"Toasting" the end

[BaldTexan]

When I was smoking before a friend who was a total cigar snob, tried to school me every time we smoked. ruined it for me so we stopped hanging out. you're holding it wrong, do this, do that, I prefer this way. that cigar sucks you need to buy these... you know what I mean?
anyways, one habit I picked up from him was "Toasting" the end before lighting. Does this actually add anything? I still do it. but is there actually a point?
just curious.
Matt

 

[rdomfoto]

I toast my end.
If I don't, I find that the first 30-45 seconds of the newly lit cigar reminds me of a cigarette (which I hate). Toasting seems to take care of that for me.

 

[ZippoGeek]

I find that toasting my gar first preps it for lighting and gives me a more even burn.

 

[jonnylieberman]

I believe the idea is to not super heat it by applying too much flame and sucking. The idea being to cool the cigar as much as possible.

I've actually started doing quite a few cigars with the French cut technique. Toast the end, and then cut it. Seems to make the first three puffs even better. THe trade off is that you lose the cold draw. @drewvonah and I were discussing this last night. He was about to light up a Tat Verocu #9, which for my money has the best cold draw in the business.

But yes, I always toast. One way or the other.

 

[BaldTexan]

thanks, that makes sense. I hate a "runner" in my cigar! and its kind of a part of the ritual now. just wondering WHY I was doing it! lol thanks all.

 

[herfdog]

 

[herfdog]

I don't always toast. But when I smoke a cigar, I do

 

[King Kill 33]

Toasting helps keep the cigar cool by not pulling any of the flame or the fuel from the source in when you light. It also makes you look much cooler than anyone who doesn't.

 

[Smoqman]

This is exactly how I light every cigar now. The heat source may vary, (and I never toast while the sulfur end is still attached) but the method is the same each time.

I have had fantastic results using this toasting/ lighting technique.

 

[fourkicksfan]

This is exactly how I light every cigar now. The heat source may vary, (and I never toast while the sulfur end is still attached) but the method is the same each time.

I have had fantastic results using this toasting/ lighting technique.

I've done the same thing Joel, every cigar now, and I honestly think it's made some difference. At least never for the worse.

 

[TonyRome]

I've been toasting before cutting and as Rob said you can taste a difference in that first 30 seconds.

 

[atbat82]

I keep saying I'm going to try this method, but I still haven't. Hopefully I'll remember on my next smoke. My current ritual of clip, draw a few times, toast until lit is just very ingrained. Tough to break old habits.

 

[CaptainSaint]

When it comes to my bread or my gars, always toast

 

[Zigarro]

I always toast the foot thoroughly (after clipping the head) to facilitate an even burn, and that's pretty much my only reason.

 

[jasonsbeer]

Another vote for toasting before cutting. Not cutting keeps the temps down (relatively) and the first draw is good, not harsh.

 

[Smoqman]

Another vote for toasting before cutting. Not cutting keeps the temps down (relatively) and the first draw is good, not harsh.

Agreed, and my touch ups are next to nil now. I'm getting a better, more consistent burn line and overall better experience. I expect this to vary (at least somewhat) when the weather breaks and I'm smoking more outdoors, but so far indoors...

 

[acc05R1]

Very interesting thread, and thanks for the video. Will have to try this tomorrow with my evening smoke.

 

[Zmilin]

I have always done this in one way or another. What ha changed for me is cutting after toasting/lighting rather than before. Early on I could not figure out why my cigars never burned even. The B&M owner at the time took a few minutes to educate me on proper lighting (i.e. getting the entire foot to glow red before puffing). Only recently have I started to hold my torch further away and even started using a soft flame when the wind gods allow it.
Biggest different for me... less bitter/burnt flavor blasts on the first couple puffs.

As a Facebook friend posted the three matches video recently and I commented that "I smoke cigars to relax. Taking an extra minute to light it up and get my mind to slow down is not a bad thing".

 

[JuzCallMeDee]

I gotta get me some cedar spills

 

[JuzCallMeDee]

Oh and...

Sautter Video Reviews Issue 53 - Laurence Davis smokes a Bolivar Super C...:
I cringe every time I see this