What is the best way to light a cigar?

A butane lighter or a cedar spill. Both burn neutrally and transfer no foreign flavours.

Why not a normal lighter?

Petrol lighters release oily fumes that settle on the tobacco and make the first draw bitter.

Do you really have to toast the foot first?

Yes. Toasting pre-dries the foot evenly and is the best insurance against an uneven, one-sided burn.

How long does lighting take?

Around 30 to 60 seconds, unhurried. Rush it and the burn suffers, take your time.

How to light a cigar properly: step by step

You light a cigar properly by first toasting the foot above the flame without touching it, then drawing only afterwards, using a butane lighter or a cedar spill, never a petrol lighter or a match. A slow, even light is the foundation for a cool, clean burn without bitterness.

Why lighting matters

How you light a cigar shapes the first half hour more than most people expect. Rush the foot, or use the wrong flame, and you risk an uneven burn and a bitter start. Done right, the cigar burns cool, even and calm, from the very first draw.

The head is cut beforehand. How to do that cleanly is covered in How do you cut a cigar properly?.

Lighting in five steps

Choose the right flame. Butane (jet or soft flame) or a cedar spill. No petrol lighter, no candle, no sulphur matches, they leave foreign flavours on the tobacco. Butane burns odourless and tasteless.
Toast the foot. Hold the cigar at about 45 degrees above the flame without touching it. Turn it slowly until the outer rim glows evenly all the way around. The gap protects the wrapper from scorching.
Draw and keep turning. Bring the cigar to your lips, hold the flame just below it and draw gently while turning. After a few puffs the whole foot catches evenly.
Check the burn. Look at the foot: it should glow evenly all around. Touch up any unlit spots, or the cigar will burn to one side.
Let it rest. Let the cigar sit for a moment before your first real draw. The burn settles and the aroma opens calmly.

FAQ

What is the best way to light a cigar?: A butane lighter or a cedar spill. Both burn neutrally and transfer no foreign flavours.
Why not a normal lighter?: Petrol lighters release oily fumes that settle on the tobacco and make the first draw bitter.
Do you really have to toast the foot first?: Yes. Toasting pre-dries the foot evenly and is the best insurance against an uneven, one-sided burn.
How long does lighting take?: Around 30 to 60 seconds, unhurried. Rush it and the burn suffers, take your time.

From the house of SB Cigars. Read why a cigar can still turn bitter here. More about our SB Robusto here.