Lighting a cigar isn’t like lighting a cigarette or a candle. It’s an art form.

Do it right, and you’ll get an even burn, smooth draw, and full flavor. Do it wrong, and you could end up with a canoeing burn or a harsh taste. Nobody wants that.

Before you light up, make sure your cigar is properly cut for the best draw. Check out our guide on how to cut a cigar for step-by-step instructions. Once it's ready, follow these simple steps to get a perfect light.

Step 1: Choose a lighter

Not all lighters are created equal. Forget regular Bic lighters or worse, candles. These can leave behind unwanted chemicals and mess with the flavor of your cigar. Instead, go for:

Torch Lighter: The best option is a butane torch lighter. A butane torch burns clean, provides a strong flame, and works well even outdoors.

Long Wooden Matches: If you want to go old-school, use extra-long wooden matches. Just make sure to let the sulfur burn off before bringing the flame to your cigar.

Step 2: Light the cigar

To start lighting, toast the foot—the end with the visible tobacco, opposite of where you cut the cigar. Toasting the foot helps create an even burn and keeps the flavor clean. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle with the flame just below the foot. Don’t touch the flame directly to the tobacco.

2. Rotate the cigar slowly to evenly toast the edges.

3. Look for a slight glowing ember and a charred black ring forming around the foot.

4. Once the edges are charred, move to the center until the whole foot has a glowing ember and round shape. Stop when it’s evenly red-orange all around.

Step 3: Take your first draw

Now comes the fun part, taking your first draw.

1. Place the cigar between your lips and draw in gently. This helps get the burn going.

2. Check the foot. It should be glowing red-orange and burning evenly. If one side is lagging, a soft touch-up with your lighter or a gentle blow on the ember can help.

3. Take a few light puffs to see how it’s burning. If needed, remove the cigar and fix any uneven spots with your lighter while it’s out of your mouth.

Step 4: Enjoy your cigar

Now that your cigar is properly lit, take slow, steady puffs. Don’t inhale like you would with a cigarette. Cigar smoke is meant to be savored. Let the flavors roll across your palate, relax, and enjoy the moment.

Smoking a cigar is a refined experience, and with a little practice, you'll master it effortlessly.

Bonus Tips for a Perfect Light  

• Avoid rushing: Take your time when lighting. It’s worth the effort.

• Don’t overheat the tobacco: A harsh taste usually means you torched the cigar too much.

• Touch up when needed: If your burn starts getting uneven, a quick flame to the slower-burning side will fix it.

Frequently Asked Questions When Lighting a Cigar

Q: Can I use a regular lighter to light my cigar? A: Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Regular lighters use chemicals that can alter the taste of your cigar. A butane torch or matches are better options.

Q: What happens if my cigar burns unevenly? A: This is called “canoeing.” You can fix it by using your lighter to touch up the slower-burning side or rotating the cigar as you smoke.

Q: Should I inhale cigar smoke? A: No. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are meant to be enjoyed by drawing the smoke into your mouth, savoring the flavors, and exhaling.

Q: Why does my cigar keep going out? A: This could be due to not puffing frequently enough or an improper light. Try taking a puff every 30-60 seconds and make sure the foot is evenly lit when you start.

Q: How do I relight a cigar that has gone out? A: Tap off the ash, re-toast the foot, and then relight it as you would a fresh cigar. Avoid inhaling too hard when relighting to prevent a harsh taste.

Mastering the light is part of the ritual of cigar smoking. Get it right, and every smoke will be smooth, flavorful, and enjoyable. Happy smoking!