Which Side of a Cigar Should You Light?: A Quick Guide to Proper Cigar Lighting Technique

When lighting a cigar, it’s important to know which end to ignite for the best smoking experience. The straightforward answer: always light the "foot" of the cigar, which is the end you cut and draw smoke through, leaving the opposite "head" (the closed or capped end) untouched except for clipping. The foot is typically pre-cut and reveals the filler tobaccos, while the head has a rounded or sometimes pointed tip sealed by a cap. Lighting the wrong end (the head) can ruin the entire cigar and compromise its draw, flavor, and structural integrity.

As a designer, I often compare this process to choosing the right side of a fabric or wallpaper—lighting the correct end of the cigar ensures the intended experience, just as displaying the correct pattern or texture elevates a room’s atmosphere. Good preparation, like using a precise cutter and a butane lighter or cedar matches, will give you a clean light, preserving the cigar’s constructed balance. You might even say the ritual of lighting a cigar resembles planning each detail of an interior design project: both require attention to orientation and execution for optimal results.

Tips 1:

To achieve an even burn, rotate the cigar over the flame, keeping the lighter close but not touching the cigar directly. Let the foot toast and glow before taking the first puff. This method improves the flavor profile by preventing harshness and other off-notes that can result from improper lighting.

FAQ

Q: Why does it matter which end of the cigar I light?

A: Lighting the foot ensures proper airflow, draw, and flavor, while lighting the head can ruin the cigar’s construction and taste.

Q: How can I identify the foot and head of a cigar?

A: The foot is the open end with visible tobacco fillers; the head is rounded or pointed and sealed with a cap.

Q: What is the best tool for lighting a cigar?

A: Use a butane lighter or long cedar matches, as these avoid imparting unwanted flavors to the cigar.

Q: Should the flame touch the cigar directly when lighting?

A: No. Hold the flame close to the foot and rotate the cigar, allowing it to toast and begin burning evenly before taking a puff.

Q: Can I use regular candle lighters or gas lighters for cigars?

A: It’s not recommended, as they may affect the cigar’s flavor; stick to butane lighters or matches made for cigars.