Few things are as satisfying and relaxing as leaning back in a comfortable chair and smoking a nice cigar, letting the rich aroma and great taste help you relax. Those who are new to smoking cigars are going to have quite a few questions when it comes to the proper etiquette and methodology involved.

You will find that there are certain traditions and even rules of etiquette that you will want to follow when smoking. Everything from choosing the type of cigar to choosing the right pipe lighters, and even whether or not to remove the band, are very important decisions that you will need to make.

Consider the band on the cigar. Is it right to leave the band on? Well, this depends on a couple of things. If you are simply having a quiet evening at home alone and you want to light up, there is no problem with leaving the band on the cigar. Keep in mind though that if you keep the band on when you are smoking among friends who are cigar aficionados or at a public place, leaving on the band could be thought of as a breach of etiquette. Why would something as simple as a band on a cigar matter?

Why would leaving the band on your cigar be rude? Well, the band contains as much information about the cigar as you would likely ever need to know. Those who are knowledgeable about cigars will be able to tell not only the brand of cigar, but also the approximate amount of money that you spent on it. When you have an expensive cigar and leave the band on, it can look as though you are bragging about your wealth in some people’s eyes. You can avoid the envious glares of others around you by simple removing the band and enjoying your cigar.

Since most people don’t like to brag and consider it unbecoming, you can simply remove the band. The best way to remove the band easily is by lighting the cigar and smoking it for a moment. As the heat course through the cigar, it will loosen the label and make it easy to remove. You can discretely remove the label and discard it without inadvertently offending anyone. Etiquette is very important in the world of cigar smokers, and if you want to do things right you should take the time to learn the various traditions.

Of all the butane lighters on the market, the multi-flame torch styles are, perhaps, the most intriguing. They feature multiple hot, blue jets of flame which can be directed with great precision from any angle. They provide excellent service and reliability.

These lighters may be used just as effectively for a campfire lighter as they may be used for a pipe lighter. They are generally windproof, will light for a long while off a tank of fuel and are easy to maintain. Depending on how sophisticated one wants to be, one may choose from one, two or three jets.

A two or three jet lighter is really about fashion. There is no way not to notice one of these devices lighting up, especially in a low-lit room such as a cigar bar. Of course, they provide ample heat to properly toast and light a cigar which is the reason many smokers choose them. The butane fuel source ensures that no fuel taste is imparted to the cigar when it is lit, another distinct advantage presented by these lighters. While these lighters may be excellent in social situations, there are better choices for outdoor situations.

The double-jet lighters are very attractive and have advantages for certain types of smoking. Those who enjoy smoking a pipe will appreciate the compromise between a wide area of flame coverage and a compact design. The lighter’s spread of flame will generally fit within the space of most pipe bowls and the fact that these jets will remain directed where pointed, even when completely inverted, makes them especially handy for lighting up a pipe correctly. The butane fuel means that there is no taste given to tobacco with these lighters.

Triple flame lighters are incredibly eye-catching. They’re larger than both single and double flame lighters which makes them a bit less convenient to carry around. The three jets of flame provide a very even heat but their area of coverage may be a bit larger than some cigar smokers desire. Like all torch lighters, the flame may be directed with great precision, even when the lighter is held in an inverted position. These lighters, of course, consume the most fuel and will be less-convenient in that regard. For looks, however, it’s hard to beat these elegant creations.

Once, choices in lighters used to be between a liquid-fueled refillable or a disposable butane. While most individuals gradually moved toward the latter, there are many consumers who detest the idea of everything being disposable. Today, there are several butane lighters on the market which are refillable, reliable and durable. They’re easy to maintain and clean and offer a hot-burning, windproof flame in most cases. These are a great accessory for anyone, smoker or not.

Those who like an ultra-modern look may enjoy one of the many Lotus lighters on the market. Many of these are of the torch variety which offer a clean-burning, blue flame which will light under just about any conditions. The sound of the flame itself is an attractive element of these designs and the characteristic roaring sound is sure to turn heads. The case designs span from simple and elegant to downright futuristic.

There are several different grades of butane available. If one makes the investment required for a good lighter”it is surprisingly affordable, actually”they should make the corresponding investment in lighter fluids. Look for fuel that advertises zero-impurities. This means that the lighter will perform at peak levels and that the blue flame, or flames, will burn hot enough and bright enough for everyone to see.

The butane lighters tend to be cleaner than their liquid-fueled alternatives. They are refueled from specially-designed canisters and no fuel need come in contact with skin or surfaces. Of course, the liquid-fueled varieties benefit from lighter fluid being available almost anywhere and this fuel is oftentimes available at very low prices. Depending on the design, it’s oftentimes easier to clean and maintain a liquid-fueled lighter as well.

