There are several ways to light a cigar, some of which are old-school and just look badass. For instance, lighting a cigar with a wooden match certainly looks more elegant than lighting with a butane torch. But it has to be done under the right conditions. Trying to light a cigar in a windy area with a match looks ridiculous. But I digress. One of the ways you can light a cigar is by using a flammable cedar strip called a cedar spill or a cigar spill.
It’s nothing more than a long strip of Spanish cedar wood, very thin, and easily manageable, that you light before positioning it near the foot of your cigar. That, will, in turn, light the cigar.
How do you get a cigar spill?
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Some brands actually bundle cigar or cedar spills in the box. Of course, you can also buy them separately. They’re all over Amazon, for instance. Online cigar retailers and cigar shops sell them, too. There’s no standard for how they look or how they’re shaped. You’ll find cigar spills that are thin and long, and others that are fat and shaped more like sheets of paper.
It doesn’t matter what type you select or use, they work the same. First, you light the cigar spill, then place it near your cigar and you’re off to the races.
At this point, you understand everything there is to know about cedar spills. They’re used to light fires and cigars. Although, I’d be careful lighting a campfire with a cedar spill.
The thin strips are ready to go immediately. The sheets you might want to break down into smaller strips before you light anything with them.
Cigar spills can affect the taste of the cigar, believe it or not, which is why some people love using them. Because it’s a more natural method of lighting the cigar, you don’t get any “contaminants,” or impurities, if you will, on the foot. As you might expect, it also adds a hint of cedar flavor, toasted wood, or wood notes, though not enough to overpower the natural flavors of the cigar you’ve chosen.
How do you light a cigar with a cedar spill?
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Light the spill while holding it in one hand. Hold your cigar in the other. Position the cedar at a slightly downward angle below the foot of your cigar. The flame will travel upwards with the key element of the flame closest to your cigar. Gently run the flame along the foot, allowing it to gradually light the tobacco. It’s similar to using a butane torch lighter. You want to roll the cigar or move the flame across the foot to create an even burn, but also, you don’t want to assault the cigar and burn the shit out of it.
Slow and steady is the idea. You can also put the cigar in your mouth and puff two or three times to draw in some of the heat. Using this method is tougher to do correctly, that’s why I recommend holding the cigar first.
Be sure to put out the cedar spill
Don’t let the cigar spill continue burning when you’re done. Put it out as soon as you don’t need it anymore. One, that lowers the risk of starting a fire, obviously. Two, it ensures you’re not going to damage your cigar or anything around you. Three, you won’t hurt yourself. Yes, I do have to say that last part. Some people just aren’t born with their heads on straight.
Mind the environment
Cigar spills burn hot and create lots of ash, like burning paper. Therefore, there are certain places where you don’t want to use them. Inside a vehicle, for instance, or a small, indoor room. I’m willing to bet a lot of lounge and shop owners would caution against using them in their establishments. And if you’re at home, be mindful of what’s around you. Don’t use the damn thing near flammable objects or materials. And don’t light with a cigar spill over your wife’s favorite rug.
You also need a viable ash tray, and not something small with limited space. That mess has to go somewhere.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Amazon
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
