A Gentleman's Guide to Enjoying Cigars: The Art of Lighting a Cigar
The Don
I probably savor the ritual of lighting a fine cigar a little too much, but it's very enjoyable knowing how to do it properly. I've written this brief article to try and help guide newcomers to cigar smoking. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Happy smoking, and welcome to the brotherhood of the leaf!
1. Choose Your Light Source
First things first - put away that Zippo or scented candle! You want a flame that won't impart any additional flavors to your cigar. Your best bets are:
- Wooden matches (let the sulfur burn off first)
- Butane/Torch lighters. I love this torch from Amazon which can also be used for Creme brulee! 😵 🔥
- Cedar spills (for the true aficionado)
2. Prepare Your Cigar
Before lighting, you need to cut your cigar. Aim to remove about 1/16 to 1/8 inch from the head (the end you'll draw from). A clean, straight cut with a sharp cutter is ideal. I love the V-Cut, which gives you a steady, but smooth draw. This V-Cutter from Colibri is very durable.
3. Toast the Foot
Now, here's where the magic begins. Hold your cigar at a 45-degree angle above the flame, but don't let them touch. Slowly rotate the cigar, allowing the heat to gently toast the foot (the end you light). You're aiming to warm up the tobacco, not scorch it.
4. Light It Up
Once the foot is evenly toasted, it's time to light. Still holding the cigar at an angle, place it in your mouth and draw gently while rotating the cigar over the flame. The goal is to create an even burn around the entire circumference of the foot.
5. The first Puff.
Clear the cigar of ammonia (which naturally occurs after you light). After lighting, take your first puff but don't inhale. Next, gently blow out through the cigar. This helps to expel any initial harshness or ammonia that may have built up in the foot during lighting. This step ensures your first proper draw will be clean and flavorful.
6. Check Your Work
Take a look at the foot of your cigar. Is it evenly lit? If not, touch up any unlit spots with your flame. A well-lit cigar will have a nice, even red glow when you draw on it.
7. Enjoy!
Once your cigar is evenly lit, take a moment to appreciate your handiwork. Draw slowly and savor the flavors. Remember, cigars are meant to be enjoyed leisurely - there's no rush!
Pro Tips:
- Make sure to keep your distance when using a torch lighter. Avoid directly blazing the tobacco - it can be too hot and can scorch your cigar up close.
- Avoid inhaling while lighting (or smoking, for that matter). Cigars are meant to be enjoyed for their flavor, not inhaled like cigarettes.
- If your cigar goes out, gently knock off the ash and repeat the lighting process. It happens to the best of us!
Happy smoking, and welcome to the brotherhood of the leaf!
The Art of Pairing Cigars with Food
The Don
As someone who enjoys great food as much as I love a premium smoke, I’ve often been asked if there’s ever a good time to pair a cigar with food. The answer is a resounding yes. Much like fine wine, the right cigar can complement and elevate the flavors of certain foods, creating an exquisite sensory experience. Here are some classic pairings that I recommend trying.
- A rich, dark chocolate with a high cocoa content can be an excellent match for a full-bodied cigar. The bitterness of the chocolate contrasts nicely with the earthy and spicy notes of the cigar, creating a harmonious balance. The richness of both the chocolate and the cigar can meld together, making each bite and puff a delight. Try pairing a bold Maduro cigar with a piece of dark chocolate for a truly indulgent experience.
- Certain cheeses, particularly those with strong, bold flavors like blue cheese or aged cheddar, can pair well with cigars. The creamy texture and pungent taste of the cheese can complement the robust, smoky flavors of a good cigar. A full-bodied cigar with complex flavor notes can stand up to the intensity of these cheeses, providing a balanced and satisfying pairing. Enjoy a slice of aged cheddar with a Tatuaje Verocu for an unforgettable combination.
- Smoking a cigar after a meal of grilled or barbecued meats can be a delightful experience. The smoky, savory flavors of the meat can mirror and enhance the similar notes in a medium to full-bodied cigar. Whether it’s a juicy steak or a rack of ribs, the rich, charred flavors of the meat pair wonderfully with the deep, complex flavors of a well-aged cigar. Consider enjoying an Alec Bradley Gatekeeper after your next barbecue for a perfect match.
- A selection of roasted nuts, particularly almonds or pecans, can be a great snack to enjoy with a cigar. The nuttiness can enhance the earthy, woody notes of the cigar, making for a satisfying pairing. The crunch and subtle sweetness of the nuts balance well with the robust flavors of the cigar, creating a pleasant contrast. Pair a Camacho Distillery Edition Corojo with a handful of roasted pecans for a delightful treat.
- Certain fruits, especially dried fruits like apricots or dates, can pair nicely with cigars. The natural sweetness and chewy texture of the dried fruit can provide a pleasant contrast to the cigar’s flavors. The fruity notes can bring out subtle undertones in the cigar that might otherwise go unnoticed. Try pairing a CAO Mortal Coil with some dried apricots for a unique and flavorful experience.
- Pairing a cigar with a strong espresso or a cup of rich, dark coffee is a classic combination. The bitterness and robust flavors of the coffee can enhance the depth of the cigar's profile. The intense, full-bodied flavors of the espresso complement the cigar, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying experience. Enjoy a cup of Peet's Major Dickason's Dark Roast with an Olmec Maduro for a morning or evening delight.
Final Thoughts… Pairing cigars with food is an art that can enhance your smoking experience and bring out new dimensions of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying a rich piece of dark chocolate, a bold cheese, or a robust cup of coffee, the right cigar can complement and elevate your culinary adventures. Experiment with these pairings to discover what combinations you enjoy the most. Cheers to the exquisite art of cigar and food pairing!
The Don's Cigar Blog