flame without letting it make contact, and rotate the cigar slowly until the rim of tobacco begins to glow all the way round. This toasting warms the tobacco and lays the foundation for an even burn. Anyone who skips this step will make up for it later with corrections.

Lighting Evenly

Only now do you take the cigar to your mouth: draw gently while continuing to hold the flame in front of the foot, rotating as you go. Then the confirming glance at the cherry — a soft blow makes it glow and reveals any dark spots not yet alight. If a rim stays cold, direct the flame precisely there rather than simply drawing harder.

Relighting Without Drama

Every cigar is allowed to go out — that is neither a judgement on it nor on you. Tap off the loose ash, blow once gently through the cigar to expel stale smoke, then toast the foot again and light as you did the first time. Within about an hour, a relit cigar tastes almost as before; anyone who wants to carry on the next day, however, will be met by cold, bitter smoke residue.