How to Keep a Cigar Lit

Picture yourself in your favorite armchair, savoring a high-quality cigar. The burn is even, and the smoke wafts around you, creating a relaxing ambiance. 

But suddenly, your cigar goes out. How frustrating! 

We've all been there. But fear not! 

In this guide, we will walk you through some effective tips on how to keep a cigar lit, ensuring an enjoyable and long-lasting smoke.

  • Light the Cigar Correctly - First Step to Keeping a Cigar Lit
  • Selecting the Right Cigar
  • Proper Lighting Techniques
  • Initial Puffing Technique
  • Avoid Over-Puffing
  • Touch-ups and Relighting
  • Proper Storage for Longevity

Lighting the Cigar Correctly - First Step to Keeping a Cigar Lit

When it comes to lighting, proper technique is essential. 

Hold the cigar at a slight angle over the flame while avoiding direct contact. This angle ensures an even light across the foot of the cigar, promoting an even burn.

Remember, the flame should be kept just below the foot, without touching it directly. This technique prevents the scorching of the delicate wrapper leaf. 

Once the foot is evenly lit, rotate the cigar slowly to ensure an even and consistent burn all around.

Selecting the Right Cigar

Opt for a well-constructed cigar with a high-quality wrapper. 

The construction and condition of the cigar play a significant role in its burn. Avoid overly dry or humid cigars, as they can hinder a consistent burn and affect the flavors.

When it comes to wrappers, there are various types to choose from, like Connecticut, Habano, and Maduro. 

Each wrapper contributes distinct flavors to the smoking experience. Remember, selecting a cigar with a high-quality wrapper is essential for ensuring a consistent burn.

Proper Lighting Techniques

Now that you have the perfect cigar, let's master the art of lighting it. 

To avoid any unpleasant flavors and to attain a consistent burn, it's best to use a butane torch or wooden matches instead of a candle or lighter fluid.

Why butane torches or wooden matches, you ask?

They offer a more controlled and flavor-neutral flame, unlike lighter fluid, which can taint the taste of your cigar. So, prioritize investing in a butane torch or quality wooden matches for a better smoking experience. 

Initial Puffing Technique

Take slow, gentle puffs while rotating the cigar between your fingers. These gentle puffs help distribute heat evenly throughout the cigar, ensuring a consistent burn.

By gently rotating the cigar, you can ensure an even burn, preventing the formation of any uneven or wavy burn lines. 

Remember, enjoy the process and take your time with each puff, allowing yourself to fully appreciate the flavors and aromas that your cigar has to offer.

Avoid Over-Puffing

One common mistake that can extinguish your cigar is over-puffing. 

Remember, a cigar is not a race; it's an experience to be cherished. 

Excessive puffing can lead to overheating, causing an uneven burn and even an unpleasant taste. So, take it easy and savor the moments.

A good rule of thumb is to take a puff every minute or two, giving the cigar time to rest between puffs. This space allows the heat to dissipate and ensures you have a consistently burning cigar that delivers the flavors you seek. 

Touch-ups and Relighting

If you notice an uneven burn line forming on your cigar, don't worry. It's a common occurrence. 

To address this, you may need to perform a touch-up. Identify the wavy or uneven portion of the burn line and gently tap the area to dislodge any ash or build-up that might be obstructing the burn.

Once the area is cleared, use your torch or matches to relight it, taking care to keep the flame just below the cigar's foot. 

The heat from the touch-up will help rectify the uneven burn and bring your cigar back to its full glory.

Proper Storage for Longevity

Keeping your cigars properly stored is equally important to maintain their quality. 

Proper humidification is key to ensuring the longevity of your cigars. Whether you invest in a humidor or opt for alternative humidity control methods, maintaining the ideal humidity levels is vital.

A general guideline for humidity levels is around 70% humidity. This level will keep your cigars fresh and prevent them from drying out or becoming overly moist. Monitor and adjust accordingly to enhance your smoking experience.