Lighting a Cigar
On social occasions which are more formal and elegant, enjoying a cigar with the host is oftentimes a pleasant after-dinner activity. As is the case on any such occasion, there are some basic rules of etiquette that can make both the host and the guest enjoy the experience.
Some cigar smok
If one happens to be offered a cigar, there are definite rules of etiquette where lighting up is concerned. This not only shows refinement on the part of the smoker; it makes certain that the host\’s gift is truly enjoyed.
One starts by warming the cigar. This is done by holding the match, lighter or cedar strip below the cigar without touching the wrapper and rolling the cigar around in one\’s mouth. Once the wrapper is warm, it is ready to light. Test the wrapper with the fingers to ensure that it is warmed up.
First, hold the flame under the cigar and warm it by rotating it in the mouth. One can gauge when the cigar is ready to be lit when the wrapper is warm to the touch. Lighting the cigar is much different than lighting a cigarette. Instead of holding the flame to the cigar, one draws it toward the cigar by puffing slightly and continuing to rotate the cigar. This ensures an even light. Blow on the cigar to get it burning evenly.
When lighting, repeat the process but puff hard enough to draw the flame to the cigar. Don\’t plunge the end of the cigar into the flame. This is not only poor etiquette; it ruins the flavor of the cigar. If the cigar doesn\’t light all the way through, which is often the case, pull it out of the mouth and blow on it to get the tobacco burning evenly. After that, the only etiquette involved is puffing away and enjoying the flavor. Remember that cigar smoke is not inhaled; it is simply puffed into the mouth where the flavor is more enjoyable.
Dave Sabot is the owner of an online store featuring specialty butane lighters and torch lighters.
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