The correct way of lighting a cigar

After you open the cap of the cigar with a cigar cutter or any other means you will take up lighting the cigar so that you can inhale the smoke.  One of the basic objectives of lighting a cigar properly is to see that the end of the cigar flamed as evenly as possible.  This will help you preventing the cigar from getting charred and getting unpleasant tastes from it. 

The best way to flame a cigar
 

To get the best results you should hold the flame at a distance of about two inches from the cigar. Slowly draw long puffs of air through it. The flame will jump up the cigar at the rate of a quarter on each turn.  After each puff you should leave the cigar for at least two minutes time.  On building up of the first 1/8th to 3/16 ash you will have the perfect foundation of cigar burning perfectly. 

You may have a question or two to ask about your cigar not burning evenly always.  Most of the uneven burns are results of poor techniques of lighting used by you.  You should be patient and see to it that the cigar burns properly and does not end up with tunnels or canoes. If the inner filler is burning but outer layers are intact it is called tunneling.  This will give you an unpleasant taste of the tobacco. You should leave the cigar alone and allow all the sides to light up evenly. 

On the other hand canoeing is a syndrome where the cigar imitates a canoe with one of the portion burning much slower than the other. Evenly lighting and puffing the cigar can prevent both the syndromes and you regain control over the smoking of your cigar. 

Types of flames for correct lighting of cigars

Basic objectives of using flames to light cigar is to see that minimal impurities intervene into it.  In the past the people used splint of cedar.  Even cigars that are stored in humidors are prone to intake impurities due to use of wrong cigar accessories most of the times.  It is therefore better to use matches for lighting cigars or the mechanical lighters that throw little impurities. 

But paper matches are not good as they have some chemicals that could input impurities into your cigar. They are made in such manner that if you wait for the chemicals to burn off they become too small to be of any use for lighting the cigar. You should never use gas stoves or stick head inside the campfire as there is risk of getting burn injuries.

Right size of cigar 

In proper lighting as well as flaming the best course is to know the right size of your cigar.  This will be based on the time available for you to smoke cigars.  For the best after lunch or dinner smoking the cigar should burn for 30-40 minutes.   You can also have a look at the cigar ratings to find out which one would suit your smoking purpose the best.  The most important factor in lighting the cigar properly would be your patience and endurance in selecting the perfect size of cigars, the perfect match and flamer.



About the Author

If you wish to have knowledge about the use of cigar, lighting the same, flaming a cigar that was preserved in humidors or about the right cigar accessories that could make your cigarette smoking perfect then log on to this website that provides you all information and a frequently asked question section to answer all your questions.