| examine the "head" of the cigar - this is the closed | | | | seems to have their own opinion on how best to |
| end to be clipped. Most cigars have what is called a | | | | light a cigar. Ultimately, you'll have to find your own |
| "cap" - a bit of tobacco leaf used to close of the | | | | best method. To help, here are a few "opinions" |
| end. Inspect the cigar to determine how far down | | | | we've gathered. |
| the length of the cigar the cap goes (this is usually 1 | | | | When using a match, wait until the sulfur burns off |
| 4" - 3/8; sometimes less, and on figurado shapes | | | | before placing it to your cigar. Many smokers prefer |
| sometimes longer). Where the cap stops is your | | | | long cedar matches called a cedar spill. A cedar spill is |
| cutting limit, if you cut beneath this, or even too | | | | a long, thin strip of Spanish Cedar which is lit first and |
| close, your cigar will start to unravel. | | | | then used to light the cigar. This method is often |
| Try to cut as minimally as possible while still opening | | | | observed at fancy cigar dinners, as it is a rather |
| approximately 75%-85% of the end. This might | | | | elegant way to light up, but not all circumstances lend |
| mean cutting as little as 1/32" down or as much as 3 | | | | itself to this method. |
| 8" - it depends on the cigar's roll and cap. | | | | Butane lighters seem to be the lighter of choice. |
| When using a guillotine cutter, line up your cigar at | | | | Many smokers complain that gasoline based lighters |
| eye level and clip it quickly. This method will almost | | | | impart an unpleasant flavor. Zippo (who manufactures |
| always guarantee satisfactory results. | | | | such lighters) claims that if the flame is allowed to |
| A punch cutter, although this isn't really a cutter, is | | | | burn a few seconds first, the disturbing odor will |
| easy to use, makes a perfect round opening, and | | | | dissipate. |
| negates the problem of how much to clip. Another | | | | Whatever your flame source, preheat the foot by |
| option is a V-Cut clipper. Cap length isn't a concern | | | | slowly rolling the cigar above the flame. Once the |
| here, as the smoker rests the cigar against the | | | | foot is heated, place the cigar in your mouth and |
| clipper while it takes out a v-notched shaped bit of | | | | draw as you keep slowly rolling the cigar above the |
| tobacco of the same size every time. | | | | flame, but never quite letting the flame touch the |
| Cigar scissors are elegant, but difficult to use and | | | | cigar. Slowly spin the cigar to establish an even burn. |
| hard to carry around. Other more personal methods | | | | Once you've got it going (examine the glowing foot |
| include razor blades, Swiss Army or pocket knives, or | | | | to make sure the burn is even) take a few slow |
| even your teeth. Ultimately, clipping your cigar is a | | | | steady draws. Then wait a half minute or so for the |
| matter of what works best for you. | | | | burn to establish. Now sit back and enjoy. |
| Lighting Your Cigar | | | | If your cigar goes out, knock off the ash, gently |
| Is there a special, approved method that all smokers | | | | blow through the cigar to clear out the old smoke, |
| should use? This question will provide endless hours | | | | then follow your method of choice to relight. |
| of debate with your fellow aficionados. Everyone | | | | |