How to Use a Cigar Lighter
Cigar lighters are differentiated from other lighters by several different characteristics. Foremost among them is the inclusion of tools other than the lighter on the same unit. Many cigar lighters, for instance, have a cigar cutter built into the device. The lighters will also usually have a wider, more intense flame than a standard cigarette lighter. This is especially true of the butane torch lighters used by aficionados. These devices make it easy to correctly light a cigar.
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.
Once the cigar has been properly toasted, place the cigar in the mouth and hold the lighter just underneath it without actually touching the filler or the wrapper. While rotating the cigar, puff lightly which will draw the flame into the filler. The idea is to get every part of the foot burning at about the same rate and same temperature. Be sure not to get the cigar burning too hot which will have a negative effect on the flavor.
After the entirety of the cigar has been lit, take it out of the mouth and inspect the foot. There should be an even ember at the end of the cigar. If not, one can blow on the cigar to even out the ember or simply reapply their lighter to those parts of the ember that are not burning correctly. If all seems good, all one has to do is enjoy their cigar.
The type of lighter one selects will have a huge impact on the taste of the cigar. In general, a butane lighter is preferable to a fluid-filled lighter which will impart a chemical taste to the tobacco. If one chooses not to use a lighter at all, then use wooden matches and cedar strips to get the cigar burning. Either way, one should be prepared for a very enjoyable and relaxing smoke if they light up their cigar in the correct fashion.
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