Choosing Your Flame
The ideal flame source is odourless and clean. Butane torch lighters are the gold standard for cigar enthusiasts — they produce a consistent, wind-resistant flame with no chemical taste. Soft-flame (traditional) butane lighters also work well, especially indoors where wind is not a factor.
Long cedar spills (thin strips of Spanish cedar) are the most traditional method and impart a subtle sweetness to the first few puffs. Wooden matches are acceptable provided you let the sulphur tip burn off completely before bringing the flame near the cigar. Avoid petrol lighters, candles, and paper matches — they all introduce unwanted flavours.
Step 1: The Toast
Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle with the foot (open end) facing the flame. Keep the flame about half an inch from the foot — do not let the fire directly touch the tobacco. Slowly rotate the cigar, allowing the heat to gently warm and darken the entire foot evenly.
You should see a thin, glowing ring begin to form around the edges of the foot. This is called "toasting" and it primes the tobacco for an even burn. Take your time — this step should last 15–20 seconds. The foot should be uniformly charred with a subtle white-grey edge before you proceed.
Did you know? Patience is critical. A well-toasted cigar will burn evenly for its entire life. Rushing this step is the number one cause of an uneven burn that requires constant touch-ups.
Step 2: The Light
Once the foot is evenly toasted, bring the cigar to your lips. Hold the flame slightly below the foot (not touching) and draw gently while continuing to rotate the cigar. The goal is to draw the flame into the tobacco, igniting the filler from the centre outward.
Take three to four slow, gentle puffs while rotating. Do not inhale. Between puffs, inspect the foot — you want to see a uniformly glowing cherry across the entire surface. If one side is burning more than the other, direct the flame toward the unlit area and take an extra puff or two.
Step 3: The First Draw
Once the cigar is evenly lit, remove it from your lips and blow gently on the foot to verify the cherry is uniform. You should see a consistent orange glow across the entire surface. Now take your first proper draw — a slow, steady pull lasting about three to four seconds.
Let the smoke roll across your palate, noting the initial flavours. The first inch of a cigar is often considered the "lighting zone" where flavours are still settling, so reserve your final judgement until you are past that point. Puff at a relaxed pace of roughly once per minute to maintain an even burn and prevent the cigar from overheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Puffing too rapidly is the most common mistake. Overheating the cigar produces harsh, bitter flavours and can cause the wrapper to crack. Aim for one puff per minute as a general guideline. If the cigar goes out, simply knock off any loose ash, re-toast the foot lightly, and relight.
Another frequent error is lighting the cigar with the band facing downward, making it difficult to rotate evenly. Always position the cigar so you can see the foot clearly. Finally, never light a cigar and immediately set it down — it needs steady airflow during the first few minutes to establish a strong burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lighter for cigars?
A butane torch lighter is the gold standard for cigar lighting. It produces a clean, odourless flame that does not impart unwanted flavours. Single-flame torches offer precision, while double and triple-flame torches are better for larger ring-gauge cigars. Cedar spills are the most traditional and elegant option.
Why should you toast a cigar before lighting it?
Toasting primes the foot of the cigar by evenly warming the filler and binder before you begin drawing. This creates a uniform char across the entire foot, which establishes an even burn line from the very first puff. Skipping this step often leads to an uneven burn that requires constant correction.
How often should you puff on a cigar?
A good rule of thumb is one puff per minute. Puffing too frequently overheats the tobacco, producing harsh and bitter flavours. Puffing too infrequently may let the cigar go out. Find a comfortable rhythm that keeps the foot glowing gently and produces cool, flavourful smoke.