Monday, November 29 1999
Q. What's better for lighting cigars, cigar matches or torch lighters?
- Frank (
from his iphone)
A. Long cedar matches (shown) are very "traditional," and still used by many cigars smokers. The main drawback is, sometimes it can take a couple of matches to get the cigar properly lit. Of course, the real pros do it with one. But if you want to get the job done in a more efficient manner, a torch lighter is probably the best way to go,
Because a torch lighter flame is so intense, you have to be careful about overlighting or scorching the cigar, which will negatively affect the flavor of the tobacco. When toasting, try to hold the flame as far away as possible while still permitting the foot to char-up. Eventually, it will start to glow.
One technique I've tried that works pretty well is to start with the torch for toasting the foot, then complete lighting the cigar with a long cedar match or a cedar " spill."
In case you're not familliar with them, cedar spills are made by cracking the cedar divider sheet from a box of cigars into narrow strips. Light one with any lighter to get it going and you can light up your cigar like "a real pro."
Regardless of what method you use to light your cigar, the important this is not to rush it.
