Proper way to light with a torch

[Millow]

Up until now i'd been using matches to light my cigars. Well i picked up a cheap torch lighter for about $22 today (its still pretty cool) and i was just wondering, whats the proper way to light with it? Hold the cigar above the actual torch (not touching) and rotate, right?

[illuminatus]

That's what I read as the general consensus here..

[croatan]

Pretty much. I hold mine horizontally, though.

[NCRadioMan]

$22 Cheap?

I hold the cigar in one hand and the lighter at a 45 degree angle and toast. Then light it with the same angle and rotate. Hold it far enough away so you don't scorch the cigar. Start several inches away then slowly get closer until the heat is enough to light it. Not the actual flame. I used a mirror alot until I got used to it.


NCRM

[Millow]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

$22 Cheap?

I hold the cigar in one hand and the lighter at a 45 degree angle and toast. Then light it with the same angle and rotate. Hold it far enough away so you don't scorch the cigar. Start several inches away then slowly get closer until the heat is enough to light it. Not the actual flame. I used a mirror alot until I got used to it.


NCRM

ok thanks for the advice. and yeah they had some that were like $50 or so, maybe it was just the shop.

[Alpedhuez55]

Originally Posted by Millow

ok thanks for the advice. and yeah they had some that were like $50 or so, maybe it was just the shop.

Call me cheap, but I find the $5 ones work as well and last loger than the $50 ones

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

$22 Cheap?

I used a mirror alot until I got used to it.
NCRM

Can you generate enough heat with a mirror to light a cigar?? Maybe bounce the flame off the mirror to light the stick? j/k Ninja has a nifty lighter with a mirror in the cap so he can light and look with the same movement.

Personally, I light mine with a three flame torch I found at a discount tool shop for $3.99. Figured it would last me a couple of months til I found a better one. Can't seem to break the thing, been with me for almost a year now. Has beaten out two more expensive single flame lighters I use for touch-up work as far as longevity. Who would have guessed it!!! Should have brought 3 or 4 of them. I never have been able to tell a difference with toasting the foot first, but Ninja swears by it, so that is probably personal preference.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by SvilleKid

Can you generate enough heat with a mirror to light a cigar??

I only smoke on sunny days!

Originally Posted by SvilleKid

I never have been able to tell a difference with toasting the foot first, but Ninja swears by it, so that is probably personal preference.

I have noticed by toasting, the burn is much more even.


NCRM

[SlimDiesel]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

I have noticed by toasting, the burn is much more even.


NCRM

I tried that but I had a helluva time trying to get the cigar outta the toaster.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by SlimDiesel

I tried that but I had a helluva time trying to get the cigar outta the toaster.

It must have undustrial strengh springs to get them to "pop" up!


NCRM

[par]

Is there a real flavor difference by not letting the flame touch the stick? I've tried both and i can't really tell that there is a significant difference???

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by par

Is there a real flavor difference by not letting the flame touch the stick? I've tried both and i can't really tell that there is a significant difference???

I havn't noticed a flavor distance. Just better burn.


NCRM

[croatan]

It could just be my imagination, but I think that when the foot is really burned rather than lightly toasted (poor word choice, but you know what I mean), the first taste is not as pleasant. After the first couple of puffs, I don't think there's much of a difference--just initially. Of course, as I said, this could be my mind playing tricks on me because I know I've really burned the foot for some reason (I've never cared enough to have someone light two cigars differently and taste them blindfolded or anything).

[shakespeare]

Originally Posted by Millow

Up until now i'd been using matches to light my cigars. Well i picked up a cheap torch lighter for about $22 today (its still pretty cool) and i was just wondering, whats the proper way to light with it? Hold the cigar above the actual torch (not touching) and rotate, right?

yep - that´s pretty much it. at least 3cm above the actual flame, rotate while you slowly pull.

[razrbakcrzy]

I must admit I can not tell the difference in taste if the flame touches the gar or not. It may be somthing a more refined pallet can detect, but not mine.

I have a Nibo triple flame, It works great! Cost about $20.00 at the Local Tob. Shop. I found it on the net for about $8.00 plus $3.00 shipping. I figured the rest will support the shop owner.

Jim