My lighting method...

[Footbag]

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.

[scottw]

Originally Posted by Footbag

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.

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

[white_s2k]

I read this in icehog's newbie thread I think, gonna have to try it tonight.

[Footbag]

Originally Posted by white_s2k

I read this in icehog's newbie thread I think, gonna have to try it tonight.

Damn, and I thought I invented it! Checking out the thread now.

[white_s2k]

Originally Posted by Footbag

Damn, and I thought I invented it! Checking out the thread now.

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.

[Footbag]

Thanks for the link. I'm not the genius I thought I was.

[white_s2k]

Originally Posted by Footbag

Thanks for the link. I'm not the genius I thought I was.

It's a method I had never thought of, but seems to make perfect sense if you think about it.

[Footbag]

Originally Posted by white_s2k

It's a method I had never thought of, but seems to make perfect sense if you think about it.

I've been smoking for a long time now, and I really just stumbled upon it, but it makes a big difference.

[AD720]

Originally Posted by Footbag

Thanks for the link. I'm not the genius I thought I was.

You still are.

I can't take credit for it, but I wish I could remember who orginally posted that info...

[Haastility]

I toast the foot slow but i let the flame touch, this seems like it would take a lonnnng time??

[Footbag]

Originally Posted by Haastility

I toast the foot slow but i let the flame touch, this seems like it would take a lonnnng time??

It definitely isn't as quick as the puff spin method, but it doesn't take an exorbitantly long time.

[duckmanco]

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.

[Rev2010]

Heh, I was gonna say, "Don't most people here basically light this way?" 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.

[Cigarin-Martin]

Gonna give it a try, cheers

[Footbag]

On a side note, the CI flamethrower lighters break very easily.


Now I need a new lighter.