Cigars can be up to an inch thick; if you’re a new smoker, consider choosing a smaller one. A cigar should never crumble in your hands. If you’re cigar shopping online, always read others’ reviews to make sure the cigar is good quality.
When using matches, wait a brief moment after lighting the match for the initial flame to reduce to a more manageable size. If you are using matches, you may need more than one to light the cigar. Do not hold the flame too close to your face.
Toasting the foot of the cigar dries out the tobacco leaves to prepare them to light. Toast the cigar until the tip is smoldering. Sometimes, people just toast the cigar until it lights.
You can blow gently across the lit end of the cigar to see how evenly it has been lit. When it is evenly lit, the entire end will glow. You want to only put the very end of your cigar in your mouth to avoid getting too much saliva on the end. Continue to puff the cigar and rotate it until the tip is glowing.
Because a fire needs oxygen to burn, the bottom of the cigar burns faster. The slower-burning part should soon even out with the rest of the cigar. Try another method if the burn continues to be uneven.
Do not drench the cigar in saliva; this will ruin it. Do not touch the tip of the cigar since it is very hot. Only touch the wrapper.
Use an ashtray to catch the uneven section. Be careful; the glowing tip is hot and could fall on you.
