How to Light a Cigar

Lighting Is a Two-Step Process

Most smokers rush the light. The difference between a properly lit cigar and a poorly lit one is dramatic — an uneven light causes one side to burn faster, creating what's called a "canoeing" effect that can ruin an expensive cigar.

Step 1: Toast the Foot

Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle and bring a flame to within 1–2 inches of the foot (the open end) without touching it. Rotate the cigar slowly. You'll see the tobacco begin to glow slightly — this is called toasting. You're pre-heating the tobacco to ensure an even light.

Take one or two test puffs while toasting to draw the heat into the filler. Don't rush.

Step 2: Light It

Bring the flame closer to the foot and draw slowly while continuing to rotate. The goal is a uniformly glowing cherry across the entire foot. Hold the cigar up and inspect it before you start smoking — if one side is darker, toast that side until it catches up.

What Lighter to Use

Best choice: Butane torch lighter — The concentrated blue flame of a butane torch lights evenly and doesn't go out in the wind. This is the most reliable option.

Acceptable: Cedar spill (wood match) — Light a strip of Spanish cedar or a long wooden match and use that to light your cigar. Cedar adds a pleasant aromatic quality to the light.

Avoid: Fluid lighters (Zippos) — Lighter fluid imparts a chemical taste to the foot of the cigar. If you must use a fluid lighter, let the flame stabilize for a few seconds before toasting.

Avoid: Candles — The paraffin wax creates off-flavors.

Fixing a Canoeing Cigar

If one side is burning faster than the other, set the cigar down with the faster-burning side down. Gravity will slow that side's burn while the other catches up. You can also lightly toast the slower-burning side with a lighter. Resist the urge to keep drawing — you'll only make it worse.

Touch-Up Lighting

If your cigar goes out, gently blow out any remaining hot ash, then re-toast and re-light as above. A cigar that has gone cold for more than 5 minutes may develop a stale taste on the relight — this is normal.