How to Light a Cigar Like a Pro

Anyone can strike a match, but not everyone knows how to handle a cigar with the care it deserves. This isn’t like lighting a cigarette—it’s a ritual that calls for patience, precision, and presence. Done right, it elevates the entire experience; done wrong, it wastes the craftsmanship behind every leaf. Learning how to light a cigar properly is what separates the amateurs from the gentlemen who know exactly what they’re doing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, every tool, and every trick to make sure your next light-up looks—and feels—as smooth as it should.

Table of Content

Why Lighting a Cigar Properly Matters
Choosing the Right Cigar Lighter
Steps to Light a Premium Cigar
Relighting a Cigar
Troubleshooting Common Cigar Lighting Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

Why Lighting a Cigar Properly Matters

Lighting a cigar isn't just the start of the experience—it defines the experience. Rush the light, scorch the tobacco, or burn it unevenly, and you’ll spend the entire smoke fighting bad draws, bitter flavors, and a lopsided burn. Take your time, do it right, and the cigar rewards you with a smooth, rich, even performance from the first puff to the final ash.

A proper light brings out everything the cigar maker intended—the layered flavors, the slow burn, the full-bodied aroma that fills the air like a signature. It's the difference between simply smoking a cigar and commanding one.

Bottom line? Lighting a cigar correctly isn’t optional. It’s part of the craft. It’s a mark of respect for the tobacco, for the craftsmanship behind it, and for yourself.

Choosing the Right Cigar Lighter

Selecting the right cigar lighter is more than just a matter of convenience—it’s about preserving the integrity of your cigar and enhancing the overall smoking experience. The type of flame you choose can make the difference between a smooth, even burn and a frustrating session with uneven lighting or scorched tobacco. Knowing how to light a cigar properly starts with choosing the right flame source.

Torch Lighters

Torch lighters are an exquisite piece of engineering. They work by pushing butane through a narrow nozzle creating a powerful jet torch. These are a great choice for lighting a cigar because they provide a concentrated, prominent, and very hot flame, which is also narrow, meaning it provides more precision. You can zero in on your cigar for a flawless light. The immense heat makes it faster to light cigars, however, you need to be a tad more careful with these types of lighters; you don’t want to char your cigar so keep the flame around three to four inches above the flame while lighting. 

Lucky Torch Lighter in Gold - Price: $24.99

Soft Flame Lighters

Soft flame lighters appeal to cigar smokers who value control and finesse over speed. While they take longer, the gentler heat is ideal for delicate wrappers and slow, even toasting. If you’ve ever asked what to light a cigar with when flavor preservation matters most, a soft butane lighter is the answer. 

Oil lighters, stoves, or candles would definitely ruin the flavor and impart unwanted bitterness. Although the soft lighter uses butane gas, unlike the torch lighter; the gas is not pushed through a nozzle, so the flame burns softly producing a gentler, less intense heat. These types of lighters are especially ideal for cigars with delicate wrappers. 

Steps to Light a Premium Cigar

Step 1: Prep Your Cigar

Before you light a cigar, you need to prepare it properly—starting with the cut. Lucky Cigar's collection of cigar cutters ensures you have the right tool for a smooth cut. A guillotine-style plastic cigar cutter is ideal for its sharp blades and firm grip. It features a hole that holds the cigar securely, allowing for a clean, precise cut without damaging the wrapper. 

First, identify the cap—the rounded end of the cigar, usually a distinct section of leaf at the head. Then, carefully place the cigar into the cutter. Take your time lining it up, but when you're ready to cut, do it in one swift, confident motion. Avoid cutting too shallow, which results in a tight draw, or too deep, which can unravel the wrapper. A clean cut sets the stage for a smooth, enjoyable smoke.

And if you ever find yourself without a cutter, don't worry! Here’s how to cut a cigar without a cutter using everyday items you probably already have nearby.

Step 2: Toast the Foot

Take a moment to appreciate the cigar. Feel its weight in your hand, inhale its pre-light aroma, and slow down the process—this is part of the ritual. Hold the cigar at about a 30-degree angle just above the flame, not touching it, similar to toasting a marshmallow. The goal of toasting a cigar is to warm the foot gradually, not ignite it outright.

As the foot begins to toast, rotate the cigar slowly to evenly roast the entire edge. You’ll start to see a glowing red ring forming along the rim with a darkened edge. This step is visually rewarding and sets the foundation for a smooth, consistent burn.

Step 3: Light the Cigar and Enjoy

Once the foot is toasted, it’s time to light. Some aficionados recommend purging the cigar first—blowing gently through it to clear out any residual impurities from toasting. It’s a small touch that can enhance the initial flavor.

Bring the cigar to your lips and hold the flame just below the foot as you take slow, steady puffs. Rotate the cigar as you draw to ensure the flame catches evenly across the surface. Remember, do not inhale—let the smoke linger in your mouth so your senses can fully appreciate the aroma and flavor. If you notice an uneven burn, simply repeat the toasting process to even it out. Take your time. After all, learning how to properly light a cigar properly isn’t just technique—it’s about honoring the craft behind every stick.