These modern, non-disposable and high-quality tools are well-worth the price. They’ll easily pay for themselves in short order. One must also factor into the price the cost of disposing of all the cheap lighters on the market and, of course, one can feel a bit of pride in not contributing to such waste. Modern lighters mean not only the incorporation of modern technology and design but also the incorporation of modern sensibilities where how one treats the Earth is concerned.

Part of owning a Zippo lighter is refueling it from time to time. This can be done quickly and safely with a bit of practice. This process is also a good opportunity to clean the lighter, part of ensuring proper function.

Of all the lighter fluids available, those sold at grocery and discount stores are the most likely to give a foul, petroleum taste to tobacco. Smokers generally avoid these fuels. They are adequate for utility use but, in general, better-quality fuels also burn more efficiently which makes them a superior choice all around. Even from the aspect of keeping a lighter clean and functioning, they offer advantages in that there are fewer impurities with which the lighter may become fouled.

Refueling the lighter can be a bit tricky the first few times. Replace the fuel in small amounts and give it time to soak into the cotton. Attempting to fill the cotton with one long spray usually results in overfill which can drip out of the wick area and ooze out of the lighter case when it’s put into one’s pocket. It doesn’t take a great deal of fuel to refill one of these lighters. When the lighter has been fueled, let it stand in the open air for a while”with the lid closed”to allow any excess to dissipate. This will ensure that there is no stray fuel on the case which can irritate the skin and which can, of course, ignite when the lighter is lit creating quite a large flame!

Some individuals have moved away from liquid-fueled lighters to the high-end butane models. A Lotus lighter is among such lighters and offers a cleaner-burning, hotter flame than does lighter fluid. Still, the trademark click of a Zippo case and the timeless style of these lighters makes them perennial favorites among smokers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

A well cared-for liquid-fueled can easily provide several generations of service. These devices are incredibly simple which is a large part of their long-lasting nature. By keeping them clean and by using high-quality fuel, one can be assured of getting their money’s worth. Remember to never substitute any other fuel for the lighter fluid called for by these lighters. This can be dangerous to both the user and the lighter itself and is certainly not safe for smoking purposes.

Refillable lighters can provide years of service but only so long as they are properly-maintained. Part of that maintenance involves selecting the right fuel for the lighter. Cheap fuels may save some money in the short run but the cost is decreased performance and, if the lighter is being used to light cigars or pipes, the chance that the lighter will end up flavoring the tobacco.

Where butane lighters are concerned, the fuels are rated in terms of impurities. This works in much the same fashion as do the octane ratings on gasoline. Fewer impurities is the equivalent of higher octane and means a hotter, more reliable flame. It also means the flame will burn cleaner which may reduce the chance of fouling. Lighters which have two or three flames, such as some of the Colibri lighters, will be particularly sensitive to fuel quality. Butane lighters must only be filled with butane. Anything else risks ruining the lighter and poses a very real safety risk to the user.

Cigar lighters should not impart any flavor to the cigar itself. Liquid-fueled lighters are claimed, by some smokers, to lend the flavor of the fuel to the cigar. This taste is anything but pleasant and, to those who are sensitive to it, it can ruin the entire experience. There are fuels on the market which advertise that they lend no taste to the tobacco. Some smokers claim that the taste is more in the smoker’s heads than it is in the lighter. One may wish to experiment a bit before giving up their cherished refillable lighter.

Butane torch lighters have rapidly become the most popular way to light cigars among aficionados. These lighters impart no taste at all as the gaseous fuel is consumed very efficiently by the lighter. There are different grades of fuel available but, where butane lighters advertise no impurities, it’s not so much a question of whether or not the fuel will be tasted as it is a question of reliability and taking care of the lighter itself. These lighters are available in exotic designs which feature double and triple flames, upscale styling and beautiful finishes. They have become favorites among dedicated cigar smokers.

Substituting any other fuel for butane or lighter fluid will most certainly destroy a lighter and may pose a safety risk to the user. Butane lighters, in particular, must only be fueled with butane and only from a can which fits exactly the filling adapter at the bottom of the lighter. These lighters are fairly sensitive devices but, treated properly, they can offer years of reliable service. Attempting to mate an improperly-fitting refill can will seriously damage the valve and certainly means that the refilling canister is not meant to be used with butane lighters.

Refillable lighters are an investment that can easily last a lifetime if they’re properly cared for and maintained. This process is not very complex and mostly involves keeping cleaning to a regular schedule, making certain only the best fuels and other supplies are used in the lighter and, if the lighter happens to have a very expensive or ornate finish, making certain that it’s protected from scratches and dents. Most lighters are very durable and, given the price of some of them, the buyer has every right to expect quality. Learning to maintain one’s lighter can actually be quite enjoyable.

