Lighting cigars: lighter fluid vs. butane
Several weeks ago, I posted a question in the CigarAdvisor.com Q&A about Zippo lighters, which use lighter fluid as opposed to butane. In his question the writer states, "I've read that this type of lighter taints the flavor of cigars."
In my reply, I wrote: "True, there is an 'oily' emission from the flame that may affect the flavor of the cigar, but I often wonder how much this really impacts the taste over the entire course of the smoke...You might as well try it once and taste for yourself."
So, being in possession of a Zippo model myself, I decided to take my own advice and give it a whirl. I love this lighter. It's a chrome "Lady Luck" model, which sports a bikini-clad brunette standing in front of five playing cards that comprise a Royal Flush in Spades. I bought it more for fun because I collect kitschy objects, but since I prefer torch lighters, I never used it to light my cigars.
I filled the lighter with Zippo Premium Lighter Fluid. The can states: "Clean Burning/Improved Ignition/Low Odor." When flicked, the lighter does emanate a slight odor, but it's more noticeable in small spaces, like a car.
The main difference was it took much longer to toast the cigar, and perhaps this is where any fumes might enter the shaft and mingle with the filler leaves. However, I lit up several cigars with my Zippo, and frankly, I didn't taste anything funky in the cigar. Plus, I surmised there was "truth in advertising" with regard to this more refined blend of lighter fluid.
For now, I think I'll stick with my torch lighters, mainly because they're just more efficient and hold up better under windy conditions. But as far as lighter fluid vs. butane is concerned, I don't think there's all that much to be concerned about.
Your thoughts?
In my reply, I wrote: "True, there is an 'oily' emission from the flame that may affect the flavor of the cigar, but I often wonder how much this really impacts the taste over the entire course of the smoke...You might as well try it once and taste for yourself."
So, being in possession of a Zippo model myself, I decided to take my own advice and give it a whirl. I love this lighter. It's a chrome "Lady Luck" model, which sports a bikini-clad brunette standing in front of five playing cards that comprise a Royal Flush in Spades. I bought it more for fun because I collect kitschy objects, but since I prefer torch lighters, I never used it to light my cigars.
I filled the lighter with Zippo Premium Lighter Fluid. The can states: "Clean Burning/Improved Ignition/Low Odor." When flicked, the lighter does emanate a slight odor, but it's more noticeable in small spaces, like a car.
The main difference was it took much longer to toast the cigar, and perhaps this is where any fumes might enter the shaft and mingle with the filler leaves. However, I lit up several cigars with my Zippo, and frankly, I didn't taste anything funky in the cigar. Plus, I surmised there was "truth in advertising" with regard to this more refined blend of lighter fluid.
For now, I think I'll stick with my torch lighters, mainly because they're just more efficient and hold up better under windy conditions. But as far as lighter fluid vs. butane is concerned, I don't think there's all that much to be concerned about.
Your thoughts?
Comments
I plan to stick with the original Zippo and forget about torches. I've been there and have gone through several bucks worth of torches over the years.
My Zippo is loyal and true, never failing me in its responsibilities.
Bob
The Metropolitan Society
http://www.metrocigar.com
Seriously though, I love my zippo, a gift from my girlfriend when I started smoking cigars. I think lighting is an important part of the smoking experience. It's more meaningful to me ---and, no, it doesn't affect the taste.
If you're smoking cigars I recommend something like Cognac. I usually mix it with something like a little everclear to get the spark to light it better. I keep it in a small 2oz to 4oz bottle with squeeze top for easy refill. (And so you can enjoy the rest of the Cognac with the cigar)
The flame is a lot more blue and looks really cool. It really makes the cigar taste so much better, real Cognac through out the cigar, mmmm! No matches ever again!!
Pitty I don't like the strong odor that comes from it, and it might get expensive.
Perhaps the cognac is a better idea.
After setting the foot to glow I wait cca 30 seconds and I can puff. NO CHANGE OF TASTE.
Greetings and cool smoke for all.
Reinhard