When lighting a cigar there are a few different trains of thought.  As odd as it may be, there is more than one way to light a cigar. Many stand by the old fashion match, on the opposite side of the spectrum, torch lighters.

Now, I am not going to say which method is best, rather, under what circumstances each are best used.

I have heard numerous times that cigars are designed to burn at flame temperature (I think its approximately 600 degrees Fahrenheit).  So, ones first thought would be to use the good ol’ match. On the contrary. Since matches use a fragile shaky flame, you are more likely to get an uneven burn on your cigar.  Imagine using a match to toast your cigar outside when the wind is blowing; it would not be very practical. Even the slightest bit of wind can blow it out causing you to take it forever to correctly toast your cigar’s foot (especially with larger gauged cigars).

note: I have seen some lighters (like the Xikar Exodus) that use a natural flame and are “wind proof”.  This would also be a great lighting method except it would still take longer to evenly (if possible) light your cigar in a windy situation.

These days most connoisseurs use a torch lighter. Of course using a wind resistant torch is best for lighting up in outside conditions; and since it is a constant flame, you are more likely to focus the heat in an evenly distributed fashion while toasting your smoke (like a stove top vs. an open fire pit).  I also find torches better for fixing a cigar’s burn.

There is one potential draw back if you are not careful. When using a torch lighter it can heat up your cigar too fast and too hot, in turn, creating a scorched tobacco taste.  This beginning can be a bitter, tar-like note that developed from the intense heat; adding a uncharacteristic flavor to the cigar’s nature. This unwanted taste can last for the first couple of minutes, which in my opinion, is a couple minutes too long.

What about lighting your cigar with a disposable, or a Zippo lighter you ask?

It is commonly known that using a cheap gas lighter (like a Bic with cheap butane fuel) actually can spoil a cigar because the flavor of the low quality butane fuel can get into the flavor of your beloved smoke. The same goes for the Zippo lighters and their funky smelling fluid. A good rule of thumb would be, if you can smell it, you can most certainly taste it.

note: If you are going to use any lighter make sure you get triple refined butane. It is the cleanest burning, and simply the best for your babies.

There are also some cigars that come wrapped with a strip of cedar that you can use to toast and light your cigar with. Using the cedar is the ideal way to light your smoke as it incorporates the cedar with the flavor of the cigar, giving you pure flavor from the get go, as it was intended. Unfortunately, not all cigars come with cedar linings, and you are probably not going to carry strips of cedar in your pocket…You can however, ask your local smoke shop, they will most likely have them available in some form for you to use.

honestly,

James