Butane lighters — torch lighters in particular — are the preferred tool for most cigar smokers. They burn clean, produce no odor, and work reliably outdoors in wind. A single-flame torch works for thinner cigars; a double or triple-flame torch is better for thick ring gauges (52+) where you need to cover more surface area quickly.

Avoid matches if you can; the sulfur in the tip can impart a brief off-flavor. If you do use matches, wait for the sulfur to burn off before bringing the flame anywhere near the foot. Zippo-style fluid lighters should stay in your pocket — the petroleum imparts a taste that lingers in the tobacco.

Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle and bring the flame to within about half an inch of the foot — close enough to heat the tobacco without the flame actually touching it. Rotate the cigar slowly as the outer ring of tobacco begins to glow and char. This is called toasting, and it preheats the tobacco evenly so your first draw does not create a hot spot.

You will see the foot begin to glow orange around the edges. Once the entire circumference looks evenly lit, you are ready to draw.

Bring the cigar to your mouth, hold the flame just below the foot (not touching it), and draw slowly. Rotate the cigar a quarter turn between draws during the first minute. This encourages an even burn from the start.

Check the foot after your first few puffs. It should glow uniformly across the entire surface. If one side is lagging, hold the flame to that area briefly while continuing to rotate.

An uneven burn — called a canoe or run — is common and easy to fix early. Let the fast-burning side rest (stop drawing for 30 seconds) and touch the flame lightly to the slow side. Most minor runs self-correct within a few minutes. If a cigar persistently burns unevenly despite your best efforts, it may be a construction issue — worth noting for future reference but not worth fighting the whole smoke.