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How To Burn A Cigar Evenly

If the proper technique is not used when lighting and smoking a cigar, a rather expensive purchase can become a wasted one. Once the cigar is lit, the smoker should examine its tip. If the tip glows evenly all around, that is perfect. If not, the smoker should gently blow on the embers while continuing to turn the cigar until an even burn is witnessed.

This step is important because a poorly lit cigar can burn unevenly during smoking, requiring additional attention from the smoker. The goal is to relax and enjoy the smoking process, not be focused on the status of the cigar. Lighting a cigar is not a process to rush. Hold the cigar and expose the foot the flame until the entire foot appears blackened.

The flame should then be placed a little closer to the foot and moved in a circular manner. The foot should begin glowing relatively evenly. Blowing lightly on the foot will show whether the entire foot is lit evenly. After taking several quick puffs, the burn should be inspected to make sure the circumference of the wrapper has caught fire.

It is not uncommon to experience uneven burning. The most skilled cigar smokers know when the burn should be corrected and when it should be left alone. Depending on the wrapper type and thickness of the cigar, even a small amount of heat from a flame placed near or on a wrapper can create an unpleasant and harsh taste.

Most people will admit to ruining one or more of their best cigars. The goal is to evenly burn cigars without ruining many of them in the process. In many cases, it will be better to leave the cigar alone than cut off the uneven portion and relight the smoke. Even a cigar that canoes can still taste excellent.