Cut made? Good. Now it’s time to bring the flame.
If you’re here to learn how to light a cigar the right way, you’re in the right place. Lighting isn’t just a technical step, it’s part of the ritual.
It’s about starting strong, respecting the craftsmanship, and setting yourself up for a smoke that feels earned. Let’s get into it.
Lighting a cigar is an art. One that requires a bit of patience, some precision, and, of course, having the right tools. Whether you’re using a butane torch, a soft flame lighter, or classic wooden matches, getting an even light is the difference between a smooth, even burn and a frustrating, uneven mess.
Unlike lighting a cigarette, which is a quick flick and inhale, lighting a cigar is a ritual. It sets the tone for the entire smoke. Done right, it draws out the richness, aroma, and slow burn that a premium cigar is built for.
You chose your cigar carefully. Now, take the time to light it right. The quality of your flame matters just as much as the quality of your stick.
The way you light a cigar sets the stage for the entire smoke. A rushed or uneven light can lead to canoeing, bitter flavors, and constant touch-ups. It can also tighten the draw, making every puff feel like a chore.
Take your time. Toast the foot evenly, letting the wrapper, binder, and filler catch in sync. When each component burns together, the flavors stay balanced, the draw stays smooth, and every puff delivers the experience the cigar was crafted for.
Before you light up, it helps to know what you’re working with. Each part of the cigar plays a role in how it burns, draws, and tastes:
Wrapper: The outermost leaf that delivers much of the flavor and sets the tone.
Binder: The layer beneath the wrapper that holds the filler together and keeps the cigar’s shape intact.
Filler: The heart of the cigar, where the bulk of the flavor lives.
Cap: The sealed end you cut before smoking.
Foot: The open end where the flame meets the tobacco.
When you light the foot correctly, you’re igniting each of these components in sync. The result? A balanced draw and a smooth, consistent burn from start to finish.
Okay, you’ve got your favorite cigar in hand, you’ve executed a perfect cut with your favorite cigar cutter… now what? How are you going to light that bad boy?
Well, the tool you use to light your cigar matters just as much as the cigar you chose and the technique you use to light it. Choosing the right cigar lighter helps achieve an even burn without introducing off-flavors.
Let’s take a look at some of the options you’ve got to light up and finally start enjoying your cigar.
For outdoor smoking or thicker cigars, a torch lighter is the go-to. Its concentrated, wind-resistant flame lets you toast the foot precisely without scorching the wrapper. Plus, it’s odorless, so all you taste is the cigar. nothing else.
If you’re going for a classic vibe, reach for a soft flame lighter. It’s perfect for indoor smoking, where wind isn’t an issue. But be patient. soft flames take longer to light a cigar, so slow down and enjoy the process.
Wooden cigar matches are old school for a reason. They’re practical, easy to store, and burn clean. Let the sulfur burn off first, then use the flame to toast the foot.
It’s a slower method, but it adds a timeless feel to the ritual. Stacking two or three will get the job done quicker.
Candles are a hard no. They release chemicals, scents, and wax fumes that’ll ruin the cigar’s flavor. If you’re here for the tobacco, keep the candles out of it.
Before you take that first puff, you need to toast your cigar, and no, not the kind of toast that involves clinking glasses.
To begin, hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle above the flame, without letting it touch. Rotate slowly, allowing the foot to darken and warm evenly. You want a slight glow across the edge, no rushing, no direct torching.
Think of it like toasting a marshmallow over a campfire. Patience and a steady hand are key to getting that even burn without scorching the wrapper. Once the foot is warm and glowing, give it a light puff to even out the embers.
The toast preps the cigar for a smooth, even light. Skipping or rushing this step can cause tunneling, canoeing, or bitter flavors right out of the gate.
Lighting a cigar should feel like a slow ignition, not a sudden flare up. It’s a slow ignition, setting up a smooth, even burn for the entire smoke. Here’s how to do it right:
Hold the flame about half an inch below the cigar’s foot to avoid making it burn too hot. Rotate it slowly to toast the outer edge first. You’ll start to see the tobacco darken and glow.
