Using a Zippo to Light a Cigar

Lighting a cigar is equal parts art and science. For many smokers, it is the opening act in the smoking ritual and, in many ways, one of the most enjoyable. Zippo lighters are regarded by some as a poor way to light a cigar owing to the lighter fluid imparting a chemical taste to the tobacco. Other smokers claim that this is simply not true and wouldn’t use anything else to light their stogie. The individual should always feel free to make this determination for themselves.

Lighter fluid burns with a distinctive smell. It has an oily consistency which makes it highly-prized for its being able to burn in even very windy conditions. Lighter fluid has a taste which is detectable by some individuals and not at all detectable by others. Different fluids are said to affect this characteristic, as well. Whether or not this is true is entirely up to the individual to decide. Some cigar smokers would not for a minute consider giving up their prized Zippo; others would hesitate to light a fine cigar with anything other than a wooden match or a cedar strip.

Butane lighters are another popular choice. When these lighters came out, they were almost universally cheap and disposable. Today, there are lighters that use butane for fuel that are of as high a quality as any fluid-filled lighter. Many of them are windproof, offering some stiff competition to fluid-filled lighters in that regard, as well. While this may be a concern when out in the elements, however, most cigar smoking is done in much less-extreme conditions and most choices in lighting devices are made according to taste more than they are according to concerns regarding their ability to function in trying conditions.

There are new butane lighters on the market which rival Zippos where wind resistance is concerned, however, and these may be a less-objectionable option for those who find the taste of lighter fluid something which they cannot tolerate. These windproof butane torches are available from higher-end tobacconists and lighter shops.

Some smokers claim that they can’t taste a thing and, if one is using one of the high-quality fluids, this is likely true. If a Zippo happens to be something to which one is very attached, consider using a high-end lighter fluid to ensure the best smoking experience. It’s not only good for taste; it’s good for the lighter.

Brian is a business consultant for an online Zippo butane lighter store and has expert knowledge of jet lighters.