When it comes to enjoying a premium cigar, the tools you use are just as important as the cigar itself. One common mistake many cigar enthusiasts make is lighting their cigar with a Zippo lighter. While Zippo lighters are iconic and reliable for many uses, they are not ideal for cigars. In this article, we’ll explore why using a traditional Zippo lighter can negatively affect your cigar experience and why you should instead opt for a butane torch or a soft flame lighter. If you’re loyal to the Zippo brand, there’s even a middle-ground solution: the Zippo butane insert.
The Problem with Using a Zippo Lighter on Cigars
1. The Lighter Fluid Issue
Traditional Zippo lighters use a petroleum-based lighter fluid that, while effective for lighting cigarettes or starting a campfire, can taint the flavor of your cigar. Cigar aficionados spend time selecting premium cigars with complex flavors, and the last thing you want is to spoil that experience with the taste or smell of lighter fluid.
When you light a cigar with a Zippo lighter, the flame can transfer the odor and flavor of the fuel to the cigar, affecting its natural taste. Even a small whiff of lighter fluid can overpower the nuanced flavors of the tobacco, ruining the experience.
2. Inconsistent Flame
A Zippo lighter’s open flame is not as controlled as other cigar lighters. It can flare up unpredictably, which can cause uneven burning. Uneven burning not only diminishes the cigar’s flavor but also affects the draw, causing frustration for the smoker. A consistent, even burn is key to unlocking the full potential of a cigar, and a Zippo lighter doesn’t deliver this reliably.
3. Wind Resistance vs. Precision
Zippo lighters are famously wind-resistant, but this feature is better suited for outdoor use in tough conditions than for the careful art of lighting a cigar. A powerful, windproof flame can easily overheat the cigar’s foot, leading to a harsh and uneven start. A cigar needs to be lit gently and with precision to preserve the delicate tobacco leaf, and a traditional Zippo is too forceful for this job.
The Better Alternative: Butane Torch or Soft Flame Lighter
1. Butane Torch Lighters
A butane torch lighter is one of the best tools for lighting cigars. Butane is odorless and tasteless, meaning it won’t interfere with the flavor of your cigar. The torch flame is powerful yet controlled, allowing you to toast the foot of the cigar evenly. This results in a smooth and balanced burn from start to finish.
Butane torch lighters also have an adjustable flame, giving you greater control over how much heat you apply to the cigar. Whether you’re lighting a thick gauge cigar or something more delicate, a butane torch can be adjusted to suit your needs.
2. Soft Flame Lighters
If you prefer a more traditional approach, a soft flame lighter is another excellent choice for cigars. Unlike a torch, a soft flame lighter produces a gentler flame, which is perfect for slowly toasting the cigar’s foot. While they may not be as wind-resistant, soft flame lighters allow for better precision and ensure that the cigar’s wrapper and filler are not overheated or burned too quickly.
A soft flame lighter, such as a butane-powered soft flame, offers a controlled burn without altering the cigar’s flavor, making it a favorite among many aficionados.
For Zippo Fans: Try a Zippo Butane Insert
If you love the classic look and feel of a Zippo lighter but don’t want to compromise your cigar’s flavor, you’re in luck. Zippo offers a butane insert that replaces the traditional lighter fluid with clean-burning butane. This upgrade eliminates the risk of flavor contamination while retaining the iconic Zippo click and windproof design.
The Zippo butane insert combines the best of both worlds—keeping your cigar’s flavor pure while allowing you to use your favorite lighter. It’s an ideal solution for those who want the durability and style of a Zippo without sacrificing the quality of their cigar-smoking experience.
Conclusion
For a perfect cigar experience, the type of lighter you use matters. A traditional Zippo lighter, with its petroleum-based fuel and inconsistent flame, can ruin the flavors of even the finest cigars. Instead, invest in a butane torch or a soft flame lighter to enjoy a clean, even burn that enhances the cigar’s natural taste. Alternatively, if you’re a Zippo enthusiast, consider upgrading to a Zippo butane insert to enjoy the best of both worlds.
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