Relighting a Cigar

Sometimes you have to pause mid-smoke, and that’s perfectly fine—as long as you don’t wait too long. A cigar that’s been out for a little while can usually be relit without sacrificing too much of its flavor. Short breaks like grabbing a drink or taking a call won’t ruin your experience, as long as you handle the relight properly.

How to Relight

Before anything else, gently knock off any built-up ash from the foot of the cigar. Tap the end softly against the edge of your ashtray, then roll the foot lightly along the side to brush off any remaining debris. Be careful not to apply too much pressure—you want to clear the ash without crushing the cigar.

Relighting cigars follows the same ritual as the first light. Use a clean butane torch or soft flame lighter. Hold the flame just beneath the foot, close enough to warm it, but not so close that it burns. Rotate the cigar slowly, allowing the flame to re-toast the entire foot evenly until a red glow appears all the way around. Once toasted, take a slow, steady puff. Let the smoke fill your mouth—but don’t inhale. The goal is to revive the cigar without overheating it. If done correctly, you’ll restore much of its original flavor and aroma with minimal bitterness.

When You Shouldn’t Relight a Cigar

If your cigar has been sitting for more than 30 minutes, it’s often best to start fresh. Relighting cigars in these case is not recommended, as the oils and tar can harden when the tobacco cools, creating a harsh, bitter taste. Rob Gagner, host of the cigar podcast Box Press, put it simply: “If a cigar’s been sitting for more than thirty minutes… don’t bother. It’s better to light a new stick.” For shorter sessions, skip stronger, flavored cigars and opt for a quick, clean-burning option like a Connecticut or a Robusto.

Troubleshooting Common Cigar Lighting Issues

Even with the right technique and tools, lighting a cigar doesn’t always go as planned. Understanding how to identify and fix common issues can save your smoking experience and help you avoid frustration.

Uneven burn (Canoeing): This happens when one side of the cigar burns faster than the other, often due to uneven lighting or puffing. Fix it by using your lighter to gently touch up the slower-burning side while rotating the cigar until the burn evens out.

Cigar keeps going out: If you’re not puffing regularly—about once every 30 to 60 seconds—the cigar may go out. Make sure you toasted it properly and relight as needed by removing the ash, re-toasting the foot, and drawing gently.

Harsh or bitter taste: Overheating the cigar during lighting can scorch the tobacco and ruin the flavor. Keep the flame about an inch away from the foot and avoid direct flame contact. Take slow, steady puffs to protect the natural oils and taste.

Tight or poor draw: A draw that feels tight could mean the cigar is over-packed or the cut was too shallow. Try a second, deeper cut or use a cigar draw tool to loosen it up. If it’s still plugged, switch to another stick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tools for lighting a cigar?

First, the right cigar cutter is essential for a clean, precise cut that preserves the integrity of the cigar and protects it from the unraveling of the wrapper. Then using a butane torch or soft flame lighter is the best way to light a cigar. These preserve flavor and give a clean, even burn. Wooden matches or cedar spills are great alternatives. Avoid regular lighters or candles, as they can affect the cigar’s taste. 

How to keep a cigar lit during your smoke?

To keep a cigar lit, take steady draws every 30–60 seconds. Letting it rest too long causes the ember to cool and go out. A well-lit cigar also depends on an even toast and proper lighting from the start.

How do I know which end of cigar to light?

If you're unsure which end of cigar to light, look for the open side—the foot. That’s where you light the cigar. The cap is the sealed end you cut to place in your mouth to draw from is usually wrapped up and closed in what looks like the center of a leaf. Lighting the wrong end ruins airflow.

Should you purge a cigar briefly after lighting it?

Yes. Purging a cigar means expelling some smoke from the lit end right after lighting the cigar to rid it of any impurities or uneven burns. It will ensure a more consistent burn and preserve the flavor’s excellence.

What is the best way to extinguish a cigar?

The best way to extinguish a cigar is to simply let it rest on the ashtray until it goes out naturally. Don’t stub it like a cigarette. This preserves flavor if you plan on relighting. 

Final Thoughts

Lighting a cigar is more than just a spark—it’s a ritual that reflects patience, skill, and appreciation for the craft. From selecting the right cutter to mastering the flame, knowing how to light a cigar properly sets the tone for the entire experience. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just learning the ropes, following the right steps ensures each smoke is smooth, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

And here’s one last tip to carry with you: with proper storage in a quality humidor, your cigars can stay fresh for years—but once lit, you’ve got only a few hours to relight before the flavor fades. So whether you're enjoying a quick Robusto or settling in with a Churchill, take your time and honor the process. When you know how to light a cigar the right way, every moment becomes something worth savoring.