How to Light a Cigar: A Complete Guide

By Bravo Cigar Company. Educational content for adults 21 and older who already use cigars.

Why How You Light a Cigar Matters

You've selected your cigar, made a clean cut, and settled into the moment. Now comes the step that can make or break the entire experience: lighting. Unlike a cigarette, which is meant to be lit quickly and smoked rapidly, a premium cigar requires patience and technique. The goal isn't just to set the tobacco on fire , it's to create an even, glowing ember that will burn smoothly from the first puff to the last.

A poorly lit cigar burns unevenly, develops bitter flavors, and can be difficult to keep lit throughout the session. A properly lit cigar delivers consistent flavor, an even burn line, and a smooth, enjoyable draw from start to finish. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about lighting a cigar , the tools, the techniques, and the common mistakes to avoid.

Choosing the Right Lighter

Torch Lighter

A torch lighter produces a focused jet flame, while a soft-flame lighter produces a broader flame. Torches can be useful outdoors, but wind resistance and heat output depend on the model. Use either with care rather than assuming more jets automatically produce a better result.

Our Multi-Tool Cigar Lighter listing confirms integrated cutting tools. Check its current fuel and flame specifications before purchasing; this guide does not assume a particular torch configuration.

Soft Flame Lighter

A soft flame lighter produces a gentler flame similar to a traditional candle. While less wind-resistant than a torch, a soft flame allows for more delicate heating of the cigar's foot. Many traditionalists prefer soft flames because they reduce the risk of scorching the tobacco and allow for a more gradual, controlled toast.

A lighter's case or finish does not establish its fuel type. Bravo's current Zippo Black Matte listing offers options labeled Dual Torch, Single Torch, and Soft Flame. Follow the fuel and maintenance instructions supplied with your selected insert rather than assuming every option uses standard Zippo lighter fluid. Confirm the selected insert's model and instructions before use. For background on different insert types, see Cigar Aficionado.

Wooden Matches

Long wooden matches provide a soft flame. Let the match head finish burning before bringing the cigar near it, keep your fingers clear, and extinguish used matches safely. You may need more than one match for a large cigar.

Cedar Spill

A cedar spill is a thin piece of suitable untreated cedar used as a flame source. It is optional and requires careful handling in still air. Do not use painted, stained, glued, or chemically treated wood.

What Not to Use

Not all flames are suitable for lighting a premium cigar. Avoid the following:

• Cigarette lighters with fluid: The naphtha fluid imparts a chemical taste that ruins the cigar's flavor.
• Paper matches: Too short and treated with chemicals that affect taste.
• Candles: Wax vapors will coat the cigar's foot and alter the flavor.
• Unsuitable fuel: Follow the lighter manufacturer's fuel instructions rather than assuming a lighter's retail location determines fuel quality.

Use only the fuel specified by the manufacturer for your lighter or selected insert. Do not assume that every soft-flame lighter uses the same fuel, and never substitute one fuel type for another.

How to Light a Cigar: Step by Step

For the basic technique, see Cigar Aficionado's cutting and lighting guide. Always use lighters in a safe area away from flammable materials and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 1: Prepare the Cigar

Inspect the cap opening and gently test airflow before lighting. If the cap still obstructs the opening, adjust it conservatively while preserving the shoulder. Do not keep cutting if the problem appears to be moisture or construction.

Step 2: Toast the Foot

Hold the foot near the heat without pressing it into the flame. Slowly rotate the cigar to toast the exposed tobacco evenly. Torch jets vary in length and intensity, so use visual feedback and the lighter's instructions rather than one fixed distance.

Watch for the foot to begin glowing evenly. The time required depends on the cigar's diameter, moisture, and flame; do not treat a fixed number of seconds as a requirement.

Step 3: Light the Cigar

Once the foot is toasted, continue rotating it near the flame and take gentle puffs if needed. Keep the tobacco away from the hottest part of the flame instead of pressing it into a torch jet. Check that the whole foot glows before proceeding.

Check the whole foot rather than focusing the flame on one spot. An uneven start can contribute to an uneven burn, although construction, storage, wind, and smoking pace can also affect the burn line.

Step 4: Check the Burn

Remove the flame and inspect the foot without touching the hot surface. It should glow evenly. Briefly toast any unlit areas while rotating the cigar, avoiding sustained scorching.

Step 5: Take the First Puffs

With the foot evenly glowing, take gentle puffs rather than pulling the flame deeply into the cigar. Do not inhale. Not inhaling does not make cigar use safe: the National Cancer Institute explains that cigar smoking carries health risks even without inhalation.

Tips for an Even Burn

• Rotate while toasting: Distribute heat around the foot rather than holding one spot over the flame.
• Do not rush: Watch the ember rather than aiming for a fixed lighting time.
• Avoid charring the wrapper: Keep the flame below or just touching the foot. Don't let the flame crawl up the sides of the cigar.
• Puff gently: Aggressive puffing draws the flame too deep and can scorch the tobacco, creating bitter flavors.
• Relight if needed: If the cigar goes out, tap off the ash, gently blow through the cigar to clear stale smoke, and relight using the same toasting method.

How to Relight a Cigar

If your cigar goes out , and it happens to everyone , don't panic. Relighting is simple, but it requires a bit of care to avoid harsh flavors:

1. Tap off any loose ash from the foot.
2. Gently blow through the cigar (from the head) to clear stale smoke from inside.
3. Toast the exposed foot gently without directing the hottest part of the flame into the tobacco.
4. Toast the foot again as you would with a fresh cigar, then take a few gentle puffs to re-establish the ember.
5. Relighting can change flavor. There is no guarantee that an unpleasant taste will fade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Zippo lighter to light a cigar?

Check the insert rather than relying on the Zippo case alone. Bravo's Black Matte listing offers Dual Torch, Single Torch, and Soft Flame options; it should not be described as a fluid-only listing. Use only the fuel specified for your selected insert and follow its lighting, refill, and maintenance instructions. This guide does not establish the exact insert model or fuel type for each option. For background on insert types, see Cigar Aficionado.

How long should it take to light a cigar?

There is no required duration. Flame type, cigar size, and moisture affect how long lighting takes. Aim for an evenly glowing foot without prolonged scorching.

Why does my cigar keep going out?

A cigar can go out because of pauses, excess moisture, uneven ignition, or construction. Do not puff aggressively just to keep it lit. Inspect the foot, check storage conditions, and gently relight if you choose to continue. Browse storage options if you need humidity control.

Should I inhale cigar smoke?

No. Do not inhale cigar smoke. However, not inhaling is not a safety guarantee: cigars expose the mouth and throat to harmful smoke, and nicotine can be absorbed without inhalation. See the National Cancer Institute's cigar fact sheet.

Is it normal for a cigar to taste harsh when first lit?

Initial flavor can differ from later portions of the cigar. If it seems scorched or unpleasant, stop applying flame and avoid rapid puffing; there is no guarantee that harshness will disappear within a fixed time. You do not need to continue using a cigar that feels uncomfortable.

Light Up With Confidence

Lighting a cigar is a ritual that rewards patience and attention. With the right lighter, a steady hand, and a few minutes of focused effort, you'll achieve an even, glowing burn that delivers full flavor from the first puff to the last. Pair your lighting technique with a quality cutter and a well-stored cigar, and every smoke becomes an experience worth savoring.

Explore our cigar accessories collection for lighters, cutters, and travel cases, then browse our Premium Cigars collection to find your next smoke.

Tobacco notice: Cigars contain nicotine and pose health risks even without inhalation. A mild rating is not a safety claim. See the National Cancer Institute.