Lighting a cigar is not merely a functional act; it is the opening ceremony of a relaxation ritual. Unlike a cigarette, which is lit in a second, a premium cigar demands patience and respect. The goal is simple: to create an even, glowing ember across the entire foot of the cigar without scorching the delicate wrapper.
However, the tool you choose to achieve this—the Torch (Jet) or the Soft Flame—can drastically change your experience.
If you are debating which lighter deserves a spot in your pocket (or your humidor), this guide will help you decide.
The Torch Lighter: The Modern Powerhouse
If you walk into a cigar lounge today, you are likely to hear the distinct hiss of a torch lighter. Also known as a “jet flame,” these lighters use pressurized butane to create a needle-like, wind-resistant blue flame that burns at a very high temperature.
The Pros:
- Wind Resistance: This is the torch’s superpower. If you enjoy cigars on the golf course, on a boat, or on a breezy patio, a torch lighter is non-negotiable. It won’t flicker or die out in the wind.
- Precision: The flame is directional. You can point it exactly where the cigar needs a touch-up, making it perfect for correcting an uneven burn (canoeing).
- Speed: It toasts the foot of the cigar quickly and efficiently.
- Power: Essential for large ring gauge cigars (60+ ring gauge), where a soft flame might struggle to light the massive surface area evenly.
The Cons:
- Heat Intensity: Because they are so hot, it is easy to accidentally scorch the tobacco, which can introduce a bitter, charred taste to your first few puffs.
- Fuel Consumption: High power means high fuel usage. You will need to refill a torch lighter more often than a soft flame.
🏆 Best For: The outdoorsman, the golfer, and the lover of thick, large-ring-gauge cigars.
The Soft Flame: The Elegant Classic
Before the 1990s, the soft flame was the only game in town. Think of the classic Zippo (with a butane insert, please—never liquid fuel!) or a high-end luxury roller lighter. The flame is yellow, dances like a candle, and burns at a much cooler temperature than a torch.
The Pros:
- Temperature Control: The cooler flame is gentler on the tobacco. It allows you to toast the foot slowly, preserving the natural oils and sugars of the wrapper. Many purists believe this results in a better-tasting first draw.
- Visibility: In bright sunlight, a blue torch flame can be invisible, leading to accidental burns. A yellow soft flame is always visible.
- Elegance: There is an undeniable sophistication to lighting a cigar with a soft flame. It feels traditional and deliberate.
The Cons:
- Wind Sensitivity: Even a slight breeze can render a soft flame useless. It is strictly an indoor tool.
- Accuracy: It lacks the pinpoint precision of a jet, making it harder to fix a specific uneven spot on the burn line without heating the surrounding area.
🏆 Best For: Indoor lounges, thinner cigars (Lanceros, Coronas), and smokers who prioritize flavor preservation over speed.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
The honest answer? A true aficionado usually owns both.
Your choice shouldn’t be about which technology is “better,” but rather which tool fits your current environment.
- Choose a Torch Lighter if: You are heading to the golf course, sitting on a windy deck, or smoking a beefy 60-ring gauge Gordo.
- Choose a Soft Flame if: You are sitting in your climate-controlled study or a cigar lounge, smoking a delicate Connecticut wrapper, and have the time to enjoy the slow process of toasting.
A Final Pro-Tip for Both
Regardless of which lighter you choose, remember the golden rule of lighting a cigar: Never let the flame touch the tobacco.
- With a Torch: Hold the flame 1-2 inches away from the foot. Let the heat do the work, not the fire.
- With a Soft Flame: Hold the cigar just above the visible tip of the flame.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ritual?
Whether you need the wind-fighting power of a triple-jet torch or the classic elegance of a soft flame, the right tool makes all the difference.
[Link: Shop Our Premium Collection of Cigar Lighters]
And don’t forget—once that cigar is lit, it needs a good home. Check out our [Best-Selling Humidors] to keep your collection in peak condition.