There is something of an art and science to lighting a cigar properly. A cigar, of course, has a much wider area to it than a cigarette and requires special techniques to ensure that the tobacco burns evenly and at the correct temperature. There will inevitably be occasions when an individual like their cigar improperly and where they will be required to repeat the process to ensure the best-possible tasting smoke. The relighting process is very similar to the initial lighting process.
To fix an improper light, the first task is usually to even out the ember. The last thing one wants out of a fine cigar is an uneven burn. To correct an improper light where part of the cigar is burning but the rest isn’t, simply hold the lighter to the unlit portion for a second without puffing. Alternately, one may blow on the foot of the cigar to even out the ember and to provide a proper burn.
If the cigar is burning hot in one area and smoldering in others, one may simply blow on the foot to even out the temperature. It’s common enough to see even experienced cigar smokers doing this. If this proves inadequate, one may hold the flame to the unlit portion to heat the tobacco up to a good burning temperature. This should be done without drawing on the cigar in most cases. If the cigar is burning very unevenly, one may wish to start over.
After stubbing out the cigar, repeat the entire process starting with the toasting. To toast the tobacco, hold the cigar slightly above the lighter flame until it reaches an even warmth. After this is been done, one lights the cigar by holding the flame slightly below the wrapper and puffing the flame into the tobacco. Because the cigar has been stubbed out and was never lit correctly in the first place, the toasting process must be repeated to ensure proper burn. Without doing so, the cigar will burn unevenly resulting in a poor-quality smoke.
Cigars can be lit with liquid-fuel lighters but this leaves a chemical taste. This taste will be intensified by relighting a cigar to make up for a bad burn. Butane lighters can provide a flavor-free light no matter how long it is held to the tobacco but one must be certain not to overheat the tobacco when relighting it. This will result in a sharp, unpleasant taste. Getting the perfect light takes time and practice but is part of the art of smoking cigars.
Dave Sabot is the owner of specialty lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including windproof lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring tips on how to repair a lighter.
Tags: butane lighters, cigar lighter, cigars, Educational, hobbies, Home, How-to, humidors, Leisure, Lifestyle, lighters, Relaxation, torch lighter, zippo