Expert: James Yee - 7/29/2008

Question
Hi James,

I've tried a few different brands of cigars and sometimes I have trouble distinguishing a difference in taste between them.

Is it possible that lighting the cigars incorrectly (i.e. putting the cigar too close to the butane flame for too long) could be causing this?

Answer
Hi Jason,

Incorrectly lighting a cigar with a match or a lighter can indeed affect the way your cigar tastes.  Smells such as phosphorous from a lit match or lighter fluid from a lighter (ie: Zippo) can transfer onto a cigar and this will greatly affect your sense of smell and taste when you're trying to enjoy a good cigar.  Butane lighters doesn't really have this problem but it's always good practice to not let a lighter's flame touch the cigar as it can also cause an irregular burn if lit improperly.

The best method to lighting a cigar is to use cedar matches or light a strip of natural cedar (usually available for free at most cigar shops) and apply that to the foot of the cigar.  If you're lighting a cigar with a match, light the match and let it burn freely for a few seconds before you apply it to the cigar.  This will allow the phosphorous to burn off and remove much of that terrible smell.  It's also important to not let the flame touch the cigar as these potent smells can transfer onto a cigar through the flame.  Hold the cigar foot at least one inch above the tip of the flame and slowly rotate the cigar between your fingertips and you will create an even burn.

If you prefer to use a lighter, butane lighters are your best choice and naphtha-based lighters such as Zippos should not be used.  Again, the cigar should not touch the flame of the lighter.

Hopes this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James