Once the foot is evenly toasted, bring the cigar to your lips. Hold the flame just below the foot and draw gently while rotating. This pulls the flame into the tobacco without overheating it. Remember, just puff, don’t inhale.
Take a look at the foot. It should be glowing evenly across the entire surface. If you spot a dark area, touch it up with the flame, rotating slowly until the glow is uniform.
When it comes to lighting a cigar, slow and steady wins every time. Skip the rookie mistakes and set yourself up for a smooth, even burn. Here’s what to avoid:
Jamming the cigar directly into the flame might seem quicker, but it scorches the tobacco and kills the flavor. That harsh, burnt taste? That’s the oils and flavor compounds getting obliterated. Keep the flame close — but not on the cigar.
Spinning the cigar too quickly while toasting leads to uneven burning. Instead of a steady, even cherry, you’ll end up with one side burning faster than the other. Slow, smooth rotations keep the burn consistent.
Skipping the pre-light toast might not seem like a big deal, but you’ll feel it later. Without properly warming the foot, you’re setting yourself up for tunneling, canoeing, and constant touch-ups. Take the time to toast it right.
Pulling too hard overheats the tobacco, leading to sharp, bitter flavors from the start. Keep it steady. Gentle puffs pull the flame in without shocking the cigar.
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to talk about lighting cigars that don’t follow the standard shape, Torpedoes, Perfectos, and other Figurados. They take more finesse, but the payoff is worth it.
Not all cigars are straight-sided. Torpedoes, Perfectos, and Belicosos, collectively known as Figurados, require a more precise approach when lighting. These shapes often have narrower or tapered feet, meaning the draw opens up gradually as you work your way through the stick.
Hold the flame just below the tip, keeping it close but never touching. Rotate the cigar slowly, letting the foot warm evenly without scorching it. Take small, shallow puffs to ease the draw open as the cigar widens. Rushing this step risks uneven burning or harsh flavors right out of the gate.
With a closed foot and a bulbous body, Perfectos demand extra patience. Toast the closed foot carefully, letting the flame find its way through the tobacco. Take light, gentle puffs to coax the ember open. The goal is to gradually expand the draw without overdoing it.
These pointed shapes require precision. Start with a shallow cut to control the draw, then approach the foot slowly with the flame. Rotate evenly and avoid overdrawing; you want to keep the flame steady without shocking the cigar.
With Figurados, patience is everything. Rush the light, and you’ll end up with uneven burns and bitter flavors. But get it right, and these shapes can deliver some of the most dynamic and rewarding smokes out there.
Now that your cigar is burning evenly, the real experience begins. Take a moment to appreciate that first aroma, it says a lot about the quality and care that went into the blend.
From here, it’s all about slowing down. Take your time with each draw. Let the smoke linger and notice how the flavors evolve as you work your way down the cigar. The first third might hit with bold spice or pepper, while the middle and final thirds can mellow out, revealing deeper, more nuanced notes.
If the burn goes uneven, don’t sweat it. Touch it up gently with your lighter, rotating the cigar to even things out. And if it goes out, no big deal, just tap off the ash, re-toast the foot, and draw slowly to bring it back to life.
The best smokes are never rushed. They’re earned, one slow, easy draw at a time. Savor the moment, hold the smoke in your mouth to catch every note, then exhale smoothly.
Want to take your experience to the next level? Check out our guide on How to Properly Smoke a Cigar and learn how to pace your draws, maintain a perfect burn, and get the most out of every stick.
At After Action Cigars, lighting your cigar isn’t just a step; it’s part of the ritual. It’s about respecting the work that went into every leaf, every roll, every blend.
Take your time. Toast it right. Light it with purpose. You’ve earned this smoke, so make every draw count.
Lighting is just the beginning. From cutting to the final draw, there’s a lot more to learn. Head over to The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Cigars and dive deeper into how to choose, cut, light, and smoke like you’ve been doing it for years.
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