How to use Cedar Strips to Light a Cigar
Articles - Lifestyle
Lighting a cigar correctly is vital to ensuring the best smoking experience. There are numerous steps involved in doing so and, oftentimes, smokers have as much of a preference in regards to lighting their cigar as they do toward which types of cigars they prefer. Cedar strips are one of the less-common ways that smokers light-up and they offer an interesting twist on enjoying one's smoke.
by DaveSabot


Lighting a cigar correctly is vital to ensuring the best smoking experience. There are numerous steps involved in doing so and, oftentimes, smokers have as much of a preference in regards to lighting their cigar as they do toward which types of cigars they prefer. Cedar strips are one of the less-common ways that smokers light-up and they offer an interesting twist on enjoying one's smoke.

The process starts, of course, with the cigar cutter. Remember to trim the cigar properly to ensure the best draw. How the cedar is lit is up to the smoker. Some smokers prefer to light the strip with a regular lighter while others prefer to keep the process as back-to-basics as possible and to use a match to set the strip aflame.

Cedar is a good lighting device as it burns quickly, easily and hot. Cedar is also resistant to rot which means that a pack of strips can last a very long time if they're not frequently used. Some smokers claim cedar adds a flavor all its own and some claim they can't taste a thing. The latter is usually the goal with those who prefer this method of lighting their cigars.

There are advantages and disadvantages to this method. Among the advantages are the lack of chemicals involved. While fluid-filled lighters can sometimes impart a taste to the first few puffs of tobacco and do burn with a scent, butane lighters and cedar strips do not. Cedar strips are also very inexpensive and most smokers will find that they can get a couple of lights off of one strip, depending, of course, on how hard their cigar is to get lit.

The disadvantages are principally in transportation. Cedar strips are not convenient to carry around in a pocket and, on the same tact, add another step to lighting the cigar. They are also vulnerable to moisture and, of course, when carried in a pocket they may disintegrate a bit and leave some particles behind in one's shirt or trousers. Cedar strips are usually a method used in the home or at a cigar bar. For a different smoking experience, using cedar to light up can be quite a bit of fun. Even if it's not one's preferred method, keeping some strips around provides an elegant option.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including butane torch lighters, Dave also owns a premier online humidors store.