Cigars 101

Introduction
Why You Should Smoke Cigars & Why You Shouldn’t
Your Local Tobacconist – Your Best Friend
Shapes, Sizes and Shades
How to Choose a Cigar
Off With Its Cap – How to Cut a Cigar
The Art of Lighting a Cigar
Cigar Storage
Cigar Repair
Cigar Etiquette
Cigar Transportation
Glossary of Common Terms
In Closing

LIGHTING YOUR CIGAR

Many individuals have come to me different opinions on how they feel is the best way to light a cigar.  Before I begin this section, I must show you a link which best describes how not to light a cigar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl7M64BcTPE

Now that we got past that one, allow me to explain the different tools you can use to light the perfect cigar

Butane Lighters

These lighters are the cigar smokers best friend.  The flame that comes from these lighters is much hotter and more consistent than any other lighter.  Flame from a butane lighter can be 1" to 4" in length.  They are filled from compressed butane containers that are frigidly cold after filling the lighter.  Generally speaking these lighters do not work well in cold weather as it changes the compression of the butane making it not light properly.  Butane lighters do hold up better in wind as the flame is more light a jet flame that a simple wick or Zippo

Zippos and Disposables

These lighters are less friendly than their butane cousins but will still work in a pinch.  Zippos and most older style disposables use a wick system with a flint and childproof wheel to assist in the creation of flame.  Lighter fluid or naphtha is used to saturate the wick.  These lighters do not have the stability of a butane nor do they burn as hot.  They do, however last longer than butane lighters but it will take longer to light cigars with one of these.

Matches

What can be said about our old friend, the match?  Well, we still use you... ...sometimes, but you take way too long.  Those old matchbook style fellas are almost useless because they barely make a flame and they last about 5 to 15 seconds.  Wooden matches are a little better but they still are on their way out.  Thanks for the memories!