Cigars are truly thing of beauty, and what we love most about them are all the subtle nuances and details that make every one unique. But there’s more to the process than just the cigar. Because what’s a cigar if you don’t light it on fire? A rolled up bunch of leaves, that’s what. The act of smoking a cigar is itself an experience. From picking out the best cigars to allowing them to rest in a humidor to cutting and lighting them. It’s an intentional, meditative act for some. And while you can light up with just about anything, the best way to puff a cigar is with a dedicated cigar torch lighter. Sure you could use a BIC or a standard match, but a cigar torch lighter allows more control and power when lighting your cigar.
How to Use a Cigar Lighter
First off, get yourself a butane torch lighter. Any old cigarette lighter would do in a pinch, but the torch lighter offers good flame control and won’t damage the flavor profile of your cigar, when used properly. When lighting your cigar, don’t allow the flame from your torch lighter to actually touch the foot of the cigar. It’ll singe the wrapper affect the quality of the cigar. Also, keep the power at a manageable level, about half power. You don’t want the torch lighter to burn the wrapper off.
Instead, with the cigar in your hands, toast the cigar foot by:
- Step 1: Holding the cigar in your hand at between a 45- and 60-degree angle to the cigar torch flame.
- Step 2: Hold the foot at least a couple of inches away from the tip of the torch lighter flame.
- Step 3: Move the cigar lighter in a circular motion and also rotate the cigar to toast the entire area of the cigar’s foot.
What to Look for in a Cigar Torch Lighter
Consider the type of flame you’ll be getting with your cigar torch. A double or triple flame torch will toast cigar the cigar foot more quickly than a single flame torch. But if you want a compact cigar lighter, the single flame torch might be a better option.
To offer better control when lighting your cigar, an adjustable flame is paramount. You don’t want a single setting on your cigar torches or you risk ruining your cigar and even injuring yourself.
Consider where you’ll be using your cigar lighter. Do you need a compact, portable option? Or are you ok lugging around a large flame torch lighter? Depending on how and when you like to light up, the size of your cigar torch lighter matters.