How to light a cigar?
In a world where daily hustle and bustle often leads us to neglect the small rituals that enrich our existence, the moment dedicated to lighting and tasting a cigar represents a small oasis of peace.
Lighting a cigar is by no means a mechanical act, but a true ritual that requires the right technique. In this guide we will take you step by step through the lighting of the cigar, not only analyzing the correct procedure but also the tools needed to do it.
Let's find out together how to light a cigar!
Accessories for lighting the cigar
To light the cigar, an ordinary lighter or a match is sufficient, while gasoline lighters are not recommended, as they may alter the taste of the smoke.
Although, a cigar lighter is better than any lighter, as we will see below.
Certainly, traditionalists prefer matches, but these require some patience in lighting, unlike a gas lighter, which, having regular and constant flame, offers a smooth and homogeneous ignition, representing the best alternative especially for novices.
How to light a cigar: step by step
Before lighting the cigar, it needs to be cut. Cutting the cigar is a critically important operation, on which the quality of the smoke will depend.
To find out how to properly cut a cigar, click here to read our in-depth article on the subject.
Once the cigar has been cut, it is time to light it.
Generally, cigar lighters are equipped with a dual-nozzle valve, which generates a V-shaped flame that wraps around the foot of the cigar, ensuring quick and even ignition. The foot of the cigar is the part that must be cut and, subsequently, heated for ignition.
To light the cigar, it is first necessary to hold it between the fingers at an angle and rotate it at the same time, making sure that the foot is at least 2 cm away from the flame. In fact, the flame should not come into contact with the cigar, but rather warm it up to promote its combustion. Without patient and gradual heating, you risk blackening it and preventing ignition.
It is important that the burning of the tip of the cigar is even, across the entire diameter. To this end, it may be helpful to blow on the brazier from time to time so as to check the homogeneity of combustion.
Another tip is to avoid getting rid of the ash from the brazier right away, because it is supportive in the proper burning of the cigar.
How do you extinguish the cigar?
If the cigar go out earlier than expected, it is advisable to blow into it. This will remove the old smoke and, once the brazier is evened out, you will be able to relight it without causing any alteration in taste.
This step should only be done once the cigar has cooled, otherwise the risks of irreparably altering its aroma and flavor.
If you plan to voluntarily extinguish the cigar to relight it at a later time, you should simply place it on the ashtray and allow it to extinguish itself. Before putting it down, you should blow into it to remove old smoke, which is likely to get trapped inside.
So, unlike the cigarette, you should never crumple what is left of the cigar in the ashtray.
