Lighting Up - How Do You Do It?...

[Robusto]

I just enjoyed a great Punch Punch for about 90 minutes in my hideaway.

How do you kick off?
Lighter or matches?... Both have their devotees.

We've written about this on the forum before, but with new folk arriving on the site of late I think it could be good to consider this again.

This is how I normally do it. I'd dealt with clipping the cap already.

Although the foot of my stogie looks unevenly lit in this clip, a bit of puffing and blowing ensured an equal draw and burn soon after this. I had a delicious smoke to the last centimetre. Trauma-free bliss!

Do you blow into the cigar to keep it going from time to time? I do.

I have to make sure the lighter is not like a flame-thrower or else the cigar is toasted for an inch in. I don't like that as it makes a great stick look ugly!

I am a show-off. :) Other exhibitionists might like to join me and post their spark-up. :smoke:

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[nicwing]

Great new thread 'busto. I don't feel qualitied to comment but I'm going to watch this thread with interest.

Nice one

[Garibaldi]

Haha, great video, the contemplative chin stroke at the end really finished it off.

I'm still perfecting my own technique, so I was interested to see how much you torched the end of the cigar. I suppose I've been too cautious in doing this, 'expensive cigar, expensive cigar' keeps going through my head and I'm afraid the thing will burst into flames or be somehow impaired, which is silly when you think of how robust these things actually are.

So my technique is much the same, though I do tend to fuss a lot over the cigar - blowing across it to try and ensure that even burn perhaps more than I should.

I do prefer matches over the lighter, they just feel more traditional and I'm somehow convinced they give a cleaner smoke, but too often they're just not practical.

[linfield100]

Looks like it's all in the wrist action:smoke:

[Gary]

99% of the time I use matches, except maybe if there's a good wind blowing, but then I don't usually find it enjoyable smoking a cigar in those type of conditions.

When using matches, ever since I saw Gordon Mott doing it I always use 3 matches to light any cigar. It may sound a little long winded but I like it and apparently it's a technique that goes back many years.

You use the first match to begin to toast the cigar and warm it but almost never letting the flame come into contact with the tobacco.

You use the second match to blacken the foot, now coming into contact with the cigar gradually, rotating the smoke as we go, getting a good even burn the whole way round.

And the third match to finish off lighting it. By the third match the cigar should have an even burn the whole way round and ash about a mm or two down. Before the first draw you should be able to blow on the end of your smoke and see the entire surface lit.

I'm sure most of you couldn't be bothered doing this probably, but once you've done it a few times and have got your technique down, it doesn't seem like it takes that long and I honestly think the cigar burns better and smokes better for doing it.

Just my way :biggrin1:

[Robusto]

I'd give myself 6 - maybe 7 - out of ten for that effort. I think I should be more precious about it. Still seems a bit violent from the lighter, but that is its most gentle setting.

If I buy from somewhere like JJ Fox in London, they give great cigar matches which I use gleefully. When those run out, I keep a box of The Cook's Matches - long matches for the stove - that sort of do the trick. I feel I'm cheating with those, though, and I'd never have used those in a pub lol!

I think it's great that within the few processes that exist for cigar bliss that there are differences of opinion and technique. Cutting. Storing. Lighting. All of these bring out different sides of a line.

I've read all the guides I've bought about lighting up with matches and not touching the foot of the cigar with the flame - but I cannot do it. And I've tried many times.

I should have spoken during that clip. If I can think of anything else to film, I'll talk!

It was a top smoke.

The only thing that gets to me when I see someone lighting a cigar is if they use the other fuel with something like a Zippo lighter. I helped a mate out recently with something and he gave me a Zippo lighter with my name engraved in it. I'll never use it.

This chap wants me to introduce him to cigars as he's heard me wax lyrical about Havanas. This would have happened once in a country pub.

Shit. I can feel my blood pressure rising at that...

Nic - I want a video of you, river bank, trout and pipe!

[Drewmidorn]

99% of the time I use matches, except maybe if there's a good wind blowing, but then I don't usually find it enjoyable smoking a cigar in those type of conditions.

When using matches, ever since I saw Gordon Mott doing it I always use 3 matches to light any cigar. It may sound a little long winded but I like it and apparently it's a technique that goes back many years.

You use the first match to begin to toast the cigar and warm it but almost never letting the flame come into contact with the tobacco.

You use the second match to blacken the foot, now coming into contact with the cigar gradually, rotating the smoke as we go, getting a good even burn the whole way round.

And the third match to finish off lighting it. By the third match the cigar should have an even burn the whole way round and ash about a mm or two down. Before the first draw you should be able to blow on the end of your smoke and see the entire surface lit.

