While a cheap cigar deserves no more thought when being lit than does a cigarette, a fine cigar requires a bit of special attention. Lighting a cigar is a multi-stage process that involves first warming the tobacco and then lighting it in a way that provides an even ember at the foot. Of course, the first step in lighting any cigar is trimming off the cap so that one may draw through the stogie in the first place!

Lighting a cigar doesn’t actually start with the application of flame. First, one must correctly trim the cigar to ensure that they get the best possible draw. This is done using a specific type of tool. There are various styles of cutters available. The scissor-type cutters tend to leave a ragged edge at the end of the cigar. Punch-type cutters tend to have largely the same effect. Most cigar smokers vastly prefer the guillotine-style cutters which are oftentimes found attached to lighters.

After the cigar has been trimmed, one needs to warm the tobacco to ensure that it lights evenly. To accomplish this, simply hold the cigar in one hand and the lighter in the other. Roll the cigar over the top of the flame without actually letting the flame touch any part of the wrapper or the filler. This should be done until the foot of the cigar reaches an evenly warm temperature. Make certain to not overheat the cigar.

After the cigar has been warmed – called “toasting” by smokers – it is ready to be lit. Hold the cigar in one’s mouth at a slightly downward-pointing angle. Take the lighter and hold it underneath the cigar once again not allowing the flame to actually touch the wrapper or the filler. While rotating the cigar, puff on the cigar which will draw the flame into the filler and begin to create the ember. After the cigar is burning, check to make certain that the ember is burning evenly across the foot of the cigar.

Cigar cutter lighters are the most convenient implement for this process. The cutters allow the smoker to perform the entire process with only one tool. These implements, however, are very sharp. When they are stored in a pocket, one must be certain that the device is closed and locked. Most cigar smokers prefer butane lighters. Fluid-filled lighters tend to give the cigar a chemical taste. Butane burns cleanly enough where this is not at all an issue. One may also wish to try cedar strips for lighting their cigar.