Fixing an Improperly Lit Cigar

Lighting a cigar is something of an art. Improperly-lighting a stogie can compromise the taste and, potentially, can ruin what would otherwise be a fine smoke. Oftentimes, the problem comes down to the lighter used. Cigar lighters have specific characteristics that make them better suited to the task than a standard cigarette lighter. Principally, the wider flame area means that the tobacco is torched more evenly and that the cigar starts burning correctly from the moment it’s first puffed.

To fix an improper light, the first task is usually to even out the ember. The last thing one wants out of a fine cigar is an uneven burn. To correct an improper light where part of the cigar is burning but the rest isn’t, simply hold the lighter to the unlit portion for a second without puffing. Alternately, one may blow on the foot of the cigar to even out the ember and to provide a proper burn.

If the cigar is burning hot in one area and smoldering in others, one may simply blow on the foot to even out the temperature. It’s common enough to see even experienced cigar smokers doing this. If this proves inadequate, one may hold the flame to the unlit portion to heat the tobacco up to a good burning temperature. This should be done without drawing on the cigar in most cases. If the cigar is burning very unevenly, one may wish to start over.

Cigar lighters can make certain that one doesn’t have to correct for a bad light but there will still be occasions where this occurs. If the light is particularly bad-for instance, if only a very small portion of the cigar’s foot is actually burning-it may be easier to simply stub the cigar out and to start over entirely. Before relighting after stubbing out the stogie be sure to toast the tobacco again to ensure that it is warmed and ready for an even and proper light.

If one is very much a cigar aficionado, one owes it to themselves to purchase a proper cigar lighter. These are available with attachments that make it more convenient to smoke when away from home. For example, one may purchase a cigar lighter with cutter implements attached which can ensure that one receives an even draw off of their cigar every time and which can eliminate the need to correct a poor light or to relight a stogie altogether when it is burning unevenly.

Dave Sabot is the owner of specialty lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including windproof lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring tips on how to repair a lighter.