I'm sure most of you couldn't be bothered doing this probably, but once you've done it a few times and have got your technique down, it doesn't seem like it takes that long and I honestly think the cigar burns better and smokes better for doing it.

Just my way :biggrin1:

I was about to type (probably a lot less eloquently) the exact same thing. Everything you've said. 3 matches before a draw....unless i'm in a force ten gale and revert to the old torch lighter.

D

[Robusto]

Looks like it's all in the wrist action:smoke:

Oh yes. It's all in that! :biggrin1:

[larrysputnik]

I light a piece of cedar and then use the cedar to light my cigar. If I don't have cedar, I use butane. If I don't have butane, I use matches :(

[Robusto]

I would love to see a video of the matches and the cedar techniques if folk would whip their phones out during their next spark up.

You would be teaching me. I am being serious! :biggrin1:

[Rufus T. Firefly]

99% of the time I use matches, except maybe if there's a good wind blowing, but then I don't usually find it enjoyable smoking a cigar in those type of conditions.

When using matches, ever since I saw Gordon Mott doing it I always use 3 matches to light any cigar. It may sound a little long winded but I like it and apparently it's a technique that goes back many years.

You use the first match to begin to toast the cigar and warm it but almost never letting the flame come into contact with the tobacco.

You use the second match to blacken the foot, now coming into contact with the cigar gradually, rotating the smoke as we go, getting a good even burn the whole way round.

And the third match to finish off lighting it. By the third match the cigar should have an even burn the whole way round and ash about a mm or two down. Before the first draw you should be able to blow on the end of your smoke and see the entire surface lit.

I'm sure most of you couldn't be bothered doing this probably, but once you've done it a few times and have got your technique down, it doesn't seem like it takes that long and I honestly think the cigar burns better and smokes better for doing it.

Just my way :biggrin1:

95% of the time I use a torch lighter, but after reading this you've got me thinking. I'm going to have to try this method and see how it works. I have always felt cigars shouldn't be rushed. This may slow me down a little and make it an even more enjoyable experience. Thanks for sharing.

[cj121]

I use a butane, but a mere clipper. A few draws with the flame at the foot (rotating slightly) and then have a peek to check out whether my stick is on the go evenly, then a lil more here and there and off we go baby. Ooh that makes me want to flame on, but it's late:smoke:

Robustos comments on keeping off the foot are interesting though.

[daverave999]

I've been using a flameless butane lighter which is gentler than the torch lighters (3 for 4 quid on ebay). Seems to take me a while, but I'm probably being overly careful. Still at the learning stage...

I saw that Gordon Mott 'Three Matches' video on the cigar aficionado website the other day if others are interested. I'm tempted to give it a go myself! Plenty of other interesting videos on there too I thought.

[TJCoro]

:mad2:
I light a piece of cedar and then use the cedar to light my cigar. If I don't have cedar, I use butane. If I don't have butane, I use matches :(

:dito: Larry.

To maximize the smoking experience under proper conditions (indoors or no wind), a cedar spill is the best way to light a puro, IMO. I can't explain why, but cigars seem to taste better when lit in this fashion. But that's just me, chaps. :41:

Most of the time, however, I use the "Robusto Method" as demonstrated in his video (BTW Robusto, it appears that after all that blow tourching, you obtained only a partial burn:doh: )

I first witnessed this method in 2002 during my one and only visit to JJ Fox. After requesting my premission, the gentleman at JJ Fox took my puro and gently applied a torch to the foot of the puro followed by gentle blowing until it was evenly lit. I was so impressed that I have used this method ever sinced. :bandit:

[Robusto]

A member's clip of a succesful three match light-up posted on here would be interesting.
More interesting than a Cigar Aficionado video imo.

[Olls]

I'm still experimenting but I'm leaning towards the three match version too, except I just clip the cap before lighting rather than after, as in the CA video. I also use the long cooks matches, although I'm going to pick up some nice cigar matches when I next get a chance.

In a sort of spiritual "respect the cigar" kind of way I completely understand and buy into the idea of lighting slowly and without letting the cigar touch the flame. It's a nice ritual. Scientifically, though, I'm not so convinced. It's not like coffee or toast where therere are degrees of roasting/toasting - with a cigar you always end up burning it, so I can't see how this affects the flavour. Can anyone explain this in a non-wooly way?

How does everyone go about correcting uneven burns and how often do you generally get problems like this or a cigar going out on you? I find it happens fairly often at the moment - maybe it's my technique...

