Robusto cigars, typically with a 5×50 ring gauge, are one of the most popular cigar sizes (vitolas) in the world.
They offer a good balance between filler and wrapper, and offer a short yet powerful smoke.
But, only if you light the cigar properly. Here’s how to do it.
Cutting the Cigar
Cutting the cigar properly is the precursor to a good smoke. Robusto cigars typically have a rounded cap that responds well to being cut or punched. Both will produce a good draw when done right.
If cutting, open the cutter and insert the cap into the cutter about ⅛” or ¼”. In a short, sharp motion, snap the cutter shut to snip off a piece of the cap.
If punching, press the punch straight down into the cap, twist, and pull out the plug.
After cutting or punching, sample the cold draw. It should be smooth and fluid; you shouldn’t have to pull too hard.
Lighting: What to Use
Most cigar smokers light their cigars with jet lighters, which have directional flames and are wind-resistant.
However, jet lighters can scorch the wrapper if you are not careful. Some other smokers prefer soft flame lighters, matches, or cedar spills.
Butane lighters will not flavor the tobacco, so if you are using a match, make sure you let the head burn off completely before attempting to light.
You can also use a match to light a cedar spill, which will produce a strong, even, slow-burning flame, and which will offer pleasant notes to the tobacco.
For our purposes, we will address how to light a cigar with a match and a cedar spill.
Toasting the Foot
Once you’ve punched or cut the cigar and established the cold draw, you can toast the foot.
Toasting the foot ensures an even light of the filler as well as the wrapper, which is responsible for a great deal of the flavor delivered by the cigar. Toasting also helps to establish an even burn while smoking.
Toasting can be done with a lighter. To toast the foot, hold the cigar in your hand with the foot about an inch or so away from the flame.
Rotate the cigar so that the end of the foot, as well as the first half inch or so of the wrapper, encounters the flame.
Lighting the Cigar
Once you’ve toasted the foot, let the cigar rest for a minute or so. Then, break off a section of cedar spill about 1” wide.
Light a match, let the head burn off, light the cedar spill, place the cigar in your mouth, and bring the spill up to about an inch to two inches beneath the cigar’s foot.
Draw gently in through your mouth, so that the flame is pulled through the cigar. Rotate the cigar in your mouth as you do so to ensure an even light.
Discard the cedar spill in an ashtray, and let the cigar rest for a few seconds. Then, bring the cigar back to your mouth and continue to draw gently.
Go slow. Cigar smoking is about the experience and savors of the tobacco, and smoking too quickly will produce a harsh, bitter, unpleasant smoke and ruin the flavor of the cigar.
Try a Robusto Cigar Unlike Any You’ve Ever Had Before
Ready to try a unique Robusto cigar? Visit Bongani Cigars via the previous link and try one of their Cameroon wrapper cigars.
Their cigars are made with Cameroon wrappers – much like the Arturo Fuente Eye of the Shark which was 2017’s Cigar of the Year.
Rich but not overpowering, Bongani Cigars deliver a sensory experience like no other. Learn more at their website and pick up a box of their premium cigars today.
