General cigar questions

[Rocket Scientologist]

First off, what cigar would you recommend to a beginner hobbyist? I had a Perdomo 10th anniversary and I really enjoyed it. Other than that I've smoked a few house brands but nothing that has really impressed.

Secondly, does it really matter what I light the cigar with, and how I light it? As a beginner will I really notice a difference between a regular lighter and something else?

I will echo what's already been said about trying a bunch of different cigars, but here's a few that I think are worth trying that aren't expensive:
Brick House (natural and maduro)
Alec Bradley Black Market
H. Upmann 1844 Reserve
Illusione Rothchilde
La Gloria Cubana
Padron X000 (2000 Maduro, for example)
Rocky Patel Edge (there are a bunch of different Edge, try them all if you want)
Tatuaje Tattoo (Tatuaje is popular around here, the Tattoo is a cheaper stick but I like it)

As far as lighting, just don't use a candle. And most will say don't use a Zippo because the lighter fluid can affect the cigar's taste, but I used a Zippo starting out and never noticed. Matches, a Bic lighter, or a butane torch lighter are all acceptable. There are YouTube videos on lighting technique. Most will tell you to toast the foot of the cigar (warm it up) then puff to draw the flame in. Toasting helps get the burn started off right. Technique aside, it really doesn't matter how you light it, just get it burning!

Welcome to the club, and enjoy!

[garublador]

And most will say don't use a Zippo because the lighter fluid can affect the cigar's taste, but I used a Zippo starting out and never noticed.

IIRC, some time ago Zippo changed their lighter fluid formula to burn cleaner and not impart a flavor onto cigars. That would take some Googling to confirm.

You want to light it with something that burns "clean." Butane and cedar splints are known to burn clean so they're most commonly used. If you use matches make sure the sulfur is burnt off before lighting.

[Demuths1770]

IIRC, some time ago Zippo changed their lighter fluid formula to burn cleaner and not impart a flavor onto cigars. That would take some Googling to confirm.

You want to light it with something that burns "clean." Butane and cedar splints are known to burn clean so they're most commonly used. If you use matches make sure the sulfur is burnt off before lighting.

i never understood the not lighting a cigar with a zippo if people use zippos to light pipes. i know there is a difference in tobacco but still. i have never lite a cigar with a zippo but i have use bic butane matches and cedar spills and never noticed a difference in taste. i do prefer a butane lighter but when in a pinch you do what ya gotta do!

[Hardheaded]

i never understood the not lighting a cigar with a zippo if people use zippos to light pipes. i know there is a difference in tobacco but still. i have never lite a cigar with a zippo but i have use bic butane matches and cedar spills and never noticed a difference in taste. i do prefer a butane lighter but when in a pinch you do what ya gotta do!

Some people claim zippos don't burn clean enough. I find that if ai let it burn a few seconds before I use it that I can't notice a difference. They are a bugger to constantly refill though, so I don't use it often.

[Demuths1770]

Some people claim zippos don't burn clean enough. I find that if ai let it burn a few seconds before I use it that I can't notice a difference. They are a bugger to constantly refill though, so I don't use it often.

that has to be the worst part having to refill a zippo so much lol. thats why i like butane but zippos are just so bad ass looking its hard not to want to carry one

[Upstatemax]

that has to be the worst part having to refill a zippo so much lol. thats why i like butane but zippos are just so bad ass looking its hard not to want to carry one

That's why my butane torch Zippo insert perfect! I get the badassness of the zippo and the awesomeness of the a butane torch.

Also known as, badawesomness.