If one’s lighter happens to have sensitive finishes, it is advisable to ask the vendor what types of cleaning solutions are best for the exterior. Cleaning the actual mechanical components of the lighter, however, is how one goes about ensuring a long service life.

A lighter, whether it be butane or liquid-fueled, is an enormously simple device. There is a fuel reservoir, an ignition mechanism and either a wick or a fuel jet. All of these elements have to be kept clean if the lighter is expected to function properly. The reservoir on a butane lighter requires no cleaning at all. It is a sealed environment designed to hold pressurized gas. A liquid-fueled lighter’s reservoir is usually simple cotton balls help in place by a piece of felt. When these become dirty, they can simply be taken out and replaced.

The flame jets are generally recessed a bit into the lighter. To clean them if they become obstructed, it’s preferable to first attempt to tap out the obstruction by rapping the inverted lighter very softly on a hard surface. Make certain not to do this so hard that the finish becomes damaged. Chrome finishes and plastic finishes are very durable but tapping them too hard can result in dents and nicks. If the obstruction is still present after doing this, one may attempt to remove it”very carefully”with a bit of wire or a wooden toothpick. If something becomes deeply-lodged in the jet, it may be possible to blow it out by opening the fuel valve a bit without actually tripping the igniter device.

On a butane-fueled lighter, there is a receptacle which is designed to accept a butane canister. This area must be kept clean. Generally, anything that may be obstructing this area can simply be brushed away. If anything should happen to become lodged in the jet area of the lighter, invert the lighter and tap it, gently, on a hard surface. This should dislodge any debris. If it doesn’t, one can use a thin piece of metal to gently lift away the obstruction. Anything that is stubbornly-lodged in the workings of such a lighter should be removed by a professional to avoid damage.

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.

A Zippo lighter has, for a long time, been known to outdoor enthusiasts as one of the most reliable tools to bring into the wilds. Zippo has advertised for many years the reliability of their lighters and, born out of the trenches of World War 1, they have certainly proven themselves in that regard! Some smokers claim, however, that they lend the taste of lighter fluid to a cigar and ruin the smoke. Most often, this stems from using cheap lighter fluid and can be remedied by upgrading to any one of the many flavor-free lighter fluids available on the market.

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.

Fluid-filled lighters are still very popular and, because many are given away to mark special occasions, many individuals have a nostalgic attachment to them. There are several brands of lighter fluid available which are formulated to eliminate the chemical taste. Even if a lighter fluid does give this taste, it is usually only for the first few puffs and it dissipates quickly.

Cigars are a very personal thing. If one wishes to use their Zippo then, by all means, they should do so. While some smokers may wince at the sight, a cigar is meant to be enjoyed in a way that offers the best experience possible and, given some people’s attachment to their Zippos, there is no reason that they should feel that using those lighters is out of bounds when enjoying a fine cigar.

One can easily picture the scene. A smoker has stubbed out their cigar halfway through, they pick up the stogie, grab their Nibo lighter and get ready to relight it and are immediately warned by a friend that they should only smoke the first half of the cigar.

This debate stems from inevitable changes that occur in the flavor of a cigar as it is smoked. This results from the act of smoking itself and from the build-up of tar in the tobacco as one works their way through the cigar. Some find this taste objectionable and some find that the cigar improves as one smokes it.

Smoking tobacco, whether it be from a pipe, a cigarette or a cigar, inevitably changes the taste and the character of the rest of the tobacco in the bowl or wrapper. As the tobacco combusts, it produces tar and the tobacco through which the smoke is drawn acts as something of a filter, catching particles of the tar and flavoring the tobacco. Most often, the tobacco becomes stronger and sharper as one smokes more of it.

A cigar’s flavor may change a bit because, of course, the tobacco dries out a bit as the heat from the smoke travels through the wrapper. This also gives the last part of the cigar a slightly different flavor than the first part. This is unavoidable and, again, there are no hard and fast rules about this. Some individuals will stub out their cigar halfway through and others will chew on the butt long after its gone out on its own. It’s all up to the individual and one’s own preference should be the only thing that guides their choice in this regard.

To relight a cigar that’s gone out, the process is the same as the first light. The cigar must be warmed before lighting again. If one is outdoors, a wind resistant lighter is preferable to matches for this process. After relighting, the difference in taste will be more pronounced than when the cigar is smoked completely in one sitting. It is perhaps from such relighting that this myth has originated. A cigar is a personal thing. Its’ meant to be enjoyed by the individual and anyone who puts down the money for a fine cigar should smoke as much of it as they wish.