Lighting

My first "review" will come later this week. I'm still trying to work out the specifics on how I plan to grade the cigars. I've never done any ratings before so the whole formula is subject to change at any time anyway. I'll go over the details of the review process when I sit down to do my first rating.

Besides, I wanted to go over one more thing before I get down to smoking. The lighting of a cigar.

I don't claim myself to be an expert, but I have seen countless people light cigars as if they have no idea what they are doing. Proper lighting procedures are vital to ensuring that the cigar burns correctly and therefore smokes and tastes the way it was meant to. It really is a simple process, and if a little extra time and care is taken when first lighting up, you will less likely have to worry about an uneven burn or the cigar going out.

First, choose what you will use to light your cigar. Yes, this is a big deal. You should use a wooden match or a butane lighter only. I always use matches but as you can imagine, this gets a little frustrating on windy days. A better option in times like those is to use a butane torch lighter as the flame won't get blown out. However, never use a fluid lighter or a Zippo. The chemicals will mix with the tobacco and affect the flavor. True, a match can take a little more time and be slightly inconvenient, but it will preserve all the tastes and aromas of the cigar. It's meant to be savored and enjoyed so don't be looking to cut corners.

Next, the foot must be toasted. This is done before any lighting or puffing at all. A cigar should not just be lit right away. The toasting step is pretty important. Basically, it heats up the tobacco slowly preparing it to be lit in much the same way that each part of the cigar slowly heats the next part as you smoke before it actually starts to burn. Hold the cigar just out of reach of the flame, but close enough so that a ring begins to form around the foot of the wrapper. Look at it as slowly toasting a marshmallow. You never just shove it into the fire. Instead, you let the heat, rather than the flame, do the work.

When the foot is nicely toasted, it's now time to light the cigar. Put it in your mouth and hold it at a 45 degree angle away from the flame. Again, don't let the flame touch the cigar. Let the heat do the work. We're looking to light it, not scorch it. Puff on the cigar, rotating it as you do so. You'll probably have to do this for a few seconds until the foot begins to glow and cigar draws easily. Check the foot of the cigar to make sure it has been lit evenly and completely.

Take the extra time to make sure the whole lighting process is done carefully and you'll benefit from an evenly burning and great tasting cigar.