[Robusto]

Can someone post the specific link to the CA three-match video if seriously they rate it, please?

Cheers.

[Drewmidorn]

three match story!

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Blogs/Blog_Detail/0,4695,49,00.html

[Robusto]

Damn! Tobacco is a demonised thing that our school servers block. I can't watch it here.

Til later... :cowboyic9:

I might be more of a positive cinematic role model with a nice, even cherry-red foot by Route B. :biggrin1:

Cheers, Drew.

[Gary]

Great minds must think alike :biggrin1:


I was about to type (probably a lot less eloquently) the exact same thing. Everything you've said. 3 matches before a draw....unless i'm in a force ten gale and revert to the old torch lighter.

D

[Robusto]

I've just lit up by this three match method and it worked perfectly. :cowboyic9:

I'm going to switch sides away from the lighter thing I've been doing.

The match-method light-up was perfect, and the cigar tasted great. Bizarre - I know - but it tasted better somehow.

I agree with a lot of what people wrote above. The process affords more contemplation of the cigar. (They are beautiful things and deserve a good gawp!). It felt as if I was being more caring towards the stick. Towards the expensive stick, and these beauts do deserve respect!

I feel like a philosopher! :biggrin1:

I cut the cap by force of habit. Next time I will leave the stogie uncut and see how that works by this guy's recommended method.

My D4 looked like a thing of beauty when I started my smoke. Perfect catch across the foot, and slight, neat-looking white ash.

I'll relegate my lighter for torching up of necessity in the great outdoors. :cowboyic9:

[TJCoro]

:hail: It makes one ponder the impact of the rituals on the pleasures we derive from the sacred leaf - the care we take in lighting and handling our friends; our constant gazing and appreciation of the contruction; the manner is which we store and allow our puros to mellow with age. The least of which the how we finish off our finest smokes - a topic I believe could support its own thread on this forum. I prefer to let mine expire on their own while confortably nestled in a safe place.

Rest in peace, dear friend, and thank you for the brief moments of pleasure you bestowed upon me. - Unknown.

Almost a religious experience; a bid for nirvana, pure intent. But that's just me.:hippie:

[emeraldisle]

The method I tend to employ when lighting a cigar is pretty much akin to how Bryan demonstrated in the Youtube video. Have a silver Jack Daniels cigar lighter.

Gabriel

[Major_Tom]

Hmm, quite a few ways of doing it by the looks of things. The method I use is another variation, there are a few vids on ebay of it aready.

I nearly only ever smoke outside due to my smoke-free house (by declaration of The Other Half) so that puts matches out of the question. I will use them, but only in dead calm -doesn't happen often here.

So I use a butane Colibri Belmont. It's a diddy little black laquer thing and only holds enough gas for one or two smokes.

I wet the end of the cigar and cut it with a double-bladed El Cheapo cutter courtesy of Cgars Ltd. I then toast the foot with my torch from about 1.5" away careful not to lose the damn thing in the flame. Onces its nice and black and smoky I pop it in my mouth and apply the torch again from about 1", rotating slowly and taking small puffs.

After one rotation I blow on the foot to check for an even glow; if not it goes back in the mouth again for another try.

When I'm using matches I take exactly the same technique but use 2 matches to get it blackened and one to light, drawing the flame up to the foot.

[Gary]

Told you Bryan :biggrin1:. I had a Juan Lopez No2 the other night and using this method as usual the cigar again lit perfectly, burned and draw evenly, it's the only way :smile:.

Just on a side note for anyone who may not as yet have smoked a Juan Lopez, especially the No2 (Robusto size), what a great cigar, cheaper than the likes of Cohiba and Montecristo but tons of flavour, a perfect burn and draw, I'd highly recommend picking up a box or at least a few to store in the humidor, a little hidden gem of a smoke.



I've just lit up by this three match method and it worked perfectly. :cowboyic9:

I'm going to switch sides away from the lighter thing I've been doing.

The match-method light-up was perfect, and the cigar tasted great. Bizarre - I know - but it tasted better somehow.

I agree with a lot of what people wrote above. The process affords more contemplation of the cigar. (They are beautiful things and deserve a good gawp!). It felt as if I was being more caring towards the stick. Towards the expensive stick, and these beauts do deserve respect!

I feel like a philosopher! :biggrin1:

I cut the cap by force of habit. Next time I will leave the stogie uncut and see how that works by this guy's recommended method.

My D4 looked like a thing of beauty when I started my smoke. Perfect catch across the foot, and slight, neat-looking white ash.

I'll relegate my lighter for torching up of necessity in the great outdoors. :cowboyic9: