Moistening cigar before lighting?

[MikeP]

Over the weekend as I was flipping channels on the TV paused at some movie. I have no idea what the plot was, what was going on, but there appeared to be the "evil" politician or judge sitting at a big desk talking to somebody when he pulled a cigar out of the humidor on his desk. I want to say that I observed him moisten both the foot and head of the cigar prior to cutting and lighting. I am sure he moistened the foot prior to lighting.

Now I have seen people moisten the head prior to cutting. I can't say that I consciously moisten or not moisten prior to cutting. I think it is just whether I happen to put the cigar in my mouth before I cut. I assume that those that do moisten the head prior to cutting do so because maybe it helps in preventing cracking or making a cleaner cut. Maybe the wrapper is a bit more flexible or will give a little more. But I really don't know if there is a particular reason.

But what about moistening the foot prior to lighting. The guy in the movie put the foot in his mouth briefly and sort of spun it around. Does anyone do this? Is there a reason why you do? Does it help control the lighting process? Just curious.

[carbonbased_al]

Originally Posted by MikeP

But what about moistening the foot prior to lighting. The guy in the movie put the foot in his mouth briefly and sort of spun it around. Does anyone do this? Is there a reason why you do? Does it help control the lighting process? Just curious.

No, never seen or heard of that. Sounds pretty gay honestly

[NCRadioMan]

Yea, sounds like he has "phalic" issues.


NCRM

[singlguy9]

I always moisten slightly before making my cut.........seems to avoid any splitting issues if the cigar is a little dry.

I would never moisten the business end before lighting........can't think of a logical reason to do so.

[shakespeare]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Yea, sounds like he has "phalic" issues.


NCRM

Probably just an image thing like waving the cigar in everyones face before lighting up

[5thDan]

I like to moisten the cap slightly before cutting, but never the foot.

[pinokio]

Originally Posted by 5thDan

I like to moisten the cap slightly before cutting, but never the foot.

Ditto!

[El Gato]

I've seen old movies where the smoker licks the entire cigar to get it moist.
I've seen my father-in-law do that as well. I read in the old days that cigars were not very well manufacutered or stored properly so the wrapper was moistened to keep it from unraveling.
Bill Clinton may know the answer to this question.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by El Gato

in the old days that cigars were not very well manufacutered or stored properly so the wrapper was moistened to keep it from unraveling.

I'm pretty sure that was the logic behind it back in the day.

[Uniputt]

Yup. back "in the day" cigars were not humidified very well. Heck, I've even heard stories about people dipping them in brandy (or some other drink) before lighting them.

No need to do it now, though. I think it would only mess it up and lead to burn problems. I do, however, moisten the head a bit prior to cutting to prevent cracking.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by El Gato

I read in the old days that cigars were not very well manufacutered or stored properly so the wrapper was moistened to keep it from unraveling.

I have a book on the history of cigars that explain it that way as well. Mostly due to the lack of proper humidification.

[El Gato]

Cool, I love it when I'm right. Oh, my wife's home, I guess I'm done being right for the night. Tee Hee.

[Ivory Tower]

Originally Posted by El Gato

Cool, I love it when I'm right. Oh, my wife's home, I guess I'm done being right for the night. Tee Hee.

Yeah, but maybe you'll get your stick moistened too (better than your foot, I assume.)

[El Gato]

Sad to say it's not my birthday! I'll be the only one doing any smoking.

[Eichen]

Sometimes I'll moisten the cap before cutting for the abovementioned reasons. Occasionally I'll puff through the foot to make sure I've cleared out any "dust" and loose tobacco bits near the head to make sure I don't get any of this in my mouth when I start smoking. I don't "moisten" anything else but the cap tho...