How to light a cigar correctly?

How to light a cigar correctly?

Tasting a cigar is a ritual that can sometimes take the form of a veritable ceremony. It involves a number of different stages which, if followed correctly, allow you to enjoy your cigar to the full. Once you've selected your cigar and cut its stem, you can try a raw tasting to get a first impression of its aromas before lighting it. Each of these steps helps to prepare your tasting in the best possible way, and will only enrich your experience. You can then move on to the lighting stage, without forgetting to observe certain basic rules. 

What should I light my cigar with?

Before lighting your cigar, you need to choose the right accessory. Not all flames are created equal, and some even tend to diminish the quality of your cigar. This is the case, for example, with candles and petrol lighters, whose smell can alter the taste of your cigar.

To ensure you enjoy your cigar to the full, we recommend lighting it with either a match ora lighter. If you opt for a match, note that you'll need to use several to light your cigar properly. You may also prefer long matches to avoid burning your fingers. But be sure to let the head burn down completely before approaching your cigar, otherwise it will taste sulphurous. 

The most widely used accessory for lighting a cigar is the lighter. Whatever its shape or finish, it's important to choose a butane lighter rather than a kerosene lighter. The yellow flame of a butane lighter is softer than the blue flame of a kerosene lighter. As a reminder, a yellow flame burns at around 900°C, while a blue flame burns at 1200°C on average. This type of flame is also odorless. So there's no risk of burning your cigar's tobacco too quickly or altering its taste. A lighter with a yellow flame or a match, on the other hand, has the disadvantage of being sensitive to wind. So, depending on the weather, we advise you to light your cigar indoors. 

The 2 main methods of lighting a cigar

Draught ignition

Whicheveraccessory you use, you can light your cigar by placing it in your mouth and inhaling gently until your module is fully lit. To do this, bring the flame to within 1 or 2 centimetres of the foot of your cigar. Then inhale gently, keeping the flame at a distance. The flame must never come into direct contact with your cigar. As you draw in gently, the flame will naturally move towards your cigar, heating it gently. Hold the foot of your cigar at about 45° to the flame. 

As you inhale, gently turn your module to light it evenly. Take your time, so as not to burn the first aromas, and repeat these steps until your cigar lights up. Once your cigar is lit, you can gently blow on its foot to check that the entire surface is correctly lit.

Draftless ignition

While lighting a cigar with a draw allows you to get started quickly, there's another, slower method that preserves your cigar's aromas to perfection. Lighting a cigar without a draw ensures that the first puffs are not altered, allowing you to fully appreciate your cigar as soon as it is lit. Beyond the ritual that this type of lighting represents, it's also about respecting the know-how behind your cigar and fully honouring the work of the men and women who made it.

To light your cigar without a draw, place the flame of your lighter 1 cm from the foot of the cigar. Then gently turn your module to introduce the flame to the different tobacco leaves in your cigar. Start by heating the rim, lighting the wrapper and the Binder. The Binder has good combustion properties that help to light the filler and obtain an even burn. Be patient, as this method requires you to be gentle and calm. Watch the tobacco ignite gently and evenly. You can also blow gently on the foot of your cigar to help the heat spread evenly. In addition to respecting the quality of your cigar, this method allows you to appreciate your cigar olfistically before making a gustatory impression. It also allows you to light your cigar without burning it, so you can fully enjoy its flavours from the very first puff.

Whatever lighting method you choose, it's important to bear in mind that this step is essential to the success of your tasting. A poorly lit cigar will burn unevenly, and the quality of its aromas will diminish. Successful lighting, on the other hand, ensures an ideal tasting experience, without any elements interfering with your palate. Once your cigar is well lit, take care not to pull on it too hard. A cigar should be smoked slowly and in regular puffs. It's also inadvisable to let it go out in order to relight it later. If, however, your module should go out, you won't need to repeat the whole operation. First remove the ash to free the cigar's firebox, then place it near a flame for 2 to 3 seconds. Take a few quick puffs, then blow gently on the foot of the cigar to relight it evenly.

You now know all about this essential step, which will only enhance your experience. We hope you enjoy lighting up and tasting!

PROMO OUT OF STOCK