My lighting method...

F

Footbag

La Aroma de Gorilla
I've recently realized that my method for lighting cigars has completely changed. I'm not sure when it happened; I used to only use matches; but now, I use a method that I don't think I've seen or read anywhere.

I use a flame thrower lighter, and at first gently toast the foot until it is evenly charred. I be careful to only let the heat hit the cigar, not the flame. Then, rather then drawing off the cigar, I just continue to toast the foot moving the flame closer still careful not to let the flame hit the cigar. I continue rotating the cigar. I do this until the whole foot is red and test by blowing it.
At this point I have a cigar that is thoroughly lit, but hasn't been drawn upon. It is a great time to smell the post-light bouquet as having not drawn, my palate is still fresh. As well, this prevents the beginning of the cigar from getting too warm.
My first draw is the first time the smoke is passing through the cigar. The smoke is much more mellow then it would be otherwise, and my palate hasn't gotten the shock of lighting a very hot cigar. For me, a low temp lighting can make a cigar much more enjoyable.
Well, thats pretty much it. If you have a chance, try it out. I think it will make the firs 1-2" of your cigar much nicer.
 
Footbag said:
I've recently realized that my method for lighting cigars has completely changed. I'm not sure when it happened; I used to only use matches; but now, I use a method that I don't think I've seen or read anywhere.

I use a flame thrower lighter, and at first gently toast the foot until it is evenly charred. I be careful to only let the heat hit the cigar, not the flame. Then, rather then drawing off the cigar, I just continue to toast the foot moving the flame closer still careful not to let the flame hit the cigar. I continue rotating the cigar. I do this until the whole foot is red and test by blowing it.
At this point I have a cigar that is thoroughly lit, but hasn't been drawn upon. It is a great time to smell the post-light bouquet as having not drawn, my palate is still fresh. As well, this prevents the beginning of the cigar from getting too warm.
My first draw is the first time the smoke is passing through the cigar. The smoke is much more mellow then it would be otherwise, and my palate hasn't gotten the shock of lighting a very hot cigar. For me, a low temp lighting can make a cigar much more enjoyable.
Well, thats pretty much it. If you have a chance, try it out. I think it will make the firs 1-2" of your cigar much nicer.
Click to expand...

I do this as well but the first draw, I blow through the cigar to prevent any of the smoke that travelled up it during the intital light from flowing completley through the cigar (heat rises). I have also done this while the cigar is unclipped making sure again, the smoke cannot travel up the stick. Nice presentation of your technique
 
Footbag said:
Damn, and I thought I invented it! Checking out the thread now.
Click to expand...

It was AD720 that posted this response to a question I had about how do most people light their cigars in the Ask the Silverback thread:

Re: Ask the Silverback
Not a silverback so excuse me fo jumping in, but expanding on what Icehog3 was saying, a while back I read a post, either by chasden or shilia (sorry guys), that recommended "toasting" the foot first - just charring it a bit and not really lighting it. Then let it sit for a minute or so. Then torch it until it is cherry red and let it sit again for another moment. I have seen a noticeable improvement in the taste of my cigars since trying this out and I now do it all the time.

YMMV. :2
 
I used to do this too, but got tired of filling my lighter all the time, which is probably a good enough excuse to pull the trigger on that Tatuaje Table lighter I have been eying. Either way, it is without a doubt the best way to light to keep harshness to a minimum. Then again, the toast, puff spin method has its merits when you only have a couple of matches.
 
Heh, I was gonna say, "Don't most people here basically light this way?" :D I do basically the same thing but I do it a little quicker. I let the flame touch (butane has no taste/odor), and light while rotating it slowly to evenly toast the foot - without drawing. After it's lit evenly I blow on it a little then smoke.


Rev.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top