So, you’ve got your favorite cigar in hand, ready to indulge in a moment of relaxation and flavor. But wait, before you take that first puff, let’s talk about something crucial: lighting up. Properly lighting your cigar can make all the difference in your smoking experience, and the type of lighter you use plays a big role. Let’s go through the ins and outs of using different types of lighters so you can enjoy your cigars to the fullest.
Types of Lighters
Torch Lighters
Torch lighters are like the precision tool of the cigar world. They produce a powerful, focused flame that can quickly and evenly toast the foot of your cigar, ensuring a smooth and flavorful burn. One of the main advantages of torch lighters is their reliability, especially in windy conditions where other lighters might struggle. To use a torch lighter, simply ignite the flame and hold the cigar at a slight angle above the flame, rotating it gently to ensure even coverage. Check out torch lighters for yourself at Northwoods Humidors.
Soft Flame Lighters
If torch lighters are the precision tool, then soft flame lighters are the classic choice. These lighters produce a softer, more diffuse flame that can be easier to control, making them a favorite among many cigar enthusiasts. While they may take a bit longer to light your cigar compared to torch lighters, they offer a more traditional and leisurely smoking experience. To use a soft flame lighter, hold the cigar just above the flame, allowing the heat to slowly toast the foot of the cigar until it begins to glow.
Matches
Ah, the timeless charm of matches. There’s something undeniably romantic about lighting your cigar with a match, and many cigar aficionados swear by them for their subtle aroma and gentle heat. However, matches can be a bit trickier to use, especially in windy conditions or when trying to light a larger cigar. If you’re using matches, it’s essential to use wooden ones rather than paper, as paper matches can impart unwanted flavors to your cigar. To light your cigar with a match, strike the match and hold it at a slight angle below the foot of the cigar, rotating it slowly to ensure an even burn.
Choosing the Right Lighting Method
Now that you know the different types of lighters available, how do you choose the right one for your cigar? Well, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost is the type of cigar you’ll be smoking. Larger cigars with thicker wrappers may require a more powerful flame, making torch lighters a better choice. On the other hand, smaller or more delicate cigars may benefit from the softer flame of a soft flame lighter. Additionally, consider the environmental conditions you’ll be smoking in. If you’re outdoors on a windy day, a torch lighter may be your best bet for achieving a consistent light. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different lighters to find what works best for you.
Tips for Choosing a Good Cigar Cutter
Have you always wondered what accessories you really need for the smoking experience? Often, it’s difficult to know what accessories are trending and what are necessary. For instance, some are simply novelties and they don’t impact the smoking experience. But, there are items you’ll need when you want to smoke cigars regularly. One of them is a good cigar cutter. This is something you should add to your collection from the beginning. It’ll allow you to get an even draw since it cuts the cap of the cigar. Here are some useful tips on how you can identify a good cigar cutter.
Understand the Type
First things first, you need to decide on the type of cigar cutter you like the best. For example, you can get a v-cutter, which is going to create a v-shaped cut. Many people like this approach for an intense flavor concentration and getting a deep cutter. A popular choice is the guillotine cutter. You can choose between a single or double blade, which can deliver clean and precise cuts. If you have a small ring gauge cigar, you might prefer to use a punch cutter.
Look for a Sharp Blade
A crucial element of a cigar cutter is the blade. You need to make sure you’re investing in one that’s sharp and made from high-quality materials. In particular, you want the blade to be stainless steel or another type of metal. Simply taking a look at how sharp it is will help too. You don’t want one that’s dull, as this isn’t going to give you an accurate cut on the cigar. Therefore, examine the images carefully and read about the material used for the blade before buying.
Check All of the Materials
While it’s crucial to check the blade, you also need to look at what the whole cigar cutter is made from. Think about it. If you’re going to be using this accessory a lot, you don’t want it to be made from cheap and flimsy materials. Instead, you want to look for durability and strength. In particular, you’ll benefit from metal cigar cutters rather than plastic ones.
Conclusion
By now, you should be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to properly light up your cigars like a pro. Whether you prefer the precision of a torch lighter, the classic charm of matches, or the timeless elegance of a soft flame lighter, the most important thing is to take your time and enjoy the process.
Published By: Aize Perez