What can be used to light a cigar?

As always, many roads lead to Rome. Everyone has their favourite lighter or other tried and tested way of lighting a cigar. When these are used correctly, any one of them can light a cigar to perfection for your smoking pleasure.

The following options are available:

To sum up the answer to the question of What is the best way to light a cigar?, a cigar should be lit gently, so that the tobacco does not become too hot and turn bitter. All of the above options can achieve this. The key is patience and to avoid drawing on the cigar too hard or too often, otherwise, even a match or a gas lighter can generate excessive heat.

Modern jet flame lighters, with their characteristic blue flame, are now the most popular cigar lighters because they are very practical. The intense flame is reliable even in wind and rain, though care must be taken to hold the cigar slightly above rather than in direct contact with the flame.

Gas lighters, like the classic model Zippo, are generally avoided for cigars, because the gas fumes may be transferred to the cigar and affect the taste.

The cigar can also be lit with a cedar wood splint or a match. These methods require a little extra patience. Cedar wood splints are certainly the most stylish way to light a cigar. The burning cedar has a wonderful aroma and makes the ritual of lighting up all the more enjoyable. Cedar wood splints specially designed for lighting cigars can be purchased separately and are also often included in boxes of Cuban cigars. The cedar splints create a very fine ash though and you should never blow one out, because the ashes spread out through the room like a big cloud. Instead, hold the splint up vertically with the flame, it will go out after a few seconds. Matches should be long – like the ones used to light a fireplace or those specially designed for cigars.




What is the best way to light a cigar?