Torch vs. Soft Flame

Mikepd · 07-22-2012, 07:16 PM

The tool I use is a torch lighter that has a collar that allows immediate on the fly adjustment to a soft flame, and back to a torch when you want. There are a couple problems with a torch though that are inherent to the fact that it is a high pressure, forced flame. I mainly use the soft flame.

The first is "toasting". While I worked at a B&M, everyday I would observe customers "toast" the foot of their cigar with a torch for 30+ seconds. At that point the foot is not toasted, but charred. When you char tobacco there will be a burnt taste that will be hard to shake.
Secondly, with my observations, Direction of the flame is crucial. When a cigar is lit with a torch, the angle of the flame should be ~45* to the foot. When the flame is straight on you are now using a blow torch. The flame does not just hit the face of the foot, but rolls off and burns the wrapper.
Thirdly, you need space between the foot and the lighter. Way too many times did a customer place a lighter almost butting up against the cigar. With no space in between and air not getting in there, the cigar now will "super-heat" and likely burn, and not burn like we would like them too. Having two to three inches between the lighter and cigar allows it to breath as it lights, and will light evenly.
Another issue with lighting is way too many people keep the torch there well past the time the cigar is lit. When this is done, especially with direct on and too close to the foot, this causes internal scorching, and even extended lighting. This is the issue of lighting the cigar inside beyond just the foot and it can cause canoeing and ragged burns.
As to relights and touch ups with a torch, the problem isn't the light itself, but when the ash is left on. When you try to relight or touch-up a cigar with a torch, and you leave the ash on the end, you will inevitably force it into the cigar. Bits of ash will be pushed up the cigar from the high pressure jets of a torch and you will continue to taste it while smoking.

If you have continual issues with your lighting and burn I would suggest you reevaluate the tools you are using and the technique you have, as like with everything, lighting a cigar is an art in itself. For people who have had continual issues with their light and burn I suggest to buy a few dollar cigars, even cut them in half and try to light them, then let them go out immediately without smoking them. Once out delicately cut them open to see how your lighting technique is working and if you are going beyond just lighting the foot and work from there to improve.

There are other issues with torches like fuel use, cleaning, refilling & purging, and one vs two vs twelve jets that I can cover too if anyone would be interested in hearing but I feel like this post has gotten long enough now.

07-22-2012, 07:16 PM	#17
Mikepd I Miss Pnoon Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Michael Location: St. Pete, FL Posts: 580 Trading: (10)	Re: Torch vs. Soft Flame The tool I use is a torch lighter that has a collar that allows immediate on the fly adjustment to a soft flame, and back to a torch when you want. There are a couple problems with a torch though that are inherent to the fact that it is a high pressure, forced flame. I mainly use the soft flame. The first is "toasting". While I worked at a B&M, everyday I would observe customers "toast" the foot of their cigar with a torch for 30+ seconds. At that point the foot is not toasted, but charred. When you char tobacco there will be a burnt taste that will be hard to shake. Secondly, with my observations, Direction of the flame is crucial. When a cigar is lit with a torch, the angle of the flame should be ~45* to the foot. When the flame is straight on you are now using a blow torch. The flame does not just hit the face of the foot, but rolls off and burns the wrapper. Thirdly, you need space between the foot and the lighter. Way too many times did a customer place a lighter almost butting up against the cigar. With no space in between and air not getting in there, the cigar now will "super-heat" and likely burn, and not burn like we would like them too. Having two to three inches between the lighter and cigar allows it to breath as it lights, and will light evenly. Another issue with lighting is way too many people keep the torch there well past the time the cigar is lit. When this is done, especially with direct on and too close to the foot, this causes internal scorching, and even extended lighting. This is the issue of lighting the cigar inside beyond just the foot and it can cause canoeing and ragged burns. As to relights and touch ups with a torch, the problem isn't the light itself, but when the ash is left on. When you try to relight or touch-up a cigar with a torch, and you leave the ash on the end, you will inevitably force it into the cigar. Bits of ash will be pushed up the cigar from the high pressure jets of a torch and you will continue to taste it while smoking. If you have continual issues with your lighting and burn I would suggest you reevaluate the tools you are using and the technique you have, as like with everything, lighting a cigar is an art in itself. For people who have had continual issues with their light and burn I suggest to buy a few dollar cigars, even cut them in half and try to light them, then let them go out immediately without smoking them. Once out delicately cut them open to see how your lighting technique is working and if you are going beyond just lighting the foot and work from there to improve. There are other issues with torches like fuel use, cleaning, refilling & purging, and one vs two vs twelve jets that I can cover too if anyone would be interested in hearing but I feel like this post has gotten long enough now.