A perfectly lit cigar enhances your smoking experience, adding subtle nuances to the flavors and allowing you to fully enjoy the craftsmanship of the cigar. In this article, we will go through 13 steps to help you light a cigar properly.

1. Choose the right lighter: Avoid using petrol-fueled lighters, matches or candles, as they can impair the cigar’s taste. Instead, opt for a butane-fueled torch lighter or cedar spills for an optimal lighting experience.

2. Check the humidity: Make sure your cigar is stored at proper humidity (68-72%) before lighting it up – this prevents uneven burning.

3. Cut the end: Use a high-quality cigar cutter or punch to cleanly cut or punch the cap at the head of the cigar.

4. Warm the foot: Hold your lighter or cedar spill at a 45-degree angle about two inches away from the foot (the part you light). Slowly rotate the cigar so that its entire circumference warms up evenly – this step is known as “toasting” and helps ready the tobacco for lighting.

5. Begin lighting process: Position your flame source slightly further away from the foot; avoid direct contact with the flame as it may lead to overheating and charred flavors.

6. Rotate while lighting: Keep rotating your cigar over your flame source until you see an even glowing ring around its foot. This ensures an even burn throughout your smoking session.

7. Blow on the foot: Gently blow on the foot of the cigar to even out any potential dark spots and encourage an even burn.

8. Take a cold draw: Put the cigar in your mouth and take a slow, steady draw without lighting it – this prepares your palate for what’s to come and can give you an idea of how well it will draw when lit.

9. Light again if needed: If there is an uneven burn or the initial light did not fully ignite the cigar, repeat steps 4-7 to correct the burn and ensure an enjoyable smoking experience.

10. Puff gently: Take slow, measured puffs once every minute or so to avoid overheating the cigar. There’s no need to inhale cigar smoke – doing so can lead to coughing and a harsh taste in your mouth.

11. Hold the cigar properly: Grasp it between your index finger and thumb at a slight angle towards your lips, making sure not to grip it too tightly.

12. Tap off ashes: When the ash is approximately half an inch long, gently tap your cigar on the edge of an ashtray to allow excess ash to fall away without damaging the foot of the cigar.

13. Enjoy and savor: Allow yourself to appreciate the complex blend of flavors and aromas brought forth by your skillfully lit cigar.

In conclusion, lighting a cigar is an art that requires patience and practice. The 13 steps above will help you become a master at lighting cigars and truly elevate your smoking experience. Cheers!