After an individual has learned how to cut their cigar, the next step of the process will be for he or she to learn how to light a cigar. In most instances, butane lighters or wooden matches are recommended for the lighting process, because they do not add unwanted flavors or substances to the cigar during the lighting process. With a plethora of different types of lighters on the market, an individual will have a wide selection to choose from. If the cigar is to be smoked out of doors, the use of a butane torch lighter is recommended, due to its ability to withstand light breezes. With a lighter in one hand, the cigar should be placed in one’s mouth in preparation for lighting. The cigar should be gripped around the band, which is approximately two inches from the mouth of the cigar, using the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.

The next step in learning how to light a cigar is to place the end of the cigar slightly above the top of the flame. The cigar itself should not actually touch the flame. The individual should then begin to slowly draw in their breath, which directs the flame of the lighter towards the tobacco in the cigar. While the individual continues to puff on the cigar, the cigar should be slowly rotated to ensure the tobacco of the cigar is evenly lit. Depending upon the size of the cigar, the smoker may have to puff and rotate the cigar for ten to twenty seconds before it becomes evenly lit. Once the cigar is evenly lit, the outer rim of the cigar will begin to glow orange, and the individual will be able to draw easily upon the cigar.

After an individual has successfully learned to light a cigar, they will be able to simply smoke and enjoy it. Each puff should be timed approximately sixty seconds apart. The smoke from the lit cigar should not be inhaled. Rather, it should be allowed to rest in the mouth for a few seconds so that the flavor may be appreciated before it is exhaled. If the cigar is smoked too quickly, it will become overheated, and the flavor of the cigar may be compromised. If the cigar is smoked too slowly, then an individual will have to continuously relight the cigar. However, if the cigar is lit correctly, it should burn evenly, which will allow the smoker to fully appreciate the complexity of the flavors contained within the cigar.

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